The Best Private Schools in Greenville, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Greenville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Catholic Schools Office - Archdiocese of Cincinnati
St. Mary's School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students in Greenville. The school emphasizes faith-based education combined with strong academic foundations, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Their comprehensive curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts education, and competitive athletics. The school maintains modern facilities and has earned a reputation for academic excellence and strong community involvement, with many graduates successfully transitioning to top regional high schools.
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Miami Valley School
Independent School
Miami Valley School is a premier independent college preparatory school located in Dayton, approximately 35 minutes from Greenville, serving students from across the region including Darke County. The school offers a rigorous academic program featuring both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate pathways, with particular strengths in STEM education and arts integration. With small class sizes, exceptional faculty credentials, and state-of-the-art facilities, MVS provides a comprehensive private education experience that consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities nationwide. The school actively serves families from Greenville through transportation options and regional outreach.
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Versailles Schools
Versailles Exempted Village School District
While part of a public school district, Versailles Schools offers open enrollment and serves as a top-rated educational option for families in the Greenville area seeking private-school quality education. Located just 15 minutes from Greenville, the district is renowned for its exceptional academic programs, state championship athletic teams, and outstanding performing arts department. The school consistently earns high marks for teacher quality, facility maintenance, and college placement rates, making it a popular choice for families throughout Darke County.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Greenville, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families in Greenville, Ohio, and what are their defining characteristics?
In Greenville, Ohio, families have several distinct private school options. St. Mary's School is a local Catholic PK-8 institution offering a faith-based education with a strong community focus. For high school, many Greenville families consider nearby options like Versailles Schools (a private Catholic school system in the neighboring town) and the Miami Valley School in Dayton, which is a secular, independent college-preparatory school about a 45-minute drive away. The defining characteristic of the Greenville area's private landscape is its blend of local, parish-based elementary education and a reliance on regional institutions for secondary schooling, often involving commuting.
How does tuition for private schools in the Greenville, Ohio, area compare, and what financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available?
Tuition in the Greenville area varies significantly based on the school and grade level. Local St. Mary's School typically has lower tuition, often ranging from $3,000-$5,000 annually, as it is supported by the parish. Regional options like Versailles Schools or Miami Valley School have higher tuition, which can range from $10,000 to over $20,000 per year. Ohio offers the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which is a critical financial resource for many families. This state-funded program provides vouchers for students assigned to low-performing public schools or based on family income, which can be used at participating private schools like St. Mary's or Versailles. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Greenville students offer that differ from the public school system?
Private schools serving Greenville offer specialized programs that provide alternatives to Darke County public schools. St. Mary's integrates Catholic values and religious education throughout its curriculum. Versailles Schools often emphasize a classical education model with strong arts and athletics. The Miami Valley School, as an independent school, offers a progressive, interdisciplinary curriculum, advanced STEM labs, global studies programs, and extensive arts offerings that are more resource-intensive than typical public school programs. For Greenville families, these choices represent a trade-off between a specific educational philosophy, often smaller class sizes, and the convenience of the local public system's broader extracurricular offerings due to its larger size.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in and around Greenville, Ohio?
The enrollment process for Greenville-area private schools generally begins in the winter for the following fall. For St. Mary's School, priority is often given to registered parish families and siblings of current students, with applications opening in January. Schools like Versailles and Miami Valley School have more formal processes, including application deadlines (often in February), required student visits or shadow days, and sometimes standardized testing or academic records review. It is crucial to contact schools directly by December or January, as spaces, especially in specific grades, can be limited. Utilizing Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship requires separate application to the state, with deadlines typically in the spring.
For a family in Greenville, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school option that may involve commuting?
The key considerations are educational philosophy, cost, logistics, and community. Greenville City Schools offer a comprehensive, tuition-free K-12 experience with diverse extracurriculars, all within the community. Choosing a private school like St. Mary's (for elementary) or commuting to Versailles or Dayton involves a significant commitment. Parents must weigh the desire for a specific religious or pedagogical approach against the daily time and cost of transportation. The financial impact includes not only tuition but also potential EdChoice scholarship management and travel expenses. Furthermore, being part of a school community outside one's immediate town can affect social connections and involvement. Many families find the choice hinges on how highly they value the specialized environment of the private school versus the convenience and broad-based opportunities of the local public system.