The Best Private Schools in Heath, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Heath. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis DeSales School
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
St. Francis DeSales School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Heath and greater Licking County area. With over 60 years of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic values. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in reading, mathematics, and science while incorporating modern STEM education. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a strong sense of community. The school features well-maintained facilities including modern classrooms, science labs, a chapel, gymnasium, and outdoor athletic fields. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, choir, band, drama productions, and various academic clubs. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with families praising the nurturing environment and strong academic preparation for high school.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Granville serves families throughout Licking County, including Heath residents seeking exceptional early childhood education. This nationally recognized private preschool and kindergarten program combines play-based learning with structured academic preparation. The school's F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on developing social, emotional, and academic skills through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for art, music, and movement. The school employs highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains low student-teacher ratios. Parents consistently praise the school's safe environment, engaging curriculum, and excellent communication. The program successfully prepares students for elementary school transitions while fostering a love of learning.
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Lakewood Academy
Independent Private School
Lakewood Academy is a respected independent private school serving students from Heath and surrounding Licking County communities. Founded in 1999, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program for middle and high school students. The academic curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing proficiency, and advanced coursework with multiple AP and honors classes available. Small class sizes (average 12:1 student-teacher ratio) ensure personalized attention and strong student-teacher relationships. The campus features modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports teams, academic competitions, student government, and various clubs focused on leadership and community service. The school has an excellent track record of college placements, with graduates regularly attending selective universities. Parent reviews highlight the school's strong academic environment, dedicated faculty, and supportive community atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Heath, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available within the city of Heath, Ohio, and what educational models do they represent?
Within Heath, Ohio, parents have a few distinct private school options, each offering a different educational approach. St. Francis DeSales School is a private Catholic school offering a faith-based, traditional K-8 education. The Goddard School is a nationally franchised early childhood education center focusing on play-based learning for preschool and pre-K ages. Lakewood Academy is a private, non-sectarian school. For families seeking options beyond these, neighboring cities in Licking County, such as Newark and Granville, host additional private and parochial schools, including St. Leonard School and Granville Christian Academy, which are common considerations for Heath residents.
How does tuition for private schools in Heath, OH, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Heath varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Francis DeSales School's tuition is approximately $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners, which is generally below the Ohio Catholic school average. The Goddard School, as a daycare/preschool, operates on a weekly tuition model that can range from $250-$350, comparable to other premium early learning centers in the state. Ohio offers several financial aid avenues, including the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for students assigned to low-performing public schools or based on family income. Many Heath-area private schools also offer parish subsidies (for Catholic schools), multi-child discounts, and need-based scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Heath area offer that leverage local resources or community partnerships?
Private schools in the Heath area often create programs that connect students to the region's industrial and technological landscape. For instance, schools may develop STEM initiatives that partner with the extensive manufacturing and engineering firms located in the Heath-Newark industrial corridor. Furthermore, proximity to The Dawes Arboretum and the Heath City Water Park provides unique opportunities for environmental science and physical education programs. St. Francis DeSales, as part of the Diocese of Columbus, may participate in diocesan-wide academic and athletic leagues, while schools may also utilize the nearby Heath City Schools' facilities for certain sports or arts collaborations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Heath, Ohio, and are there important local deadlines?
Enrollment timelines in Heath are school-specific but generally follow an annual cycle. For schools like St. Francis DeSales, open enrollment for the next academic year often begins in January or February, with priority given to existing families and parish members. The Goddard School, catering to younger children, typically has rolling admissions based on availability. A critical local deadline is the February 15th application date for the Ohio EdChoice Scholarship, which families must meet to be considered for state voucher funds for the fall. It's highly recommended to contact schools directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year, as some grades (especially kindergarten) may have waiting lists.
For a family moving to Heath, what are the key considerations when choosing between the Heath City Public School District and a local private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and specific student needs. Heath City Schools is a well-regarded public district with no tuition costs, offering comprehensive programs and modern facilities, including a new high school. Private options in Heath provide smaller class sizes, religious education (if desired), and often a more tailored approach. A key consideration is transportation; Ohio law requires public districts to provide transportation to private school students, but specific bus routes and pick-up times from Heath City Schools to your chosen private school should be verified. Additionally, families should weigh the community aspect—public schools centralize the neighborhood social network, while private schools create a community based on shared values or educational goals.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Secular Private Schools Near Heath, Ohio for Your Child
For parents in Heath, Ohio, beginning the search for the right educational environment for your child can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You want a setting that aligns with your family’s values and academic aspirations, which often leads to the common query for "secular private schools near me." This search in our Licking County community requires a nuanced understanding of the local landscape, as the options present a distinct blend of philosophies and approaches. While Heath is home to excellent faith-based institutions like St. Francis DeSales School, families specifically seeking a non-religious educational framework will find their search extends slightly beyond our city limits, opening doors to some exceptional and diverse learning environments nearby.
Understanding what "secular" means in an educational context is crucial. These schools deliver a robust academic curriculum without religious doctrine or worship integrated into the school day. The focus is on critical thinking, intellectual exploration, and often, innovative teaching methods, all within an inclusive community that welcomes families of all faiths and backgrounds. This can be particularly appealing for parents who prioritize a science-based curriculum or a global perspective unaffiliated with a specific religious tradition. In our area, this model is often found in independent schools or those with a specialized educational philosophy.
While The Goddard School in Heath provides a renowned early childhood program with a play-based learning approach, families looking for secular education through the elementary and middle school years will want to explore the broader region. Lakewood Academy, located just to our east, offers a compelling option. This private school, situated in the neighboring Lakewood area, provides a close-knit, secular environment with small class sizes and a personalized learning plan for each student, which can be a tremendous asset for children who thrive with individual attention. Venturing a short drive into Newark or Granville unveils additional possibilities, including schools that emphasize project-based learning, the arts, or college-preparatory rigor without a religious component.
The practicalities for Heath families considering these options involve embracing the community's advantageous location. The proximity to major routes like State Route 79 and I-70 makes commuting to schools in surrounding towns quite manageable. It’s beneficial to think of your search not just as "secular private schools near me" in Heath, but as "secular private schools accessible from Heath." We recommend scheduling visits and observing classes in session. Pay attention to the school culture, ask detailed questions about curriculum sources and how they handle topics like ethics and community service from a secular standpoint, and gauge the engagement of the students. The investment in a private education is significant, and finding the right philosophical fit is as important as the academic pedigree. By looking at the vibrant educational tapestry of Licking County, Heath parents can absolutely find a secular private school that feels like the perfect extension of their family’s values and their child’s unique potential.