The Best Private Schools in Latham, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Latham. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Columbus Academy
Independent
Columbus Academy is a premier independent college preparatory school serving students from Latham and throughout central Ohio. Founded in 1911, this highly selective school offers rigorous academic programs from PreK through grade 12. The 231-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers 24 Advanced Placement courses. Columbus Academy is consistently ranked among Ohio's top private schools with exceptional college placement records and comprehensive extracurricular programs.
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Bishop Flaget School
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
Bishop Flaget School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Latham area from nearby Chillicothe. With over 75 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive PreK-8 education rooted in Catholic values. The school features strong academic programs with dedicated teachers, modern STEM facilities, and robust fine arts offerings. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, small class sizes, and strong community atmosphere. The campus includes well-maintained facilities with technology integration throughout classrooms and specialized learning spaces.
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The Wellington School
Independent
The Wellington School is an esteemed independent school offering International Baccalaureate programs from junior kindergarten through grade 12. Located in Columbus and serving the Latham region, Wellington provides a challenging academic environment with emphasis on critical thinking and global perspective. The school features innovative STEM labs, dedicated arts studios, and competitive athletic programs. With a diverse student body and experienced faculty, Wellington emphasizes personalized learning and character development. The campus includes modern academic buildings, technology-rich classrooms, and extensive outdoor learning spaces designed to support holistic education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Latham, Ohio
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Latham, Ohio, given that the top-named schools are in Columbus?
While Latham itself is a small, unincorporated community, families typically look to private schools in the greater Columbus area, which is about a 45-minute to one-hour commute. The schools often considered include Bishop Flaget School (a Catholic K-8 in Chillicothe, ~30 mins away), Columbus Academy (a prestigious PreK-12 independent school in Gahanna), and The Wellington School (a JK-12 independent school in Upper Arlington). Your choice will heavily depend on your willingness to commute or potentially relocate. Many families in rural areas like Latham also form carpools to manage the transportation to these Columbus-region schools.
How does the tuition for central Ohio private schools compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid options for Latham residents?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-25 year, Bishop Flaget (parochial) is approximately $5,000-$7,000, while Columbus Academy and The Wellington School (independent) range from $25,000 to $30,000+ for upper grades. As Ohio residents, Latham families can apply for the **EdChoice Scholarship**, a state voucher program based on household income or if your resident public school is designated as underperforming. Additionally, the **Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship** is available for students with IEPs. All major private schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and it's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do these schools offer that might justify the commute from Latham?
Schools like Columbus Academy and The Wellington School offer extensive programs not typically available in small, rural public districts. These include globally-recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) capstone diplomas, dedicated robotics and engineering labs, world language immersion starting in lower school, and competitive athletic leagues. Bishop Flaget provides a structured, faith-based environment with smaller class sizes. For a Latham family, the decision often hinges on whether these specialized programs—such as Wellington's Mandarin Chinese program or Academy's 120-acre campus with extensive facilities—align with your child's goals and are worth the daily travel time.
What is the enrollment timeline for competitive Columbus-area private schools, and how early should a Latham family start the process?
The timeline is rigorous and requires advanced planning, especially given your distance. For schools like Columbus Academy and The Wellington School, the process for the following academic year typically begins 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January, completing student assessments/interviews by February, and receiving decisions in March. For kindergarten entry, some families apply two years ahead. Given Latham's location, securing tour and interview dates early is critical. Bishop Flaget may have a more flexible rolling admissions process but still encourages early application.
Beyond academics, what are the notable community and environmental differences between Latham's local public schools and a private school in Columbus?
This is a fundamental consideration. Latham's public schools (likely within the Huntington Local or Chillicothe City districts) offer a close-knit, community-centered environment with potentially shorter bus rides and familiarity with local peers. Opting for a Columbus private school means your child will be part of a geographically diverse student body drawn from across central Ohio, which can broaden perspectives but may complicate local social connections. The school environment will also be markedly different—from a rural or small-town setting to a more suburban, resource-intensive campus. The "fit" depends on whether you prioritize the specialized opportunities and network of a large private institution or the convenience and community embeddedness of the local public system.