The Best Private Schools in Harrisville, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harrisville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Franciscan University of Steubenville Montessori School
Franciscan University of Steubenville
This university-affiliated Montessori school provides exceptional early childhood and elementary education using the proven Montessori method. Located at Franciscan University, the school serves families throughout Jefferson County and surrounding areas, including Harrisville. The program emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on exploration, and character formation in a nurturing environment. With certified Montessori teachers and university resources, students benefit from small class sizes and developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters independence and academic success.
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St. John Central Academy
Catholic Diocese of Steubenville
St. John Central Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout the Ohio Valley region, including Harrisville. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes, serving students from preschool through high school.
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The Linsly School
Independent School
The Linsly School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, serving students from Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. While located in Wheeling, West Virginia, the school actively serves families from Harrisville and throughout Eastern Ohio. Linsly offers a comprehensive academic program with advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, extensive arts programs, and both day and boarding options. The school's historic campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, preparing students for top-tier colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harrisville, Ohio
What are the primary private school options serving families in Harrisville, Ohio, and are they located directly in town?
Harrisville itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The most prominent schools include St. John Central Academy in Bellaire (a Catholic K-12 option), The Linsly School in Wheeling, WV (a prestigious college-preparatory day and boarding school just across the state line), and the Franciscan University of Steubenville Montessori School in Steubenville. For Harrisville residents, transportation and commuting are important factors, as these schools are typically a 20-40 minute drive away. There are limited, if any, private school facilities physically located within Harrisville village limits.
How does Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program affect tuition costs for private schools near Harrisville?
Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program can significantly reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs for eligible families. This state-funded voucher program is accepted by many private schools in the region, including St. John Central Academy. Eligibility is often based on the assigned public school building's performance or family income. For a Harrisville family, your eligibility would be tied to the Buckeye Local School District. It's crucial to contact your school of interest directly to confirm their participation, understand application deadlines, and determine your specific scholarship potential, as this can make a private education much more accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Harrisville, OH, area that differ from local public schools?
Private schools in the region offer distinct programs. The Linsly School emphasizes a college-prep curriculum with required athletics, character education, and a notable STEM program. St. John Central Academy provides a faith-based education integrated throughout its curriculum. The Franciscan University Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education for young children, which is rare in public districts. For Harrisville students, these schools may offer smaller class sizes, specialized college counseling, and unique opportunities like The Linsly's equestrian program or St. John's theology courses, which are not typically found in the Buckeye Local School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like The Linsly School or St. John Central Academy for a family from Harrisville?
Timelines are school-specific and require early planning. For competitive schools like The Linsly, the process often begins a full year in advance, with open houses in the fall, application deadlines in winter (January/February), and entrance testing/interviews. St. John Central Academy may have more rolling admission but still encourages early application. As a Harrisville parent, you should initiate inquiries by the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Key steps include campus visits (factoring in commute time), submitting applications, securing financial aid/EdChoice paperwork, and arranging standardized testing. Waiting until spring or summer can limit options.
For a family in Harrisville, what are the major considerations when comparing the local Buckeye Local School District to private school alternatives?
Key considerations include educational approach, cost, and community. The Buckeye Local School District offers a tuition-free, neighborhood-based education with standard public school programs and extracurriculars. Private alternatives involve tuition (potentially offset by EdChoice), a daily commute to Bellaire, Steubenville, or Wheeling, and often a specific religious or pedagogical focus (e.g., Catholic, Montessori, rigorous college-prep). For Harrisville families, the decision often hinges on seeking a particular value system, smaller class sizes, or specialized academic tracks not available locally, balanced against the financial investment and logistics of transportation to schools outside the immediate community.