The Best Private Schools in Jerusalem, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Jerusalem. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Sylvester Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Steubenville
St. Sylvester Catholic School is the closest private school to Jerusalem, located just 15 minutes away in Woodsfield. This highly-rated Catholic school serves students from preschool through 8th grade and has been providing quality education to Monroe County families for over six decades. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong faith-based curriculum integrated with modern educational standards. Facilities include updated classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and offers various extracurricular activities including sports teams, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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St. Mary Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Steubenville
Located approximately 30 minutes from Jerusalem in Marietta, St. Mary Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a comprehensive educational program. The school maintains high academic standards with a curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and integrated technology. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, a dedicated art room, and athletic facilities. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students. Extracurricular offerings include sports, choir, academic competitions, and various clubs.
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St. Mary School
Catholic Diocese of Steubenville
St. Mary School in St. Clairsville serves families throughout the region, including Jerusalem area residents (approximately 35-minute drive). This established Catholic school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and faith formation. The school features a robust STEM curriculum, comprehensive literacy programs, and integrated technology throughout all grade levels. Facilities include smart classrooms, science laboratory, library media center, and gymnasium. The school is noted for its strong parent-teacher community, excellent teacher retention rates, and successful preparation of students for competitive high school programs. Extracurricular activities range from sports teams to academic clubs and arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Jerusalem, Ohio
What are the private school options available specifically in Jerusalem, Ohio, and are they all religiously affiliated?
In Jerusalem, Ohio, the private school landscape is exclusively composed of faith-based institutions. The primary options are St. Sylvester Catholic School, St. Mary Catholic School, and St. Mary School. These are all Catholic parochial schools serving the local community. There are currently no independent, secular, or non-Catholic private schools within Jerusalem itself. Parents seeking alternative private education (e.g., Montessori, non-denominational college-prep) would need to look at schools in neighboring towns or in the broader Belmont County or Wheeling, WV metro area.
How does tuition at Jerusalem, Ohio's Catholic schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Jerusalem's Catholic schools is typically below the statewide average for Ohio private schools, reflecting the rural community and parish subsidies. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition often ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per child, with significant discounts for active parish members and multiple children. Ohio-specific financial aid includes the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which may provide state-funded vouchers based on income or if your local public school is designated as underperforming. Additionally, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship Program are available for eligible students. Each school also has limited local scholarship funds from parish and community donations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Jerusalem, OH, offer that leverage the local community?
Jerusalem's private schools integrate their rural Appalachian setting into their programs. Academically, there is often a strong emphasis on community service projects tied to local needs. Extracurricularly, while options are more limited than in large urban schools, programs may include 4-H club affiliations, agricultural science connections, and local history studies focused on Belmont County and the National Road. Given the Catholic identity, shared sacramental preparation and regional CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) sports leagues with other small Ohio Valley parishes are a cornerstone of student life. Technology and advanced STEM electives may be more limited compared to larger private schools, emphasizing a close-knit, values-based education instead.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for St. Sylvester or St. Mary Catholic School in Jerusalem?
The enrollment process for Jerusalem's Catholic schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. It is a rolling process, but priority is given to currently enrolled families, siblings, and active parishioners of the supporting churches. The process typically involves: 1) Submitting an application form from the school office or website, 2) Providing sacramental records (e.g., baptismal certificate) and previous school records, 3) A family meeting with the principal or pastor, and 4) Completing tuition agreement forms. Given the small size of these schools, available spots can fill quickly, especially in early grades. It is highly recommended to contact the school directly by early spring to secure a place.
For a family in Jerusalem, what are the key practical and philosophical considerations when choosing between the local public school (Swiss Hills Career Center district) and a private Catholic school?
The key considerations involve transportation, curriculum focus, and community environment. Practically, the public school district provides free transportation, while private school families must arrange their own. The public Swiss Hills district offers robust career-technical education pathways, which is a major draw. Philosophically, Jerusalem's Catholic schools offer daily religious instruction, traditional moral values integrated into all subjects, and very small class sizes (often 15 students or fewer), allowing for personalized attention. The public schools offer a broader range of elective courses and sports. The decision often hinges on whether a family prioritizes a specific faith-based environment and intimate setting over the wider program variety and no-tuition model of the public system. Many local families value the deep, multi-generational community ties fostered by the parish schools.