The Best Private Schools in New Concord, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Concord. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Thomas Aquinas School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus
St. Thomas Aquinas School provides comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 12th grade, serving families throughout Muskingum County including New Concord. The school features a strong college preparatory curriculum with dual enrollment opportunities through local universities. Academic programs include advanced mathematics, science research opportunities, and comprehensive language arts. The campus includes modern STEM labs, performing arts spaces, and competitive athletic programs. Parent satisfaction is notably high due to the school's commitment to academic excellence and character formation within a faith-based environment.
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Bishop Fenwick High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus
Bishop Fenwick High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from multiple counties including Muskingum County. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 16 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school emphasizes individual attention and character development. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Many graduates attend top universities, with the school maintaining a 100% college acceptance rate.
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Meadowbrook Christian School
Independent Christian School
Meadowbrook Christian School serves students from Guernsey and surrounding counties including New Concord residents. The school offers a comprehensive Christian education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and spiritual development. Curriculum includes college preparatory courses, Advanced Placement options, and hands-on learning experiences. The school features modern technology integration, science laboratories, and competitive athletic programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains high parent satisfaction ratings and consistently produces graduates who excel in higher education and career pursuits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Concord, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families in New Concord, Ohio, and what grade levels do they serve?
New Concord, Ohio, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily with a religious affiliation. Bishop Fenwick High School in nearby Franklin offers a Catholic education for grades 9-12. Closer to New Concord, St. Thomas Aquinas School in Zanesville provides a Catholic education from Pre-K through 8th grade. Meadowbrook Christian School, also in the Zanesville area, offers a non-denominational Christian education. For New Concord residents, these schools typically involve a commute, as the village itself has a very limited number of private school buildings. It's important to research each school's specific transportation options or carpool networks available to Muskingum County families.
How does tuition for private schools in the New Concord, Ohio, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the New Concord area varies by school and grade level. For the 2023-2024 academic year, typical ranges were approximately $5,000-$8,000 per year for elementary grades and $8,000-$11,000 for high school. A significant financial consideration for Ohio families is the state's EdChoice Scholarship Program. This program provides vouchers for students assigned to low-performing public school districts or based on family income to attend participating private schools. Both Bishop Fenwick and St. Thomas Aquinas are expected to be EdChoice participating schools, which can substantially reduce the net cost for eligible families. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office for the most current tuition rates and detailed guidance on applying for Ohio's scholarship programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the New Concord, Ohio, community?
Private schools in the region often leverage their smaller size to offer distinctive programs. Bishop Fenwick High School, for instance, has a strong college-preparatory curriculum with notable STEM initiatives and partnerships with local colleges, potentially including Muskingum University in New Concord. St. Thomas Aquinas School emphasizes its STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum integrated with Catholic teachings. Meadowbrook Christian School often highlights its agricultural science and hands-on learning opportunities, which resonate with the rural character of Muskingum County. These schools also typically offer robust faith-based activities and community service requirements that connect students to the local Ohio community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near New Concord, Ohio, and when should parents start applying?
The enrollment process for schools like Bishop Fenwick, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Meadowbrook Christian usually begins in the winter for the following fall semester. Open houses are commonly held between January and March. Application deadlines for priority consideration are often in early spring (March or April), especially for high school grades where placement testing may be required. Given the limited seats available in these schools relative to the demand from Muskingum and surrounding counties, it is highly advisable for New Concord parents to initiate inquiries a full year in advance. Many schools also host shadow days for prospective students, which are best scheduled in the fall prior to application.
For a family living in New Concord, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (John Glenn Local School District) and a private school option?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. John Glenn Local Schools are highly regarded in the region, known for strong academics and community-based programs. Choosing a private school like those near New Concord typically involves seeking a specific religious foundation (Catholic or Christian), often with even smaller class sizes and a values-based education integrated throughout the curriculum. The trade-offs include tuition costs, a daily commute to Zanesville or Franklin, and potentially fewer expansive extracurricular offerings compared to a consolidated public high school. Parents should consider their child's need for a faith-based environment, their eligibility for Ohio's EdChoice scholarship, and whether the family is prepared for the logistics of transportation to a school outside the immediate New Concord area.