The Best Private Schools in Homer, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Homer. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Liberty-Benton Local Schools
Liberty-Benton School District
Liberty-Benton Local Schools serves students from multiple communities including the Homer area, offering a comprehensive private-like education experience with small class sizes and personalized attention. The district features state-of-the-art facilities, strong athletic programs, and exceptional college preparatory curriculum. Known for high academic achievement and dedicated faculty, the school consistently ranks among the top educational institutions in Northwest Ohio with excellent college acceptance rates and robust extracurricular offerings.
Programs:
Calvert Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Calvert Catholic Schools provides a faith-based education serving students from Homer and surrounding communities. With a rich history spanning over a century, the school offers rigorous academic programs combined with strong moral development. Features include modern STEM labs, comprehensive athletic facilities, and extensive arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes and boasts high college acceptance rates, with many graduates attending top universities. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high due to the supportive community and individualized student attention.
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Ridgedale Local Schools
Ridgedale School District
Ridgedale Local Schools serves the Homer area with a comprehensive educational program that combines traditional academics with modern career-focused pathways. The district features excellent teacher-to-student ratios, modern facilities including updated science labs and technology centers, and strong athletic programs. Known for its supportive learning environment and dedicated faculty, Ridgedale offers both college preparatory tracks and career technical education options. The school community is highly engaged with numerous extracurricular activities and strong parent involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Homer, Ohio
What are the actual private school options available for families residing in or near Homer, Ohio?
Homer, Ohio itself is a very small village, so there are no private schools physically located within its boundaries. However, families in the Homer area typically look to nearby communities for private education. The most prominent option is Calvert Catholic Schools in Tiffin, approximately a 20-minute drive away, which offers a K-12 program rooted in Catholic values. While Liberty-Benton and Ridgedale are excellent public school districts serving the region, they are not private institutions. For a broader selection, parents may also consider private schools in larger surrounding cities like Findlay or Marion, but Calvert Catholic is the primary, established private choice for the immediate Homer, OH area.
How does the tuition at Calvert Catholic Schools near Homer, OH, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Calvert Catholic Schools is generally competitive with other private, faith-based schools in Ohio. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary tuition was approximately $4,500-$5,500, and high school tuition was around $6,500-$7,500, though rates are subject to change. Importantly, Ohio offers several state-specific financial programs that families in Homer can utilize. The EdChoice Scholarship Program, based on either residence in a designated public school district or family income, can significantly offset tuition costs. Additionally, Calvert Catholic offers its own need-based financial aid, and many local parishes provide tuition assistance for active member families. It's crucial to apply for these programs early in the enrollment cycle.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs does Calvert Catholic Schools offer that might benefit a student from the Homer area?
Calvert Catholic Schools provides several distinctive programs that complement the rural, community-focused lifestyle of Homer families. Academically, they offer a strong STEM curriculum, college credit plus courses through partnerships with Tiffin University and Heidelberg University, and a dedicated theology program. For students interested in agriculture—highly relevant to the Homer region—their science departments often integrate agricultural principles, and extracurriculars like FFA (Future Farmers of America) are available. The school also emphasizes character education and community service, aligning with small-town Ohio values. Their smaller class sizes ensure personalized attention, which can be a significant draw for parents seeking an alternative to the larger regional public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for the primary private school option near Homer, Ohio?
For Calvert Catholic Schools, the enrollment process typically begins in January or February for the following academic year. The process involves submitting an application, academic records from the current school, and possibly a pastoral reference for Catholic families. An entrance assessment or interview may be required for certain grade levels. Given the limited seats in a private school setting, especially in incoming kindergarten and middle school grades, early application is strongly advised for Homer-area families. It's also the ideal time to apply for Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship and the school's financial aid, as these processes run concurrently with enrollment. We recommend contacting the admissions office at Calvert directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year to schedule a tour and get specific deadlines.
For a family in Homer, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (like Ridgedale) and a private school like Calvert Catholic?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to living in rural Ohio. The local public school, Ridgedale Local Schools, offers the convenience of proximity, no tuition, and strong community ties. In contrast, choosing Calvert Catholic involves a commute to Tiffin but offers a faith-based education environment, often smaller class sizes, and a different peer network. Academically, you'll want to compare specific program offerings—for example, if college preparatory focus or a specific religious education is a priority, Calvert may be preferable. Financially, you must weigh the cost of tuition against potential state scholarship aid. For many Homer families, the choice ultimately centers on whether they seek an education integrated with Catholic values and are willing to manage the logistics and cost for that specific environment.