The Best Private Schools in Kalida, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kalida. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Michael's School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo
St. Michael's School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving the Kalida community with a strong tradition of academic excellence and faith-based education. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a nurturing environment. Known for its strong community involvement and family atmosphere, the school provides a well-rounded curriculum including advanced mathematics, language arts, science, and religious education. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school emphasizes character development and service learning while maintaining high academic standards that prepare students for success in high school and beyond.
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Lima Central Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Lima Central Catholic High School serves students from Kalida and surrounding communities as a premier college preparatory institution. The school offers a rigorous academic program with Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and specialized academies in STEM and business. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, students receive personalized attention and support. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, technology integration throughout classrooms, extensive athletic facilities, and modern performing arts spaces. LCC has a strong tradition of athletic excellence and offers comprehensive extracurricular programs. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and is known for developing well-rounded students prepared for higher education and leadership roles.
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Delphos St. John's School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Delphos St. John's School provides comprehensive Catholic education from kindergarten through 12th grade, serving students from Kalida and the broader regional community. The school is recognized for its strong academic performance, with graduates consistently earning college scholarships and acceptance to prestigious universities. The curriculum includes honors and Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and career-technical education pathways. The campus features modern facilities including science and computer labs, a performing arts center, extensive athletic complex, and recently renovated classrooms. With a focus on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development, St. John's offers a supportive community environment with numerous extracurricular activities, service opportunities, and leadership development programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kalida, Ohio
What are the private school options for families residing in Kalida, Ohio, and are there any located directly within the village?
For families in Kalida, Ohio, the most accessible private schools are Catholic institutions within a short driving distance. There are no private schools physically located within the village limits of Kalida itself. The primary options include St. Michael's School in nearby Fort Loramie (K-8), Lima Central Catholic High School in Lima (9-12), and Delphos St. John's School in Delphos (K-12). Many Kalida families also consider schools in Ottawa or Findlay. This means commuting is a standard part of the private school experience for Kalida residents, with carpooling being a common practice among local families.
How does tuition at private schools serving Kalida, Ohio, compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the schools serving the Kalida area varies. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition at schools like St. Michael's or Delphos St. John's typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,000 per child, with parishioner discounts often available. Lima Central Catholic High School tuition is higher, generally between $8,000 and $10,000. Critically for Ohio residents, the state's EdChoice Scholarship Program can significantly offset these costs. Eligibility is based on household income or the assigned public school building's performance rating. Since Kalida is part of the Kalida Local School District (typically high-performing), income-based EdChoice Expansion scholarships are the primary state aid route for most families, making private education more financially accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Kalida, Ohio, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible to Kalida families emphasize a faith-based education integrated with college-prep academics and distinctive programs. Lima Central Catholic High School offers a robust STEM program, competitive athletics in the Northwest Conference, and dual-credit courses with local colleges like the University of Northwestern Ohio. Delphos St. John's, as a K-12 campus, provides continuity and strong tradition in music and theater. A key differentiator from Kalida's excellent public schools is the religious formation and smaller, close-knit classroom environments that focus on moral development alongside academics. These schools also often have a wider geographic draw, creating a diverse student body from multiple small towns across Putnam and Allen counties.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Lima Central Catholic that Kalida students attend?
The enrollment process for schools like Lima Central Catholic (LCC) or Delphos St. John's for Kalida students usually begins in the winter for the following academic year. For LCC, 8th-grade shadow days and open houses typically occur between October and February, with application deadlines in early spring (March/April). The process involves submitting an application, academic records from the current school (often Kalida Middle School), and possibly a pastor recommendation. For elementary grades at schools like St. Michael's, enrollment often opens first to existing families and parish members before the general public. It's crucial to contact the admissions office directly, as timelines can vary, and some grades may have waiting lists due to limited space.
For a family in Kalida, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Kalida Local public schools and a private Catholic school?
The decision between Kalida Local Schools (rated "Excellent" or "A" by the state) and a private Catholic school hinges on values, environment, and logistics. Kalida Local offers a top-tier public education with strong community support, modern facilities, and no tuition. Choosing a private school involves a financial commitment and commute but provides a faith-based education where Catholic values are woven into all subjects. The private school environment is typically smaller, which can mean more individualized attention but fewer elective or AP course options than a larger public high school. Families must weigh the importance of religious instruction, the desired school culture, and the willingness to commute to Lima, Delphos, or beyond against the convenience and academic strength of the local public system.