The Best Private Schools in Lebanon, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lebanon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Seven Hills School
Independent
The Seven Hills School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the Greater Cincinnati area, including Lebanon students. With a strong college preparatory focus, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities.
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Cincinnati Country Day School
Independent
Cincinnati Country Day School is a prestigious independent school that serves students from Lebanon and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous liberal arts education with strong emphasis on critical thinking and global awareness. Their 62-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts centers. The school is known for its strong college placement record and comprehensive student support services. Programs include extensive STEM offerings, world languages from early grades, competitive athletics, and diverse arts programs.
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Summit Academy Community School - Lebanon
Summit Academy Management
Summit Academy Community School in Lebanon provides specialized education services with a focus on students who benefit from smaller class sizes and individualized attention. The school offers comprehensive academic programs alongside therapeutic and behavioral support services. Their approach includes personalized learning plans, social skills development, and strong parent-teacher collaboration. The facility includes specialized classrooms, sensory rooms, and spaces designed to support diverse learning needs. The school serves students from preschool through high school with a commitment to helping each student reach their full potential.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lebanon, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available directly in Lebanon, Ohio, and what are their educational approaches?
Within Lebanon city limits, a prominent option is Summit Academy Community School - Lebanon, which is a public charter school serving K-12 and is tuition-free, but it's important to note it is not a traditional private school. For traditional private education, families in Lebanon often look to nearby institutions in the greater Cincinnati area. Highly regarded schools drawing Lebanon residents include The Seven Hills School (PreK-12, with a college-prep, experiential learning focus in Cincinnati) and Cincinnati Country Day School (PreK-12, emphasizing character and global citizenship in Indian Hill). Lebanon itself has several well-regarded parochial options, such as St. Francis de Sales School (PreK-8). The local landscape is a mix of in-town parochial schools and access to elite independent day schools within a 30-minute commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lebanon, Ohio area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Lebanon area varies significantly by school type. In-town Catholic schools like St. Francis de Sales may have tuition ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually for parishioners. The premier independent day schools like Seven Hills and Cincinnati Country Day have tuitions that can exceed $30,000 per year for upper grades. Ohio offers several financial aid avenues for private school families. The most significant is the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers based on either residency in a low-performing public school district or family income. Additionally, most private schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and Ohio has tax-advantaged 529 savings plans that can now be used for K-12 private tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Lebanon, OH families?
Private schools serving the Lebanon community often provide distinctive programs not always available in local public schools. Cincinnati Country Day School is known for its extensive global studies and travel programs, along with a renowned outdoor education curriculum. The Seven Hills School offers deep STEM and robotics programs, advanced humanities tracks, and a strong emphasis on community service. For families interested in faith-based education, local parochial schools integrate religious instruction with core academics. Furthermore, given Lebanon's proximity to historical sites and natural areas, some schools incorporate local history and environmental science into their curricula through field studies.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Lebanon, Ohio region?
For the competitive independent schools in the Cincinnati area, the process begins early. Prospective families should initiate inquiries in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment (e.g., fall 2024 for fall 2025 entry). Key steps include attending open houses (often held October-January), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, completing student assessments or visits, and participating in family interviews. Financial aid applications are usually due concurrently. Admission decisions are typically released in March. For Lebanon's parochial and local private schools, timelines may be more flexible, but it is still advisable to contact them by the prior winter. Waiting lists are common for popular grades at all sought-after schools.
For a family living in Lebanon, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The Lebanon City School District is itself highly rated, which shapes the decision. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Private schools often offer smaller class sizes, specific pedagogical philosophies (Montessori, religious, progressive), or more accelerated college-prep tracks. **Cost:** Lebanon public schools are tax-funded, while private options require direct tuition, making cost-benefit analysis crucial. **Logistics:** Private schools, especially the top-tier ones, require a commute to Cincinnati suburbs, impacting daily schedules. **Extracurriculars:** While Lebanon High School has strong athletics and arts, some private schools offer unique clubs, global travel, or specialized arts programs. **Community & Values:** Parochial schools offer a faith-based environment, which may be a primary factor. Ultimately, the choice often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific educational environment not provided by the already-strong local public system.