The Best Private Schools in Diamond, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Diamond. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Michael School
Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
St. Michael School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Diamond area and greater Canton region. With over 65 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program emphasizing faith-based education combined with strong academic fundamentals. The school features modern STEM labs, dedicated art and music programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parents consistently praise the small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and strong community atmosphere. The school maintains accreditation through the Ohio Catholic Schools Accrediting Association and serves families throughout Stark County.
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St. Paul School
Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
St. Paul School in North Canton has been providing exceptional Catholic education to families in the Diamond area and greater Stark County for over 70 years. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a balanced curriculum that integrates faith, academics, and character development. The school features comprehensive technology integration with 1:1 device programs, Spanish language instruction beginning in kindergarten, and robust athletic and extracurricular offerings. Parents consistently highlight the strong community feel, dedicated faculty, and excellent preparation for high school. The school maintains multiple accreditations and serves as a feeder to top area high schools.
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St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Diamond and surrounding communities in Stark County. Founded in 1969, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 15+ Advanced Placement courses, a comprehensive STEM academy, and outstanding fine arts programs. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, modern athletic facilities, and technology-integrated classrooms. With a 100% college acceptance rate and strong emphasis on character development, Aquinas consistently ranks among the top private high schools in Northeast Ohio. The school serves students from over 30 feeder schools throughout the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Diamond, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families in Diamond, Ohio, and what grade levels do they serve?
Diamond, Ohio, is served by a cluster of Catholic schools that form the core of private education in the area. The notable institutions include St. Michael School (typically Pre-K through 8th grade), St. Paul School (also typically Pre-K through 8th grade), and St. Thomas Aquinas High School (grades 9-12). These schools often operate as a feeder system, providing a continuous, faith-based education from early childhood through high school graduation. For families seeking non-religious private options, they would likely need to look at independent day schools in nearby communities like Alliance or Warren.
How does tuition at Diamond, Ohio's private Catholic schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Diamond's Catholic schools is generally below the statewide average for private schools in Ohio, reflecting the area's community and the schools' parish support. For the 2023-2024 academic year, elementary tuition (St. Michael/St. Paul) often ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 per student, with significant discounts for active parish members and multiple children. St. Thomas Aquinas High School tuition is higher, typically between $8,000 and $10,000. All schools offer need-based financial aid through the Diocese of Youngstown's FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment, and Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program can be a crucial resource for eligible families, potentially covering a significant portion of tuition if their assigned public school district is underperforming or based on household income.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Diamond, Ohio's private schools offer that leverage local community resources?
The private schools in Diamond emphasize a values-based education integrated with local partnerships. St. Thomas Aquinas High School, for instance, may offer robust theology and community service programs tied to local parishes and charities. Given the region's history, some schools incorporate local Ohio history and agricultural science into their curricula. Extracurricularly, these schools often have strong athletic rivalries within the Diocese of Youngstown and may participate in state-wide Catholic school competitions in academics and the arts. Their smaller size allows for personalized attention but may mean fewer niche elective offerings compared to larger suburban private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for St. Michael or St. Paul School in Diamond, OH, and are there priority considerations?
The enrollment process for Diamond's elementary Catholic schools typically begins with an open house in January or February for the following academic year. Priority registration is usually given to: 1) siblings of currently enrolled students, 2) active members of the supporting parish (St. Michael or St. Paul), and 3) Catholic families from other parishes. The application process involves submitting a registration form, birth and baptismal certificates, past academic records, and often a registration fee. It's highly advisable to contact the school office by early spring, as spots, particularly in younger grades, can fill quickly. Some schools may also require a family interview or student assessment.
For a family in Diamond, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public school (Southeast Local School District) and the area's private Catholic schools?
The decision hinges on several Diamond-specific factors. The Southeast Local School District (which includes Southeast Elementary and Southeast Middle/High School) offers a tuition-free, comprehensive public education with potentially broader elective and athletic options. The private Catholic schools (St. Michael, St. Paul, St. Thomas Aquinas) provide a consistent, faith-based environment with smaller class sizes and a disciplinary code rooted in religious values. A major practical consideration is Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship, which could make private school tuition more accessible. Transportation is another key point; while some districts provide busing to private schools, parents should verify the specific policy with Southeast Local. Ultimately, the choice often centers on whether the family prioritizes a specific religious education and community or the program breadth and no-tuition model of the public system.