The Best Private Schools in Kensington, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kensington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John Elementary School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
St. John Elementary School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving Carroll County and surrounding communities including Kensington. The school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations, featuring modern STEM programs, comprehensive fine arts education, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus includes well-maintained facilities with technology-integrated classrooms, science labs, and athletic fields. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong community atmosphere.
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Central Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
Central Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from multiple counties including Carroll County where Kensington is located. The school offers a rigorous academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong focus on faith formation and community service, Central Catholic has a proven track record of preparing students for top colleges and universities. The school provides transportation options for students from surrounding rural communities.
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St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
St. Thomas Aquinas High School serves students from Stark County and surrounding areas including Carroll County communities like Kensington. The school features a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with specialized programs in STEM, performing arts, and competitive athletics. The campus includes modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Known for its strong academic performance and character formation, the school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's community atmosphere and college preparation success. Transportation services are available for students from surrounding rural areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kensington, Ohio
What are the main private school options available for families in Kensington, Ohio, and what grade levels do they serve?
Kensington, Ohio, is served by a cluster of Catholic schools that form the primary private education options. St. John Elementary School typically serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, families commonly look to Central Catholic High School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School, both of which are regional institutions drawing students from Kensington and surrounding communities in Columbiana County. These schools provide a continuous, faith-based K-12 pathway for families in the area.
How does tuition at private schools in Kensington, OH, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Kensington area is generally below the average for major metropolitan areas in Ohio, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, elementary tuition at St. John Elementary often ranges between $4,000-$6,000 annually, while high school tuition at Central Catholic or St. Thomas Aquinas can range from $8,000-$11,000. Significant financial aid is available through the Diocese of Youngstown's "One Faith, One Hope, One Love" scholarship funds, parish subsidies for active members, and need-based grants. Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program is also a critical resource, providing state-funded vouchers for eligible families based on income or the performance rating of their assigned public school district.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Kensington-area private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in the Kensington area emphasize college preparatory academics within a values-based framework and often integrate the region's character. Central Catholic and St. Thomas Aquinas High Schools offer robust STEM programs and partnerships with local industries and community colleges. Given Kensington's location in an agricultural and manufacturing region, programs in agricultural science, skilled trades, and business entrepreneurship are notable. Extracurriculars heavily feature Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) sports, with strong traditions in football, basketball, and baseball, fostering deep community rivalries and support.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. John Elementary in Kensington, OH?
The enrollment process for Kensington private schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year. For St. John Elementary, priority is often given to registered parishioners of supporting Catholic churches and siblings of current students. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates, recent report cards, and scheduling a family interview. For the high schools (Central Catholic and St. Thomas Aquinas), open houses and shadow days for prospective 8th-grade students are critical components and are scheduled in the fall. Adherence to these early timelines is important, as some grades may have limited space.
For a family considering private vs. public schools in Kensington, Ohio, what are the key local factors to weigh in the decision?
In Kensington, the decision often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. The local public schools are part of smaller rural or township districts, which can offer close-knit environments but may have limited advanced placement or specialized program offerings. The private Catholic schools provide a consistent, faith-based education from K-12 with typically smaller class sizes and a strong focus on college preparation. A major practical factor is Ohio's EdChoice voucher, which can make private school tuition comparable to out-of-pocket costs for public school activities, transportation, and supplies. Families should also consider the importance of the community and alumni networks associated with the long-standing local Catholic high schools.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Schools in Kensington, Ohio: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Kensington, Ohio, the search for the right educational environment for your child is deeply personal and often begins with the simple yet crucial question: what are the best private schools around me? This local journey is about more than just proximity; it’s about finding a community that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s unique potential. In our close-knit Kensington area, private education offers a distinct blend of academic rigor, personalized attention, and character formation that many families seek. The landscape here is defined by institutions with deep roots and strong reputations, providing options from foundational elementary years through pivotal high school preparation.
Starting the search locally, you’ll find esteemed options like St. John Elementary School, which provides a nurturing, faith-based foundation for young learners. For families prioritizing a continuous Catholic education through graduation, the pathway often leads to Central Catholic High School or St. Thomas Aquinas High School. These schools are not just buildings on a map; they are vibrant centers of our community, known for fostering discipline, service, and academic excellence. When considering private schools around me in Kensington, it’s vital to look beyond the brochures and consider the daily reality. This includes evaluating commute times through our mix of rural routes and town streets, understanding the true cost of tuition and potential parish subsidies, and gauging the social and spiritual environment each school cultivates.
The decision involves practical local considerations. Ohio’s state scholarship programs, like the EdChoice program, can be a significant factor for eligible families, making private education more accessible. It’s also wise to consider the feeder patterns between local schools; for instance, many students from St. John naturally progress to one of the local Catholic high schools, creating a seamless community from kindergarten through twelfth grade. We encourage you to move beyond an online search for “private schools around me” and experience these environments firsthand. Attending open houses at Central Catholic or St. Thomas Aquinas allows you to feel the school spirit, talk to teachers, and see the facilities, from science labs to athletic fields. These visits are invaluable for understanding the culture and opportunities each school provides.
Ultimately, choosing a private school in Kensington is about partnership. You are partnering with educators who share your commitment to your child’s growth, not just as a student, but as a responsible and compassionate individual. The investment is profound, encompassing time, finances, and trust. By focusing your search locally, you gain the advantage of community insight—conversations with other Kensington parents at soccer games or community events can offer honest perspectives. The right school is one where your child is known, challenged, and encouraged. In Kensington, the private schools around you offer a powerful combination of high standards and heartfelt support, creating a strong foundation for lifelong success right here in our own community.