The Best Private Schools in Marietta, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Marietta. 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 Steubenville
St. Mary Catholic School is a highly-regarded PreK-8 institution providing comprehensive Catholic education in downtown Marietta. The school emphasizes faith-based learning alongside strong academic foundations, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, art room, and gymnasium. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum with specialized programs in music, art, and physical education, plus competitive sports teams and extracurricular activities that serve the broader Marietta community.
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Parkersburg Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Located just across the Ohio River in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Parkersburg Catholic Schools serves families throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley region including Marietta. The comprehensive PreK-12 institution offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and athletic complexes. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character development, it attracts students from both sides of the river.
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St. Margaret Mary School
Catholic Diocese of Steubenville
St. Margaret Mary School in nearby Parkersburg serves the broader Mid-Ohio Valley region including Marietta families. This PreK-8 Catholic school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring comprehensive technology integration with 1:1 device programs and smart classroom technology. The school offers strong fine arts programs, competitive sports, and emphasizes community service. With modern facilities including a dedicated STEM lab, library, and gymnasium, the school provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for high school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Marietta, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Marietta, Ohio, and do they cover all grade levels?
In Marietta, Ohio, the primary private school options are faith-based institutions. St. Mary Catholic School (Pre-K through 8th grade) is located directly in Marietta. For high school, families often look to nearby Parkersburg Catholic Schools in West Virginia, just across the river, which serves grades Pre-K through 12. Another option is St. Margaret Mary School in Parkersburg, WV (Pre-K through 8). This means Marietta residents have accessible elementary and middle school options locally, but seeking a private high school typically involves a short commute to West Virginia, which is a unique aspect of the educational landscape here.
How does tuition at Marietta-area private schools compare to the Ohio state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Marietta's private schools is generally below the Ohio state average for private education, reflecting the local cost of living. For example, St. Mary Catholic School's tuition is structured with parishioner and non-parishioner rates. All area Catholic schools participate in the Ohio EdChoice Scholarship Program, which can significantly reduce costs for eligible families based on income or residence in a designated public school boundary. Additionally, schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based financial aid. It's crucial for Marietta parents to apply for EdChoice early and consult directly with the school's financial office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Marietta, OH, area offer that leverage the region's character?
Private schools in the Marietta area integrate the region's rich historical and environmental resources into their programs. St. Mary Catholic School, for instance, may incorporate local history projects on Marietta's founding and the Ohio River into its curriculum. Given the proximity to the river and Appalachia, science programs often emphasize environmental studies. Furthermore, the shared resources between Ohio and West Virginia Catholic schools allow for collaborative extracurriculars, like regional sports leagues and academic competitions. Many programs also emphasize community service, connecting students to local service organizations in this tight-knit Mid-Ohio Valley community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary in Marietta, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Marietta's private schools typically begins in January for the following academic year. St. Mary Catholic School holds open houses and requires an application, birth certificate, baptismal certificate (if applicable), and recent academic records. Due to the smaller size of the school, some grades may have limited seats, leading to waitlists, particularly for Pre-K and Kindergarten. It is highly advised for Marietta parents to begin the process early. Tours are available year-round, and contacting the school office by fall is a good strategy to understand specific grade-level availability for the upcoming year.
For a family deciding between Marietta City Schools and local private options, what are the key differentiating factors to consider?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum framework, and community environment. Marietta City Schools offer diverse public programs and larger student bodies. In contrast, private schools like St. Mary offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a structured environment with values-based education, and a consistent curriculum from a religious perspective. A major practical consideration is that Marietta private elementary/middle schools feed into out-of-state high schools, while Marietta City Schools provide a K-12 continuum within Ohio. The decision often hinges on a family's preference for a faith-integrated education and the value placed on a small, close-knit school community versus the broader offerings and geographic continuity of the public district.
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