The Best Private Schools in Piqua, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Piqua. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Miami Valley School
Independent School
The Miami Valley School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the greater Dayton area, including Piqua families. As Dayton's only International Baccalaureate World School, it offers the full IB continuum from primary years through diploma program. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science innovation labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complex. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides exceptional individualized education. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, global citizenship, and interdisciplinary learning, with graduates consistently admitted to top-tier colleges and universities.
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Lehman Catholic High School
Catholic Schools of Greater Dayton
Lehman Catholic High School is a co-educational Catholic high school serving the Piqua region and surrounding communities. With a strong college preparatory focus, the school offers rigorous academics complemented by comprehensive athletic programs and extracurricular activities. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention. Lehman emphasizes faith-based education while preparing students for college success, with graduates consistently attending competitive universities.
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Emmanuel Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Emmanuel Christian Academy is a comprehensive Christian school serving students from Piqua and surrounding regions. The school offers a rigorous academic program grounded in Christian values, with college preparatory coursework and advanced placement options. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school maintains a strong sense of community with numerous extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports, music programs, and mission trips. With a focus on character development and academic excellence, ECA prepares students for higher education while fostering spiritual growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Piqua, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families in Piqua, Ohio, and what grade levels do they serve?
Piqua offers a few key private school options, though many families also consider schools in the broader Miami Valley region. Within Piqua, Emmanuel Christian Academy provides a Pre-K through 12th grade education rooted in a Christian worldview. For a Catholic secondary education, Lehman Catholic High School in nearby Sidney serves grades 9-12 and is a common choice for Piqua residents. Many Piqua families also look to The Miami Valley School in Dayton, which offers a rigorous, independent Pre-K-12 program, though it involves a commute. The private school landscape in Piqua itself is limited, making these nearby institutions important components of local private education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Piqua, Ohio area compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Piqua area varies significantly by school type. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Emmanuel Christian Academy's tuition is approximately $6,000-$8,000 annually, while Lehman Catholic High School's tuition is roughly $9,000-$10,000. The Miami Valley School, as a premier independent school, has tuition exceeding $20,000. Critically, Ohio offers the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for students attending designated public schools or based on household income to attend participating private schools like Emmanuel Christian and Lehman Catholic. Additionally, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship Program are important Ohio resources for eligible students.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Piqua, Ohio students?
Private schools accessible to Piqua families offer distinct programs. Lehman Catholic High School emphasizes its STEM curriculum and faith-based service learning, requiring over 100 service hours for graduation. Emmanuel Christian Academy integrates biblical principles across all subjects and offers a strong music and arts program. The Miami Valley School is known for its global curriculum, including extensive world language options starting in Pre-K, immersive interim term projects, and a renowned robotics team. For Piqua students interested in agriculture or engineering—key local industries—these schools often provide robust science tracks and project-based learning that align with regional career pathways.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Piqua, Ohio region?
Enrollment timelines for Piqua-area private schools generally begin in the winter for the following fall. For instance, Emmanuel Christian Academy in Piqua often opens applications in January, with re-enrollment for current families first. Lehman Catholic High School typically hosts open houses in the fall and has application deadlines in early winter for incoming freshmen. The Miami Valley School in Dayton has a more extensive process, with applications due in January or February, including student visits and assessments. It's crucial for Piqua parents to note that transportation is not typically provided by these schools, so planning for commuting is part of the enrollment consideration. Contacting schools directly by October or November is highly advisable.
For a family in Piqua, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several Piqua-specific factors. Piqua City Schools offer a comprehensive, tuition-free education with recently updated facilities and strong career-tech programs at the Upper Valley Career Center. Choosing a private school like Emmanuel Christian or commuting to Lehman Catholic often involves seeking a specific religious foundation, smaller class sizes, or a particular pedagogical approach (e.g., classical or global). The commute to schools outside Piqua is a major practical consideration, impacting daily schedules and extracurricular participation. Financially, utilizing Ohio's EdChoice voucher can significantly offset private school tuition. Ultimately, parents should assess their child's needs, visit both local public and private options, and calculate the total family commitment involved in each path.