The Best Private Schools in Lucasville, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lucasville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame Elementary School
Notre Dame Schools
Notre Dame Elementary School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Lucasville and greater Portsmouth area. With a 4.7-star rating and nearly 70 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances strong academics with faith-based education. The school features modern STEM programs, robust fine arts offerings, and competitive athletic teams. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teachers, safe learning environment, and strong community values. The school serves students from preschool through elementary grades with a focus on character development and academic preparation.
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Portsmouth STEM Academy
Portsmouth City Schools (Charter/Private Partnership)
Portsmouth STEM Academy is a highly-rated specialized school serving Lucasville and Scioto County students seeking advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. With a 4.5-star rating and innovative project-based learning approach, the academy prepares students for college and STEM careers. The school features state-of-the-art technology labs, competitive robotics teams, and partnerships with local industries. Parent reviews highlight the engaged faculty, challenging curriculum, and exceptional college preparation. The academy serves middle and high school students with a focus on real-world problem solving and hands-on learning experiences.
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St. Mary Catholic School
St. Mary Catholic Parish
St. Mary Catholic School is a well-established private institution serving families throughout the Tri-State area, including Lucasville. With nearly a century of educational service and a 4.3-star rating, the school offers a classical Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational academics, character formation, and community involvement. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. Parent satisfaction is high, with reviews praising the small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and strong sense of community. The school provides transportation options for students from surrounding communities including Lucasville.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lucasville, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Lucasville, Ohio?
Lucasville itself is a smaller community, so most private school options are located in nearby areas within Scioto County. The primary institutions include Notre Dame Elementary School (Portsmouth), which serves grades K-6 with a Catholic foundation; Portsmouth STEM Academy (Portsmouth), a tuition-free public STEM school that is sometimes considered as an alternative to traditional private options; and St. Mary Catholic School (Portsmouth), offering a faith-based education. For Lucasville residents, these schools typically involve a commute to Portsmouth. There are very few, if any, private schools physically located within Lucasville's village limits, so planning for transportation is an important local consideration.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lucasville, Ohio area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Ohio?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Notre Dame Elementary and St. Mary Catholic School have tuition rates that are generally more affordable than larger metropolitan private schools, often ranging from approximately $3,500 to $5,500 per year for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. A key financial aid resource for Ohio families is the **EdChoice Scholarship Program**, which provides state-funded vouchers for students attending private schools based on residency in a designated public school district or family income. Lucasville is part of the Valley Local School District, which is an EdChoice "performance-based" district, making many students eligible. It's crucial to contact each school's financial office directly to understand specific costs and aid application processes.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools serving Lucasville, OH students?
The schools offer distinct educational approaches. **Portsmouth STEM Academy** (while public, it's a sought-after choice) focuses intensely on science, technology, engineering, and math with project-based learning. **Notre Dame Elementary** and **St. Mary Catholic School** provide a traditional academic curriculum integrated with Catholic values, religious education, and character development. A notable aspect for Lucasville families is that these private/parochial schools often offer smaller class sizes than the surrounding public districts, allowing for more individualized attention. Specialized programs in music, art, and athletics vary by school, but none in the immediate area offer niche programs like language immersion or International Baccalaureate, which are more common in larger cities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Notre Dame or St. Mary in the Lucasville/Portsmouth area?
Enrollment for the upcoming school year typically opens in January or February, with priority often given to existing students, siblings, and active parishioners of supporting churches. For Lucasville families, it's advisable to begin inquiries by the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records, and possibly a family interview or student assessment. Many schools host open houses in the winter. Due to limited seats, especially in specific grades, applying early is strongly recommended. Unlike some large urban private schools, there is typically no unified application system for the Scioto County area; each school manages its own process.
For a family in Lucasville, what are the key factors when comparing local private schools to the Valley Local School District public schools?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Academically**, Valley Local Schools provide a comprehensive K-12 pathway within the community, while private options require a commute but may offer smaller, more personalized environments or a specific faith-based education. **Financially**, attending a local public school avoids tuition, whereas private schools require payment, though Ohio's EdChoice vouchers can significantly offset costs for eligible Lucasville residents. **Logistically**, public school involves bus transportation within the district, while private school often requires parent-provided transportation to Portsmouth. **Culturally**, the private schools offer a community centered on shared religious values, which may be a priority for some families. Ultimately, visiting both the local Valley schools and the private options in Portsmouth is the best way to compare the feel and fit for your child.