The Best Private Schools in Girard, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Girard. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ursuline High School
Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
Ursuline High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Youngstown area including Girard. Founded by the Ursuline Sisters, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 95% of graduates attending four-year colleges. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Ursuline is known for its strong community values, competitive sports programs, and comprehensive college counseling. The school maintains small class sizes and offers numerous AP courses, honors programs, and extracurricular activities.
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Cardinal Mooney High School
Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
Cardinal Mooney High School is a comprehensive Catholic high school serving students from Girard and surrounding communities. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on faith formation and character development. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. Mooney is particularly recognized for its successful athletic programs and strong alumni network. The school provides numerous AP courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and career exploration programs to prepare students for college and beyond.
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The Rayen School
Youngstown City School District (Private option)
The Rayen School, while historically part of the public system, serves as a prominent educational institution in the Youngstown area that Girard families consider for specialized programs. This historic school offers rigorous academic programming with a focus on college and career readiness. The campus features modernized facilities including advanced science labs, technology centers, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Rayen provides extensive AP course offerings, career-technical education pathways, and competitive athletic programs. The school maintains strong community partnerships and offers diverse extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Girard, Ohio
What are the main private high school options available to families residing in Girard, Ohio?
Families in Girard, Ohio, have access to several well-regarded private high schools, though it's important to note these schools are located in the broader Youngstown metropolitan area. The most prominent are Ursuline High School (Youngstown), a co-ed Catholic school known for its college prep and athletics; Cardinal Mooney High School (Youngstown), another co-ed Catholic school with strong academic and extracurricular traditions; and The Rayen School (Youngstown), an independent college preparatory school. While not within Girard's city limits, these schools are a short commute and serve as the primary private secondary options for the community. There are limited, if any, private elementary or middle schools physically located within Girard itself.
How does the tuition for private high schools near Girard, Ohio, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the primary private high schools serving Girard typically ranges from approximately $10,000 to $13,000 per year for Catholic schools like Ursuline and Cardinal Mooney. The Rayen School, as an independent institution, may have a different fee structure. Critically for Ohio residents, the state's EdChoice Scholarship Program can significantly offset these costs. This program provides vouchers based on either household income or the performance rating of your assigned public school building. Many Girard families qualify, making these private schools more accessible. Additionally, each school offers its own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active Catholic families.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private schools accessible from Girard, OH?
The private schools near Girard offer distinct specializations. Ursuline High School has a renowned STEM program and a comprehensive engineering track, alongside strong performing arts. Cardinal Mooney High School emphasizes a classical liberal arts education and is noted for its leadership development programs and extensive community service requirements. The Rayen School focuses intensely on college preparation with a rigorous curriculum and often features smaller class sizes for personalized attention. For Girard students interested in specific fields like engineering, theology, or the arts, these programmatic differences are a key factor in choosing the right fit.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in the Youngstown area for a Girard resident?
The enrollment process for schools like Ursuline, Cardinal Mooney, and The Rayen generally begins in the fall for the following academic year. Prospective student open houses are typically held between October and January. Application deadlines are often in early winter (January/February), with placement tests (like the High School Placement Test for Catholic schools) scheduled shortly after. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in the spring. It is highly advisable for Girard families to begin research and attend open houses in the fall of their child's 8th-grade year, as some programs have limited space.
For a family living in Girard, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the Girard City School District and a private school in Youngstown?
The decision involves several local factors. The Girard City School District offers the convenience of a neighborhood school with no tuition and a strong community identity. Opting for a private school like Ursuline, Mooney, or Rayen involves a commute to Youngstown but provides a specific religious or independent college-prep environment, often with different curricular emphases and extracurricular opportunities (e.g., specific sports leagues, arts programs). The Ohio EdChoice Scholarship can mitigate the cost difference. Families should consider their educational philosophy, the importance of religious formation, desired class size, and the value they place on being part of a city-wide versus a regional school community.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Schools Near Girard, Ohio: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Girard, Ohio, the search for the right educational environment for your child is a deeply personal journey. When you begin looking for "private schools around me," you're not just seeking a list of institutions; you're looking for a community that aligns with your family's values and your child's unique potential. The Mahoning Valley offers a distinctive landscape of private education, with options that have deep roots in our area's history and character. Understanding the local context is key, as these schools often draw students from across Girard, Liberty, Youngstown, and surrounding communities, creating diverse yet close-knit environments.
Your exploration will likely lead you to several notable names. Ursuline High School and Cardinal Mooney High School, both in Youngstown, are pillars of the Catholic educational tradition in our region. They offer rigorous college-preparatory curricula infused with values-based learning, and their strong athletic and extracurricular programs are points of local pride. The Rayen School, part of the Youngstown City School District's specialty schools, is another important option, often considered for its focused programs. It's crucial to visit these campuses, as each possesses its own culture. Talk to administrators about how they support students commuting from Girard and ask about transportation options or carpool networks that local families utilize.
When evaluating private schools around you, consider the practicalities of daily life in our area. Think about the commute along routes like Belmont Avenue or the I-680 corridor during Ohio's winter weather. Inquire about after-school activities and how they accommodate students who may not live immediately adjacent to the school. A significant advantage of local private schools is their ability to foster relationships within the broader Mahoning Valley community, offering networking, internship, and service opportunities that are geographically relevant to your family.
The decision ultimately extends beyond academics. You are choosing a partner in your child's development. Schedule shadow days where your child can experience a typical day. Pay attention to the student body; do you see engaged, respectful learners? Speak with other parents from Girard to get their firsthand perspectives on the transition and community fit. Remember, investment in private education is also a financial commitment, so diligently explore scholarship opportunities, parish subsidies if applicable, and payment plans that many local schools offer to make this path accessible.
Your search for "private schools around me" in Girard is a proactive step toward shaping your child's future. The process requires careful thought, but the reward is finding an educational home where your child is known, challenged, and inspired. The schools in our valley are more than just buildings; they are communities with legacies and futures. By taking the time to understand their distinct offerings and how they integrate with life in Girard, you can make a confident, informed choice that resonates for years to come, right here in our corner of Ohio.