The Best Private Schools in Hilliard, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hilliard. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Brendan School
Diocese of Columbus Catholic Schools
St. Brendan School is a highly-rated Catholic private school serving the Hilliard community with a comprehensive PreK-8 education. The school emphasizes faith-based learning combined with strong academic programs, including dedicated STEM curriculum and fine arts education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic fields. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and well-rounded education that prepares students for high school success.
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Columbus Academy
Independent School
Columbus Academy is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving the greater Columbus area, including Hilliard families. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers rigorous academic programs including extensive AP courses, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education. The 231-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong record of college placements at top universities.
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Wellington School
Independent School
The Wellington School is an acclaimed independent JK-12 school located in nearby Columbus that serves many Hilliard families. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside innovative STEM and arts curricula. Wellington features extensive facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its diverse community, global perspective education, and strong college counseling program that consistently places graduates in selective colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hilliard, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Hilliard, Ohio, and what are their key characteristics?
Hilliard itself is home to St. Brendan School, a highly-regarded Catholic K-8 institution offering a faith-based education. Just outside Hilliard in the greater Columbus area, families often consider Columbus Academy in Gahanna, a prestigious PreK-12 college-preparatory day school known for its rigorous academics and extensive facilities, and The Wellington School in Upper Arlington, which offers a progressive, project-based PreK-12 education with a strong focus on global citizenship. While Hilliard has excellent public schools, these private options provide distinct educational philosophies, often with smaller class sizes and specialized programs not available in the public district.
How does tuition for private schools in the Hilliard, Ohio area typically compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Hilliard/Columbus area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Brendan School's tuition is approximately $7,000-$8,000 for parishioners, making it a more accessible private option. In contrast, Columbus Academy and Wellington School have tuitions ranging from $25,000 to $35,000+ annually. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program is a critical resource. This state program can provide significant tuition assistance to eligible families based on income or if their assigned public school is underperforming, making private education more attainable for Hilliard residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Hilliard, Ohio offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Hilliard/Columbus corridor often provide specialized programs that cater to diverse interests. Columbus Academy features extensive offerings like a renowned robotics program, a comprehensive arts curriculum with dedicated facilities, and competitive athletic leagues. The Wellington School emphasizes global studies, Mandarin Chinese language instruction from an early age, and a unique "J-Term" for immersive learning. St. Brendan School integrates STEM with its faith-based curriculum and offers strong community service programs. These institutions can provide more tailored pathways, such as advanced independent study or specific arts conservatories, which may be more limited in the larger Hilliard City School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Hilliard, Ohio families?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For schools like Columbus Academy and Wellington School, the admission cycle for the following academic year typically opens in August or September, with application deadlines between January and February. These schools require standardized testing (like the ISEE), student interviews, teacher recommendations, and campus visits. St. Brendan School also has an early application period, often with a priority deadline for parish families. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points like PreK, Kindergarten, and 6th/9th grades, Hilliard parents are advised to start researching and visiting schools at least 12-18 months in advance.
For Hilliard parents, what are the key logistical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school outside the district?
A major consideration is transportation, as Hilliard City Schools do not provide bussing to private institutions outside the district. Families must arrange carpooling or private transportation to schools in Gahanna, Upper Arlington, or other suburbs. This impacts daily schedules and requires community networking. However, these schools actively foster their own communities; Columbus Academy and Wellington School, for instance, have families from across central Ohio, including many from Hilliard, and organize area-specific parent groups and carpools. The commute (typically 20-40 minutes) is a trade-off for the specialized education, and many families find the private school community becomes a central part of their social network.