The Best Private Schools in Duncan Falls, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Duncan Falls. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop Rosecrans High School
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
Bishop Rosecrans High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Zanesville area and surrounding communities including Duncan Falls. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive college counseling. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular activities.
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Licking County Christian School
Independent Christian School
Licking County Christian School is an established private Christian school serving students from multiple counties including Muskingum County. The school provides a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong academic foundation rooted in Christian values. Curriculum includes college preparatory courses, Advanced Placement options, and vocational training. The school features modern facilities, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including music, drama, and community service programs.
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St. Thomas Aquinas School
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
St. Thomas Aquinas School offers a comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Muskingum County including Duncan Falls. The school features a Montessori-based early childhood program and traditional elementary and middle school education with strong emphasis on faith formation and academic excellence. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and technology integration. The school maintains small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong sense of community with extensive parent involvement and support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Duncan Falls, Ohio
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Duncan Falls, Ohio, given that most listed schools are in neighboring towns?
While Duncan Falls itself is a small village, families typically look to private schools in nearby Zanesville and Newark. The closest and most common options include Bishop Rosecrans High School (Zanesville), St. Thomas Aquinas School (Zanesville), and Licking County Christian School (Newark, ~30-minute drive). For elementary students, St. Thomas Aquinas is the most proximate K-8 option. Transportation is a key consideration, as most schools do not provide district-wide busing to Duncan Falls, so carpooling or personal transport is often necessary.
How does the tuition at private schools like Bishop Rosecrans compare to the Ohio public school district funding model for Duncan Falls residents?
As a resident of the West Muskingum Local School District, your children attend public schools funded by state and local taxes. Private school tuition is an additional cost. For the 2024-25 school year, Bishop Rosecrans High School tuition is approximately $7,500-$8,500 for parishioners and higher for non-parishioners. St. Thomas Aquinas (K-8) is roughly $4,500-$5,500. Importantly, Ohio offers the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which may provide significant tuition assistance based on your assigned public school building's performance or household income, directly reducing this out-of-pocket cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Duncan Falls area offer that complement the region's community and economy?
Schools in this region often tailor programs to local interests and needs. Bishop Rosecrans High School, for instance, has strong STEM initiatives and agriculture-related science courses that connect to Muskingum County's rural economy. Many area private schools also emphasize community service, partnering with local organizations in Zanesville. Licking County Christian School offers a curriculum from a distinct Protestant perspective, which is a notable difference from the Catholic-affiliated schools. Unlike larger metropolitan private schools, these institutions often feature smaller, tight-knit athletic teams that compete in local Ohio leagues.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key deadlines for private schools serving Duncan Falls, Ohio, families?
Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in January or February. For Bishop Rosecrans and St. Thomas Aquinas, priority often goes to existing families and registered parishioners of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, so early inquiry is crucial. Open houses are usually held in the winter. Financial aid applications, especially for Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship, have a state deadline usually in early spring (April/May). It's highly recommended to contact the schools directly by December to schedule a tour and understand their specific application requirements, as spaces, particularly in certain grades, can be limited.
For a Duncan Falls family, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local West Muskingum public schools and a private school option?
The decision often hinges on four local factors: 1) **Educational Approach**: West Muskingum schools offer a standard public curriculum, while private options provide religious education (Catholic or Protestant) or a specific pedagogical focus. 2) **Logistics & Community**: Attending a local public school means your child is in a community primarily of Duncan Falls and neighboring township peers. A private school in Zanesville or Newark integrates them into a different, often faith-based, community, requiring daily commuting. 3) **Cost vs. Investment**: You must weigh the tuition cost against potential state scholarships and the value you place on religious education. 4) **Class Size**: West Muskingum schools have moderate class sizes, but private schools like Bishop Rosecrans often boast significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for more individualized attention.