The Best Private Schools in Kent, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kent. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts
Akron Public Schools
Miller South is a highly selective public magnet school serving students in grades 4-8 from across the region, including Kent residents. As a specialized arts school, it offers intensive training in visual and performing arts alongside rigorous academic curriculum. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated art studios, music rooms, dance studios, and a black box theater. Students benefit from small class sizes and expert faculty who are practicing artists. The school maintains a 4.7/5 rating with parents praising the exceptional arts integration and academic excellence.
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Old Trail School
Independent
Old Trail School is a premier independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from Kent and surrounding communities. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and features a 62-acre campus with modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides personalized attention and strong academic preparation. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction with particular praise for its inclusive community, experienced faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including robotics, music, and competitive sports.
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Seton Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
Seton Catholic School serves students in preschool through 8th grade from Kent and surrounding communities, offering a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, and dedicated art and music spaces. The curriculum emphasizes core academics alongside character development and service learning. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school prepares students for success in high school and beyond. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its safe environment, strong community feel, and balanced approach to education that includes robust athletic and arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kent, Ohio
What are the primary types of private schools available in Kent, Ohio, and how do they differ?
Kent, Ohio, offers a few distinct types of private schools catering to different educational philosophies. Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts is a public community school with a selective arts-focused curriculum, often considered alongside private options due to its specialized, application-based model. Old Trail School in nearby Bath is a premier independent school offering a progressive, project-based education from preschool through 8th grade. Seton Catholic School provides a faith-based, traditional K-8 education rooted in Catholic values. This mix allows Kent parents to choose between rigorous arts immersion, progressive independent education, or faith-based academic foundations.
How does tuition for private schools in the Kent, OH, area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Kent area varies significantly by school type and grade level. Seton Catholic School, as a parish-supported institution, typically has the most accessible tuition, often ranging from $4,000-$6,000 annually. Old Trail School, as an independent school, commands a higher tuition, generally between $15,000-$20,000+ per year, reflecting its extensive facilities and low student-teacher ratio. Miller South is tuition-free as a public community school. Both Old Trail and Seton offer need-based financial aid, and Ohio parents can utilize the state's EdChoice Scholarship Program, which may provide vouchers for eligible students to attend participating private schools like Seton.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Kent-area private schools offer that leverage local resources?
Private schools in Kent uniquely integrate the resources of Kent State University and the city's cultural environment. Old Trail School emphasizes environmental science and outdoor education, utilizing local parks and nature preserves. Its proximity to Kent State also allows for partnerships in areas like STEM. Miller South’s entire curriculum is built around visual and performing arts, with deep connections to Kent's thriving arts community and university arts departments. Seton Catholic School often incorporates service learning projects that engage with local Kent community organizations. This local connectivity enriches the standard curriculum beyond what is typically available.
What are the key enrollment timelines and admission requirements for private schools in Kent, Ohio?
Timelines and requirements differ notably. For Old Trail School, the process is most extensive, beginning a full year in advance with fall open houses, winter application deadlines (including student visits and assessments), and spring notifications. Seton Catholic School typically has a spring enrollment period for the following fall, prioritizing parish members but welcoming other applicants. Miller South, while not a private school, has a competitive audition/portfolio review process for grades 4-8, with applications due in early winter. For all schools, especially those with limited seats, starting the inquiry process 12-18 months before desired enrollment is strongly advised for Kent families.
For families living in Kent, what are the main considerations when choosing between a high-performing public school district (like Kent City Schools) and a local private school?
The decision often hinges on educational approach, class size, and specific student needs. Kent City Schools are well-regarded and offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at the high school, a significant draw. Private options provide alternatives: Old Trail offers a continuous, progressive education through 8th grade in small classes, avoiding the middle school transition. Seton provides a structured, values-based environment. Miller South offers intensive arts training not available in the standard public curriculum. Considerations include the desire for a specific religious or philosophical alignment, the importance of very small class sizes, and whether a student’s passion lies in the arts—all while weighing the cost of tuition against the free, robust IB public pathway.