The Best Private Schools in Hartville, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hartville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Western Reserve Academy
Independent
Western Reserve Academy is a prestigious coeducational boarding and day school serving students in grades 9-12. Located approximately 30 minutes from Hartville, WRA offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic standards. The school features a 190-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, students receive personalized attention from highly qualified faculty. The school offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including championship athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities.
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St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12 from Hartville and surrounding communities. The school provides a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on moral and spiritual development. Academic offerings include honors and Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, a performing arts center, and athletic facilities. With a commitment to developing the whole person, the school offers numerous extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams, clubs, and community service programs.
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Jackson Memorial Middle School (Private Division)
Jackson Local Schools (Private Programs)
Jackson Memorial Middle School's private programs serve students in the greater Stark County area, including Hartville families seeking accelerated academic opportunities. The school offers a challenging curriculum with advanced placement options, comprehensive STEM education, and integrated arts programs. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is known for its strong academic performance, experienced faculty, and supportive learning environment. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, academic clubs, performing arts, and leadership development programs that prepare students for high school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hartville, Ohio
What are the main private school options available for families residing in or near Hartville, Ohio?
Hartville itself is a village, so many of the top-tier private schools serving the area are located in nearby communities. The most prominent options include Western Reserve Academy, a prestigious co-ed boarding and day school in Hudson (about 25 minutes away); St. Thomas Aquinas High School, a Catholic college-preparatory school in Louisville; and the private division of Jackson Local Schools, such as Jackson Memorial Middle School's private program. Additionally, families often consider a range of parochial elementary schools in surrounding Stark and Summit Counties. Transportation considerations are important, as most options require a commute from Hartville.
How does tuition for private schools in the Hartville, Ohio area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Hartville area varies significantly by school type. Parochial elementary schools may have tuition in the $4,000-$8,000/year range, while St. Thomas Aquinas High School's tuition is approximately $11,000-$12,000. Western Reserve Academy, as an elite independent school, has a day student tuition exceeding $40,000. Ohio offers the EdChoice Scholarship Program, a vital resource for Hartville families. This state-funded voucher can significantly offset tuition costs at participating private schools if you reside in a designated public school district or meet income-based criteria. It's crucial to check each school's financial aid offerings and their participation in EdChoice.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Hartville, OH?
Schools serving Hartville offer distinct specializations. Western Reserve Academy provides a rigorous, globally-focused curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options, renowned arts programs, and a residential community that attracts international students. St. Thomas Aquinas emphasizes a faith-based, college-prep environment with strong STEM and athletics programs rooted in Catholic values. The private division within the Jackson Local system often appeals to families seeking a structured, academic-focused environment within a public school framework. Given Hartville's proximity to both Akron and Canton, some families also access specialized programs in those cities, such as STEM schools or language immersion programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Hartville, Ohio region?
Timelines are school-specific but generally follow an annual cycle. For schools like Western Reserve Academy, the process begins a full year in advance, with applications due in January or February for the following fall, requiring standardized testing (SSAT/ISEE), interviews, and campus visits. For Catholic schools like St. Thomas Aquinas, application deadlines are often in the winter (January-February), with placement tests for incoming freshmen. Many parochial elementary schools have open enrollment periods in early spring. A key step for Hartville families is to attend fall open houses (often September-November) to explore options. Due to limited seats, especially in the most sought-after schools, initiating contact 12-18 months before desired enrollment is strongly advised.
For a family living in Hartville, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public schools (Lake Local Schools) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and community. Lake Local Schools are well-regarded, offering a no-tuition option with solid academics and local community integration. Choosing a private school typically involves a desire for a specific religious foundation (Catholic), a more rigorous or niche academic environment (like WRA's global focus), or smaller class sizes. The trade-off is significant financial investment and daily commuting to schools in Hudson, Louisville, or Jackson. The Ohio EdChoice Scholarship can be a deciding factor if your family qualifies. Ultimately, Hartville parents should assess whether the private school's distinct mission and offerings align with their child's needs enough to justify the cost and logistics compared to the strong, community-centered Lake Local system.