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.