The Best Private Schools in Franklin, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Franklin. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop Fenwick High School
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Bishop Fenwick High School is a comprehensive Catholic college-preparatory school serving students throughout the region including Franklin. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 16 Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM offerings, and extensive extracurricular activities including 15 varsity sports. The 50-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school emphasizes personalized attention and character development through its Catholic identity.
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Carroll High School
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Carroll High School is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Franklin and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 18 AP courses, specialized academies in STEM and business, and a robust fine arts program. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Carroll maintains a 98% college acceptance rate and emphasizes service learning through its Catholic mission. The school has strong athletic traditions with multiple state championships.
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Incarnation Catholic School
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Incarnation Catholic School provides education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families in the greater Dayton area including Franklin. The school offers a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, STEM labs, and Spanish language instruction from kindergarten. The faith-based environment emphasizes character development and community service. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The school prepares students for success at top regional high schools with a comprehensive curriculum and individualized learning approaches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Franklin, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families in Franklin, Ohio, and what are their educational affiliations?
Franklin, Ohio, is served by a cluster of well-regarded Catholic private schools, forming the core of private education in the area. The top options include Bishop Fenwick High School (grades 9-12), Carroll High School (grades 9-12), and Incarnation Catholic School (typically Pre-K through 8). These schools are part of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Catholic Schools system. While there are fewer independent secular private schools directly in Franklin, families often also consider options in nearby Middletown, Springboro, or Dayton. The Catholic schools are notable for providing a faith-based education with a strong emphasis on college preparation and community service.
How does tuition for private schools in Franklin, OH, typically work, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at Franklin's Catholic schools varies by grade level and parish membership. For the 2024-2025 academic year, parishioner rates at schools like Incarnation Catholic School are typically lower, while non-parishioner and non-Catholic families pay a higher rate. High school tuition at Bishop Fenwick or Carroll can range from approximately $9,000 to $12,000 annually. Critically, Ohio offers state-funded financial aid programs that Franklin families can utilize. The EdChoice Scholarship Program, based on both household income and the assigned public school's performance rating, can significantly reduce tuition costs. Additionally, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship Program provide support for eligible students.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Franklin, Ohio, offer that leverage local resources or community partnerships?
Private schools in Franklin leverage their regional connections to enhance offerings. Bishop Fenwick High School, for instance, has a strong engineering and STEM program that benefits from partnerships with local industries and universities in the greater Dayton/Cincinnati corridor. Carroll High School offers a renowned "House System" for student leadership and community building, along with competitive athletic programs in the Greater Catholic League (GCL). Incarnation Catholic School integrates its parish community directly into service learning. Furthermore, these schools often utilize the rich historical and environmental resources of Warren County for field trips and project-based learning, providing a localized context to their curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Franklin, OH, and are there important deadlines for incoming kindergarten or freshman students?
The enrollment process for Franklin's private schools generally begins in the winter for the following fall. For primary schools like Incarnation Catholic, kindergarten registration often opens in January or February, with priority given to parish members and siblings of current students. For high schools like Bishop Fenwick and Carroll, the process for incoming freshmen typically starts with an Open House in the fall (October-November), with application deadlines in early winter (January). Placement tests or entrance exams are usually required for high school admission and are scheduled during this period. It's crucial to contact the school's admissions office directly, as deadlines and requirements for financial aid applications (like EdChoice) often align with or precede enrollment deadlines.
For a family moving to Franklin, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Franklin City Schools) to the available private school options?
The key considerations involve educational approach, cost, and community. Franklin City Schools offer a tuition-free, comprehensive public education with diverse programs. In contrast, private schools like Fenwick, Carroll, and Incarnation provide a faith-based education with typically smaller class sizes, a required uniform policy, and a curriculum integrated with religious teachings. Academically, the private schools often post higher standardized test scores and near-100% college acceptance rates. The decision often hinges on value: while public school is free, the potential cost of private tuition may be offset by Ohio's EdChoice scholarships, depending on your income and your assigned public school building's state report card rating. Additionally, the private school community is often tightly knit through shared parish and religious affiliations.