The Best Private Schools in Novelty, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Novelty. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University School
University School
University School is one of Northeast Ohio's premier independent day schools for boys, serving students from pre-primary through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Novelty in Hunting Valley, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and personalized attention. University School consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Gilmour Academy
Gilmour Academy
Gilmour Academy is a Catholic independent school located in nearby Gates Mills, serving students from Montessori through 12th grade. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program within a faith-based environment, featuring a 144-acre campus with modern academic facilities, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Gilmour emphasizes holistic education with strong academic programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts offerings. The school's diverse community and commitment to character development make it a popular choice for families throughout the Novelty area seeking a values-based education with strong college placement.
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Andrews Osborne Academy
Andrews Osborne Academy
Andrews Osborne Academy is an independent co-educational day and boarding school located in Willoughby, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school features a 300-acre campus with extensive facilities including science labs, arts studios, and athletic facilities. AOA offers both traditional college preparatory curriculum and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with diverse academic pathways. The school emphasizes global perspectives and personalized learning, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. Their comprehensive arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs provide well-rounded development for students from Novelty and surrounding communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Novelty, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Novelty, Ohio?
While Novelty itself is a small village, it is situated in a region of Northeast Ohio with several prestigious private schools. The most prominent day and boarding schools serving the Novelty area include University School (with separate campuses for lower and upper schools in Hunting Valley and Shaker Heights), Gilmour Academy (a Catholic, independent school in Gates Mills), and Andrews Osborne Academy (a co-ed day and boarding school in Willoughby). These schools are all within a 15-25 minute drive from Novelty and offer distinct educational philosophies, from single-gender to co-ed, religious to non-sectarian. Transportation via bus service or carpool is a key consideration for Novelty residents.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Novelty, OH, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Novelty area is significant and varies by grade level and boarding status. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition typically ranges from approximately $30,000 to $40,000+ annually. All these schools—University School, Gilmour Academy, and Andrews Osborne Academy—have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Ohio also offers state-funded scholarship programs, like the EdChoice Expansion Scholarship, which may provide income-based tuition assistance for qualifying families to use at participating private schools. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions and financial aid office directly for detailed timelines and application requirements.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private schools accessible from Novelty, Ohio?
The private schools near Novelty provide specialized programs that leverage their resources and campus settings. University School is renowned for its entrepreneurial and leadership institutes, as well as extensive advanced STEM research opportunities. Gilmour Academy offers a distinctive Montessori-based lower school and a strong emphasis on its Holy Cross values, alongside a nationally recognized hockey program. Andrews Osborne Academy features an equestrian program with an on-campus stable, a dedicated Center for International Programs, and a focus on personalized learning plans. The semi-rural setting of Novelty means many students from these schools engage in environmental science and outdoor education locally.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for applying to private schools like University School or Gilmour Academy from Novelty?
The admissions process for competitive private schools in Northeast Ohio is similar and begins early. For entry in the fall, the ideal timeline starts 12-18 months in advance. Key steps for Novelty families include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student visits and interviews (often in winter), and taking required entrance exams (like the ISEE or SSAT). Notification dates are typically in March. Given Novelty's location, planning for transportation and scheduling visits around potential commute times is an important local factor. It's highly recommended to engage with admissions offices the spring before you intend to apply.
For a family in Novelty, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools) and a private school?
This decision hinges on educational philosophy, resources, and community. The Chagrin Falls public district is consistently top-rated in Ohio, offering a strong, tuition-free education with excellent extracurriculars. Choosing a private school like those near Novelty often involves seeking a specific environment: single-gender education (University School), a faith-based foundation (Gilmour), or a global boarding community (Andrews Osborne). Private schools typically offer smaller class sizes, specialized academic tracks, and different athletic or arts facilities. The trade-off is the substantial financial investment and daily commute. Many Novelty families value the close-knit, focused community of these private institutions and are willing to make the investment for a tailored educational approach.
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