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.
Programs:
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.
Programs:
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.
Programs:
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.