The Best Private Schools in Empire, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Empire. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Jackson Memorial Middle School (Private Division)
Jackson Local School District
While primarily a public school district, Jackson Local Schools serves as a top educational option for families in the Empire area seeking private-level quality education. The district consistently ranks among Ohio's best with exceptional academic performance, comprehensive STEM programs, and outstanding facilities. The middle school features advanced coursework, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a strong focus on college and career readiness. The district's reputation for academic excellence and comprehensive student support makes it a preferred choice for families throughout the region.
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Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Youngstown
Central Catholic High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from multiple communities including Empire. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 17 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school emphasizes personalized attention and character development. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school has a 100% college acceptance rate and strong alumni network.
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St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Diocese of Youngstown
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Stark County area, including Empire. The school offers both traditional college prep curriculum and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with diverse academic pathways. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and community service, with a strong track record of college placements and scholarship awards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Empire, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families in Empire, Ohio, and what grade levels do they serve?
Empire, Ohio, offers a few key private institutions, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. Central Catholic High School serves students in grades 9-12. St. Thomas Aquinas High School, located nearby to serve the broader Stark County area including Empire, also covers grades 9-12. For younger students, Jackson Memorial Middle School (Private Division) provides an option for the middle school years. Given Empire's size, many families also consider private schools in neighboring communities like Canton or Massillon for a wider range of options, including elementary schools. It's important to note that availability can be limited, so early inquiry is recommended.
How does tuition for private schools in the Empire, Ohio, area compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the high schools in the Empire area, such as Central Catholic and St. Thomas Aquinas, typically ranges from $10,000 to $13,000 per year. Ohio offers specific financial aid opportunities that Empire residents can utilize. The most significant is the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for students attending designated public schools or based on household income to attend participating private schools. Additionally, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship Program are available for eligible students. All local Catholic schools also offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidy programs for active members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Empire, Ohio, region emphasize?
Private schools in the Empire area leverage their smaller size and specific missions to offer distinctive programs. Central Catholic High School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School both have strong college-preparatory curricula with notable STEM and theology programs. Given Northeast Ohio's industrial and healthcare landscape, many have developed partnerships with local institutions for internships and advanced coursework. Athletics are a major point of emphasis, with competitive programs in football, basketball, and wrestling that are deeply woven into the local community culture. Additionally, these schools often require service-learning hours, connecting students to community needs in Stark County.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private high schools like Central Catholic or St. Thomas Aquinas for an Empire resident?
The enrollment process for Empire students at these schools generally begins in the fall prior to the desired year of entry (e.g., fall of 8th grade for 9th-grade entry). Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house (typically held October-November). 2) Completing an application by a January or February deadline. 3) Taking a placement exam (often the HSPT) in January. 4) Submitting records from the current school. 5) Applying for financial aid and EdChoice scholarships by early spring deadlines. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in March. It's crucial to contact the admissions office directly, as some steps may have flexibility for late inquiries.
For an Empire family, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school option?
Empire families should weigh several local factors. Academically, Jackson Local Schools (the public district for Empire) is highly rated, so the decision often hinges on values and environment. Private options offer a faith-based education (if desired) and typically smaller class sizes. A major practical consideration is transportation; Ohio law provides public busing to private schools only if the district provides it for its own students and the private school is within a certain distance (often 30 minutes). For Empire, this may be available but requires verification. Cost is obvious, but the EdChoice Scholarship can significantly offset private tuition. Finally, consider the community: private schools often draw from a wider geographic area, which can expand your child's network across Stark County.
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