The Best Private Schools in Ottawa, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ottawa. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Charles Borromeo School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo
St. Charles Borromeo School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Ottawa area and surrounding communities. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years experience, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts offerings. The school maintains small class sizes for personalized attention and has a strong track record of preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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Lima Central Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Lima Central Catholic High School serves students from Ottawa and throughout the region with a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. The school features state-of-the-art science labs, comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletic teams, and outstanding fine arts facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, LCC provides personalized education and strong college counseling services. The school boasts a 99% college acceptance rate and offers numerous Advanced Placement courses, along with extensive extracurricular opportunities including robotics, theater, and championship athletic programs.
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Temple Christian School
Independent Christian School
Temple Christian School provides comprehensive Christian education serving the Ottawa area from preschool through 12th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a biblical worldview framework, offering college preparatory courses, Advanced Placement options, and dual enrollment opportunities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains strong parent satisfaction ratings and features dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, comprehensive athletic programs, and extensive community service opportunities that prepare students for leadership and success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ottawa, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Ottawa, Ohio, and what grade levels do they serve?
Ottawa, Ohio, is served by a few key private institutions, though some are located in nearby communities, which is common for smaller towns. St. Charles Borromeo School in Lima (approx. 20 miles away) is a popular Pre-K through 8th-grade Catholic option. For high school, Lima Central Catholic High School is the primary Catholic secondary school for the region. Temple Christian School in Lima offers a Pre-K through 12th-grade Protestant education. Many Ottawa families consider these schools, necessitating planning for transportation. There are also smaller parochial schools in surrounding Putnam County towns that Ottawa residents may explore.
How does tuition at private schools serving Ottawa, Ohio, typically compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for private schools in the Ottawa area is generally below the national average but aligns with regional Ohio costs. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary tuition at schools like St. Charles Borromeo often ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 annually, while high school tuition at Lima Central Catholic can be $8,000 to $10,000. Ohio offers the EdChoice Scholarship Program, a critical financial resource for eligible families. This state-funded voucher can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, especially for families whose assigned public school is underperforming or based on income. Each school also typically has its own need-based aid and parish subsidy programs for active church members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Ottawa, Ohio, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools serving Ottawa emphasize specific value-based education and specialized programs. Lima Central Catholic High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with distinctive theology courses and competitive athletics in the Northwest Conference. Temple Christian School provides a Bible-integrated curriculum across all subjects and may offer smaller class sizes than some public districts. St. Charles Borromeo focuses on foundational Catholic education with sacramental preparation. A key differentiator in this region is the ability to choose an educational environment aligned with religious faith, which is a primary driver for families in Ottawa's tight-knit communities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Lima Central Catholic that serve Ottawa, Ohio, families?
The enrollment process for schools like Lima Central Catholic High School (LCC) or St. Charles Borromeo usually begins in the winter for the following academic year. For LCC, open houses and shadow days for 8th graders are typically held from October to January. Application deadlines are often in early spring (February/March), with acceptance notifications sent by April. A key step for Ottawa families is applying for state scholarship programs (EdChoice) by the April 15th deadline. It's highly recommended to contact the school's admissions office directly, as timelines can vary, and transportation arrangements from Ottawa need to be considered early.
For an Ottawa, Ohio resident, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation to these private schools, which are primarily located in Lima?
Transportation is a significant logistical consideration for Ottawa families choosing private schools in Lima, approximately a 25-30 minute drive. None of the private schools provide district-wide busing from Ottawa. Families typically must arrange for carpooling, private driving, or utilize the limited options available. Some families may qualify for state transportation reimbursement if they are within a certain distance of their assigned public school, but this is not guaranteed. This daily commute is a major factor in the decision-making process, impacting family schedules and costs. Connecting with other Ottawa families at the school can help establish carpools.