The Best Private Schools in Frankfort, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Frankfort. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop Flaget School
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
Bishop Flaget School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Frankfort and broader Ross County area. Established in 1949, the school provides comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers who provide individualized attention. Their curriculum includes robust STEM programs, arts integration, and comprehensive religious education. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent preparation for high school. The school serves families throughout Ross County, including Frankfort, with many students commuting from surrounding communities.
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Chillicothe Academy
Independent Private School
Chillicothe Academy is a respected private school located approximately 15 minutes from Frankfort, serving students in grades 6-12. Founded in 2009, the school has built a strong reputation for its college preparatory curriculum and individualized approach to education. The academy features small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, allowing for personalized attention and customized learning plans. Their program includes Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school is particularly noted for its strong academic outcomes, with graduates consistently gaining admission to competitive colleges and universities. Parents appreciate the school's focus on character development and the supportive, challenging academic environment.
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St. Joseph School
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
St. Joseph School in Circleville serves families throughout Pickaway County and surrounding areas, including Frankfort residents. Established in 1959, this Catholic school offers education from Pre-K through 8th grade with a comprehensive curriculum that balances academic rigor with faith formation. The school features modern technology integration, including 1:1 device programs, along with strong arts and music programs. Their athletic teams compete in local leagues, and the school offers various extracurricular activities. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its family atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and strong sense of community. The school's location makes it accessible for Frankfort families seeking quality private education with Catholic values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Frankfort, Ohio
What are the private school options for families residing directly in Frankfort, Ohio, and how do commuting patterns affect school choice?
Frankfort, Ohio itself is a small village with limited on-site private institutions. The primary private options, such as Bishop Flaget School (PreK-8) in Chillicothe and St. Joseph School in Circleville, require a commute of approximately 15-25 minutes. Chillicothe Academy is another nearby option. This means families in Frankfort must factor in transportation logistics when choosing a school. Many families in rural Ross and Pickaway counties form carpools. It's important to visit each school to assess the commute and community feel, as your child's peer group will likely be drawn from the wider region, not just Frankfort.
How does the EdChoice Scholarship program in Ohio specifically benefit families considering private schools in the Frankfort area?
Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship (voucher) program is a critical financial consideration for Frankfort families. It provides state funds to help pay tuition at participating private schools based on either the assigned public school's performance (EdChoice Expansion) or household income (EdChoice Income-Based). Since Frankfort is part of the Adena Local School District, eligibility is determined by the performance rating of Adena High School/Middle School or your family's income. Schools like Bishop Flaget and St. Joseph participate in this program. For the 2024-25 school year, the expansion scholarship can cover up to $6,165 for K-8 and $8,407 for high school, significantly reducing out-of-pocket tuition costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Frankfort offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible to Frankfort families often emphasize specific value-based education and smaller class sizes. Bishop Flaget School, as a Catholic institution, integrates faith-based learning and character education throughout its curriculum. St. Joseph School offers a similar environment with a focus on service. While Adena Local Schools offer strong agricultural and vocational programs, these private alternatives provide a distinct environment centered on religious formation and close-knit community. They may have fewer specialized high school electives than a large public school but counter with individualized attention and a consistent ethical framework.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Bishop Flaget that serve the Frankfort community?
Enrollment for the upcoming school year at schools like Bishop Flaget School typically opens in January or February for existing families and siblings, with open enrollment for new families beginning in early spring. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal records (if applicable), academic records, and often a family interview or student assessment. Due to limited seats and the multi-town draw, applying early is strongly advised. It's also crucial to concurrently apply for Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship by the state deadline (usually early April) to secure financial aid. Contacting the school's admissions office by December is a good practice to get on their information list.
For a family in Frankfort, what are the key factors when deciding between the local Adena Public School district and a commuting private school?
The decision hinges on several Frankfort-specific factors. **Proximity vs. Mission:** Adena schools offer a true local community, no commute, and robust extracurriculars like FFA and sports. Private schools offer a specific religious mission and potentially smaller class sizes but require daily travel. **Cost:** Adena is tuition-free. Private schools require tuition, though EdChoice vouchers can offset this. **Academic Environment:** Consider your child's needs—do they thrive in a smaller, structured environment or a larger, more diverse setting? **Logistics:** The commute to Chillicothe or Circleville impacts family schedules, especially in winter. Many Frankfort families value the strong community of Adena, while others seek the faith-based education unavailable in the public system.