The Best Private Schools in Leesburg, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Leesburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
St. Mary Catholic School serves students from Leesburg and surrounding communities with a comprehensive PreK-8 education rooted in Catholic values. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong academic foundation. Programs include advanced mathematics, science labs, music education, and competitive sports. The school maintains close community ties and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with many graduates successfully transitioning to top regional high schools.
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Miami Valley Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Miami Valley Christian Academy is a highly-regarded Christian school serving families throughout the region, including Leesburg. The school offers comprehensive K-12 education with rigorous college preparatory curriculum, Advanced Placement courses, and strong athletic programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes spiritual formation alongside academic achievement, with small class sizes and individualized attention.
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Fayette Christian School
Independent Christian School
Fayette Christian School provides quality Christian education to students from Leesburg and surrounding communities. The school offers PreK-12 education with a strong academic foundation, college preparatory courses, and comprehensive extracurricular programs. Features include modern technology integration, music and art programs, competitive sports, and community service opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes and focuses on developing well-rounded students prepared for college and life beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Leesburg, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Leesburg, Ohio?
Leesburg, Ohio, and its immediate surrounding area in Highland County offer a few key private school options, primarily with a Christian educational focus. The most prominent are St. Mary Catholic School (PreK-8), Miami Valley Christian Academy (K-12, with its main campus in nearby New Vienna), and Fayette Christian School (PreK-12, located in Washington Court House). For Leesburg residents, Miami Valley Christian Academy is often a top consideration due to its proximity and full K-12 program. It's important to note that the selection is limited within the village itself, so families should be prepared to consider schools in neighboring towns, which is common in rural Ohio communities.
How does tuition at private schools in the Leesburg, Ohio, area compare, and are there any Ohio-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Leesburg area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary Catholic School typically has a parishioner/non-parishioner rate structure, while Miami Valley Christian Academy and Fayette Christian School set their own tuition scales. Annual tuition can range from approximately $4,500 to $8,000 for elementary grades, often increasing for high school. Critically, Ohio offers the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for students to attend private schools based on either residence in a designated public school district or family income. Eligibility for these scholarships can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for Leesburg families, and all local private schools participate in this program.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Leesburg, Ohio, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Leesburg area emphasize small class sizes, faith-based integration, and specific programmatic strengths. Miami Valley Christian Academy, for instance, offers a college-preparatory curriculum with dual-enrollment opportunities through partnerships with Ohio colleges, along with agriculture and fine arts programs. St. Mary Catholic School provides a strong foundational curriculum rooted in Catholic values with dedicated sacramental preparation. Fayette Christian School highlights its STEM initiatives and competitive athletics. A common differentiator from the local public district (Bright Local) is the pervasive integration of Christian worldview across all subjects and a structured environment with distinct behavioral expectations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Leesburg, Ohio, families?
Enrollment processes for schools like Miami Valley Christian Academy, St. Mary Catholic School, and Fayette Christian School generally begin in January or February for the following fall. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing academic records, a family interview, and often a placement assessment for the student. Due to small class sizes, especially in the upper grades, spaces can be limited, so early inquiry is strongly advised. Many schools host open houses in the winter. A key consideration for Leesburg parents is transportation, as these private schools do not provide district busing; families must arrange their own transportation, which is a significant logistical factor in the enrollment decision.
For a family in Leesburg, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school (Bright Local School District) and a private school?
The decision hinges on several Leesburg-specific factors. Academically, Bright Local Schools offer a traditional public education with state-funded resources and a wide range of extracurriculars, including strong agricultural (FFA) programs. Private options offer a faith-based education with typically smaller class sizes and a specific value system. Financially, public school is tuition-free, while private school requires tuition, though Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship can offset this. Logistically, Bright Local provides bus transportation within the district, while private schools require self-transportation, which can mean a significant daily commute to New Vienna or Washington Court House. Ultimately, the choice often centers on the priority of religious education and community versus the convenience and comprehensive offerings of the local public district.
Private Education Insights
Top Prep Schools Near Leesburg, Ohio: A Parent's Guide to Local Excellence
As a parent in Leesburg, Ohio, the search for the right educational environment for your child is deeply personal and incredibly important. When you type "prep schools near me" into a search engine, you're likely looking for more than just a list of names; you're seeking a community that aligns with your family's values and a program that will prepare your child for a successful future. In our close-knit area of Highland County and the surrounding region, the concept of a preparatory school often intertwines with a strong, values-based education, blending rigorous academics with character development. While the classic "prep school" model might bring to mind distant boarding campuses, here in Leesburg, we have exceptional private institutions that serve the same fundamental purpose: to thoroughly prepare students for college and for life.
Understanding the local landscape is key. Leesburg is fortunate to have several established private schools that families consider their go-to preparatory institutions. St. Mary Catholic School offers a longstanding tradition of faith-based education, fostering a disciplined and caring environment from preschool through eighth grade. For families seeking a continuous path, the search for "prep schools near me" often extends to high school options, leading many to consider nearby partners or other local academies for the crucial 9-12 grade years. Miami Valley Christian Academy, located a short drive away, provides a comprehensive K-12 Christian education with a strong college-preparatory curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses and extracurricular activities designed to build a well-rounded student profile. Similarly, Fayette Christian School offers another robust, biblically-integrated option for families willing to commute, emphasizing academic excellence within a supportive spiritual framework.
Your search for the best fit involves practical local considerations. In a rural and small-town setting like ours, community is paramount. Visiting these schools is more than a tour; it's about feeling the atmosphere. Attend a basketball game at Miami Valley Christian Academy or a Christmas program at St. Mary's. Notice how teachers interact with students. Ask about how the school cultivates leadership and critical thinking—hallmarks of true preparatory education. Consider the daily logistics, as some of the most highly-regarded programs require a commute into neighboring counties. This investment of time is a significant factor for Leesburg families, but one often made willingly for a tailored educational experience. Furthermore, inquire about financial aid and scholarship opportunities, as these schools are committed to being accessible to dedicated families.
Ultimately, your quest for "prep schools near me" in the Leesburg area is about finding a partner in your child's development. It’s about identifying a school that not only challenges them academically but also nurtures their character in a way that resonates with your family. The private schools serving our community understand the importance of creating graduates who are not just ready for college classrooms, but who are also resilient, ethical, and engaged citizens. Take your time, schedule visits, and talk to other parents at the Leesburg Dairy Queen or after church. The right school is here, offering a preparatory journey rooted in the values of our Ohio community, ready to help your child build a strong foundation for everything that comes next.