The Best Private Schools in New Philadelphia, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Philadelphia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Tuscarawas Central Catholic Elementary School
Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
Tuscarawas Central Catholic Elementary is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the New Philadelphia community with a comprehensive PreK-8 education. The school emphasizes faith-based learning integrated with strong academic fundamentals. Features include modern classrooms, technology integration, competitive sports programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe environment, and strong sense of community. The school maintains small class sizes and offers robust art, music, and athletic programs alongside rigorous academic preparation.
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St. Joseph Elementary School
Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
St. Joseph Elementary School provides a distinguished Catholic education for students in preschool through 8th grade. The school is known for its strong academic curriculum that includes advanced mathematics and comprehensive literacy programs. Facilities include a modern library, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school community emphasizes character development, service learning, and family involvement. Parent reviews highlight exceptional teacher dedication, effective communication, and a nurturing environment that fosters both academic and spiritual growth.
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St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
St. Thomas Aquinas High School, located approximately 20 miles from New Philadelphia, serves as the premier Catholic high school option for the broader Tuscarawas County region. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and a dedicated STEM Academy. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic complex. The school boasts exceptional college acceptance rates and provides extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams, competitive academic clubs, and vibrant arts programs. Parents consistently rate the school highly for academic excellence and character formation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Philadelphia, Ohio
What are the main private school options available for K-12 education in New Philadelphia, Ohio, and how do they connect?
New Philadelphia, Ohio, is served by a small but well-established network of Catholic schools. For elementary education, families typically choose between Tuscarawas Central Catholic Elementary School (Pre-K through 8) and St. Joseph Elementary School (K-8). These schools naturally feed into St. Thomas Aquinas High School, which serves grades 9-12 and draws students from across Tuscarawas County. This creates a continuous, faith-based educational pathway from preschool through high school graduation within the community. There are no large independent secular private schools within New Philadelphia itself, so the Catholic system represents the primary private option.
How does tuition at New Philadelphia's private Catholic schools compare, and what financial aid options are available for Ohio residents?
Tuition at New Philadelphia's private schools is relatively moderate compared to major metropolitan areas. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary tuition at Tuscarawas Central Catholic and St. Joseph is typically around $4,000-$5,000 per child, with discounts for parish members and multiple children. St. Thomas Aquinas High School tuition is approximately $8,000-$9,000. All schools offer need-based financial aid through the parish and diocesan funds. Crucially, Ohio residents can leverage the state's EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides vouchers based on either household income or the performance rating of the student's resident public school district. Many families in the Tuscarawas County area qualify, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do New Philadelphia's private schools offer that reflect the local community?
Reflecting the values and needs of the Tuscarawas County community, local private schools offer distinctive programs. St. Thomas Aquinas High School has a strong emphasis on community service and faith-in-action projects, partnering with local organizations. Academically, the schools often integrate local history, such as the legacy of the Ohio and Erie Canal or the Dennison Railroad Depot, into their curricula. While not having the vast array of a large city school, they offer robust programs in agriculture science and theology, and athletics are a major point of community pride, with teams competing in the Ohio High School Athletic Association. The small size allows for personalized attention and a focus on character development valued in this close-knit region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in New Philadelphia, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for New Philadelphia's Catholic schools usually begins with an open house in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year. Priority registration for existing families and parish members often runs through March, with open registration for new families beginning in April. Due to the smaller size of the schools, particularly at the elementary level, some grades can fill up and create waitlists, so early inquiry is recommended. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, a birth certificate, and baptismal certificate (if applicable), and often a family interview. St. Thomas Aquinas High School also requires placement testing for incoming freshmen. It's advisable to contact the school's admissions office directly, as timelines can vary slightly between institutions.
For a family considering private versus public schools in New Philadelphia, what are the key local factors to weigh?
The key local factors involve community, cost, and educational approach. New Philadelphia City Schools are the primary public option, offering a wide range of programs, sports, and extracurriculars due to larger scale. The private Catholic schools offer a specific faith-based environment with consistent values across all subjects, smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), and a tight-knit community that many families in Tuscarawas County seek. Financially, the EdChoice voucher can make private school affordable for many. Transportation is a practical consideration: public schools provide busing, while private school families often must arrange carpools. Ultimately, the decision in New Philadelphia often centers on whether a family prioritizes the comprehensive offerings of the public system or the religious identity and personalized environment of the local Catholic schools.