The Best Private Schools in Newark, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Newark. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Columbus Academy
Independent College Preparatory School
Columbus Academy is a prestigious independent college preparatory school located approximately 30 minutes from Newark, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school offers an exceptional academic program with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, state-of-the-art facilities including a STEM innovation center, performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic complex. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and has a strong record of graduates attending top-tier universities. Many families from the Newark area commute for this highly-regarded educational experience.
Programs:
St. Francis de Sales School
Diocese of Columbus Catholic Schools
St. Francis de Sales School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on faith formation, character development, and academic excellence. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for strong teacher-student relationships and community involvement.
Programs:
Granville Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Located just minutes from Newark in nearby Granville, Granville Christian Academy serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade with a comprehensive Christian education. The school features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong athletic programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus includes modern academic buildings, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and high college acceptance rates.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Newark, Ohio
What are the primary private school options serving families in Newark, Ohio, and what are their key characteristics?
Newark, Ohio, is served by a few notable private schools, though some are located in nearby communities. Within Newark itself, **St. Francis de Sales School** is a prominent Catholic K-8 option. For high school and broader K-12 education, families often look to schools in neighboring towns. **Granville Christian Academy** (in Granville, ~10 miles away) offers a Protestant Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. **Columbus Academy** (in Gahanna, ~25 miles away) is a prestigious, secular independent school for grades PreK-12, known for rigorous academics and extensive extracurriculars. The private school landscape in Licking County is defined by this mix of local parochial schools and access to elite institutions in the greater Columbus metro area.
How does tuition for private schools in the Newark, Ohio, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Newark area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, **St. Francis de Sales** typically has tuition in the range of $5,000-$7,000 for parishioners, with multi-child discounts. **Granville Christian Academy** tuition ranges from approximately $7,500 for elementary to over $10,000 for high school. **Columbus Academy**'s tuition is substantially higher, often exceeding $30,000, reflecting its independent school status. Ohio offers the **EdChoice Scholarship Program**, which can provide significant tuition assistance based on income or if your resident public school is designated as underperforming. All these schools also offer their own need-based financial aid, and payment plans are common.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Newark, Ohio, region offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Newark leverage their independence to offer specialized programs. **St. Francis de Sales** emphasizes faith-based education and character development within a small, community-focused environment. **Granville Christian Academy** integrates biblical worldview across its curriculum and offers fine arts and athletic programs. **Columbus Academy** provides an exceptionally broad range of advanced offerings, including extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses, renowned arts programs, competitive athletics in the Mid-State League, and global travel opportunities. A key differentiator for these schools is often smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention than might be found in Newark City Schools' larger classrooms.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Newark, Ohio, families?
Timelines are crucial as spaces can be limited. For most schools, the main application cycle for the following fall begins in **September or October**, with deadlines often between **January and March**. **Columbus Academy**, for example, has a strict early-winter deadline. The process usually involves an application form, student records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and for older grades, a student visit or entrance assessment. **St. Francis de Sales** may have more rolling admission but encourages early application. It's vital to contact admissions offices directly, as some schools (like Granville Christian) host open houses in the fall. Waiting lists are common, especially for entry-grade levels.
For a Newark, Ohio resident, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school outside the district?
A major consideration is transportation, as Ohio school districts are not required to provide it to private school students outside their boundaries. Newark families attending schools in Granville or Gahanna must typically arrange carpools or private transportation. This impacts daily logistics and extracurricular participation. Community-wise, choosing a school like St. Francis keeps your child's social network local, while choosing a regional school like Columbus Academy integrates your family into a geographically dispersed community, which can mean longer drives for playdates and events. However, these schools often have active parent networks that help facilitate connections among families from Newark and surrounding areas.