The Best Private Schools in Dover, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dover. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph Elementary School
Tuscarawas County Catholic Schools
St. Joseph Elementary School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Dover community with a comprehensive PreK-8 education program. The school emphasizes faith-based learning combined with strong academic foundations, featuring modern STEM labs, dedicated art and music programs, and small class sizes that ensure personalized attention. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong community values. The school offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, choir, and academic clubs, along with comprehensive before and after-school care programs for working families.
Programs:
Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Youngstown
Central Catholic High School serves students from Dover and surrounding communities as a premier college-preparatory institution. Located approximately 25 minutes from Dover, this Diocesan school offers a rigorous academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses, a comprehensive STEM academy, and competitive athletic programs. The school features state-of-the-art science labs, modern technology integration, and extensive fine arts offerings. With a strong track record of college acceptances and a supportive faith-based community, Central Catholic provides transportation options for Dover-area families seeking a comprehensive high school education.
Programs:
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Diocese of Youngstown
St. Thomas Aquinas High School, located approximately 30 minutes from Dover, serves students from multiple counties including Tuscarawas County. This Catholic college-preparatory school offers a challenging academic environment with extensive honors and Advanced Placement coursework, complemented by robust STEM programs and competitive athletic teams. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Known for its strong community spirit and high college acceptance rates, St. Thomas Aquinas provides bus transportation for Dover-area students and maintains an active alumni network that supports current students through mentorship and scholarship opportunities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dover, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Dover, Ohio, and how do they differ in focus?
In Dover, Ohio, the primary private school options are faith-based institutions. For elementary education, St. Joseph Elementary School (typically K-8) provides a Catholic foundation. For high school, families commonly consider Central Catholic High School in nearby Canton or St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Louisville. While both are Catholic high schools, they differ in size, specific extracurricular offerings, and athletic conference affiliations. A key consideration for Dover parents is the commute, as the high schools are not within Dover's city limits, requiring transportation planning. There are no secular private day schools directly within Dover, making these parochial schools the dominant choice.
How does tuition at private schools in the Dover, Ohio area compare, and what financial aid options are available specifically for Ohio residents?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2023-2024 year, St. Joseph Elementary's tuition is approximately $4,000-$5,000 annually for parishioners. Central Catholic and St. Thomas Aquinas High Schools have tuition ranging from $9,000 to $11,000. A significant financial aid resource for Ohio families is the **EdChoice Scholarship Program**. This state program provides vouchers based on either household income or the performance rating of your assigned public school building. Many Dover-area families qualify, substantially reducing out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, all three schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active church members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Dover, Ohio students offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools serving Dover emphasize college-preparatory curricula with mandatory theology classes and faith integration across subjects. St. Thomas Aquinas High School is known for its robust STEM initiatives and a 1:1 technology program. Central Catholic High School offers distinctive programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme and the Engineering Academy, partnerships not available in Dover's public schools. At the elementary level, St. Joseph provides a strong foundational program in a small, community-oriented environment. These schools often have smaller average class sizes than Dover City Schools, allowing for more individualized attention.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Dover, Ohio interested in local private schools?
The process typically begins a full year before the desired start date. For St. Joseph Elementary, open houses are held in the fall, with applications due in early winter (January/February). Placement testing and family interviews may follow. For the high schools (Central Catholic and St. Thomas Aquinas), the process is similar, with 8th-grade students encouraged to attend fall open houses and shadow days. Application deadlines are usually in January or February for the following academic year. A critical step for Ohio families is applying for state scholarship programs (EdChoice) by the April 15th deadline. We recommend contacting the school's admissions office directly in the fall to get specific dates and requirements.
For a family living in Dover, what are the key factors when choosing between the local public school district and a private school, considering community and logistical aspects?
Key factors include educational philosophy, cost, logistics, and community fit. Dover City Schools offer a well-regarded public education with no tuition and extensive extracurriculars, all within the local community. Choosing a private school like St. Joseph, Central Catholic, or St. Thomas Aquinas involves a commitment to a faith-based environment and often a daily commute to another town for high school. Parents must weigh the value of smaller class sizes and specific religious or academic programs against the convenience and cost-savings of the public system. The vibrant, close-knit community around each private school is a major draw, but it may mean your child's peer group is more geographically dispersed than in the neighborhood public school.