The Best Private Schools in Elyria, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elyria. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Magnificat High School
Magnificat High School
Magnificat High School is a premier all-girls Catholic college preparatory school serving students from across Northeast Ohio, including Elyria. Founded by the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 21 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive arts offerings. The 14-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, Magnificat emphasizes leadership development and personalized education. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and is consistently ranked among Ohio's top private high schools.
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Lake Ridge Academy
Lake Ridge Academy
Lake Ridge Academy is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from preschool through grade 12, drawing families from Elyria and surrounding communities. As Northeast Ohio's only K-12 International Baccalaureate World School, it offers a globally-focused education with rigorous academic standards. The 93-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, art studios, performance spaces, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio, providing individualized attention and fostering critical thinking skills. Lake Ridge Academy graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier colleges and universities nationwide.
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LCCC Early College High School
Lorain County Community College
Lorain County Community College's Early College High School provides a unique private school alternative for Elyria students, offering a tuition-free pathway to earn both a high school diploma and college associate degree simultaneously. Located on the LCCC campus, this innovative program serves students from across Lorain County with a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes college readiness and STEM education. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized advising, and access to college-level resources and facilities. The program has consistently high graduation rates and most graduates continue to four-year institutions with significant college credits already completed, making it an exceptional value for academically motivated students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elyria, Ohio
What are the primary private high school options serving families in Elyria, Ohio, and how do they differ in educational approach?
The top private high schools accessible to Elyria residents include Magnificat High School (an all-girls, Catholic college-preparatory school in Rocky River), Lake Ridge Academy (a co-ed, independent, secular K-12 school in North Ridgeville), and LCCC Early College High School (a tuition-free, public charter school partnered with Lorain County Community College that offers a unique hybrid model). Magnificat provides a faith-based environment with a strong sisterhood, while Lake Ridge Academy emphasizes a rigorous, personalized liberal arts education with small class sizes. The Early College High School is distinct for allowing students to earn an associate degree concurrently with their high school diploma. Transportation and commute to these schools, which are in neighboring communities, is a key consideration for Elyria families.
How does tuition for private schools in the Elyria, Ohio area compare, and what financial aid options are available specifically for Ohio residents?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Magnificat High School tuition is approximately $16,500, while Lake Ridge Academy's upper school tuition exceeds $30,000. However, both schools, along with many other Ohio private schools, offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Critically, Ohio residents can leverage the state's EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides vouchers based on either household income or the performance rating of your assigned public school building. Eligibility can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Families in Elyria should contact school financial aid offices directly and apply for EdChoice early in the enrollment process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Elyria, Ohio offer that leverage local resources or partnerships?
Schools in the Greater Cleveland area near Elyria offer distinctive programs. Lake Ridge Academy has a strong focus on STEM and leverages its campus for environmental science. Its proximity to Cleveland also facilitates partnerships with cultural institutions. Magnificat High School offers extensive programming in leadership, theology, and service, aligning with its Catholic mission. Most notably, LCCC Early College High School provides direct access to the courses, labs, and faculty of Lorain County Community College, allowing students to engage in genuine college-level research and career-technical programs while still in high school—a unique asset rooted in the local community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Magnificat or Lake Ridge Academy for a student from Elyria?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For fall enrollment, families should attend open houses in the fall (September-November) of the year prior. Application deadlines are typically in January or February for Magnificat and Lake Ridge Academy. The process includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a standardized test (like the HSPT for Magnificat or the ISEE for Lake Ridge). Interviews and campus visits for the student are also common. Financial aid and EdChoice applications run concurrently. Decisions are usually released in March. Starting the process in the fall of 8th grade is crucial for Elyria families to meet all deadlines and assessment dates.
For an Elyria family considering both the strong public school districts and private options, what are the key decision factors specific to this region?
Key factors include educational philosophy, cost, and commute. Elyria City Schools and nearby districts like Avon Lake offer robust public programs. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific religious foundation (Catholic), a secular independent education with very small classes, or an accelerated, tuition-free college credit pathway. The commute to private options (20-30 minutes to North Ridgeville or Rocky River) is a daily logistical factor. Furthermore, Ohio's EdChoice program can make private school financially comparable to out-of-district public options. Families should also consider the social environment—whether a single-gender or co-ed setting is preferred—and the importance of a tight-knit community versus a larger, more diverse public school population.