The Best Private Schools in Ravenna, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ravenna. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Old Trail School
Independent
Old Trail School is a highly-regarded independent school located in nearby Akron that serves families throughout Portage County. The school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for students from age 3 through grade 8. Known for its exceptional academic standards, Old Trail features state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes experiential learning with a 65-acre campus that includes outdoor classrooms and nature trails. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, small class sizes, and strong community feel. The curriculum balances rigorous academics with character development and offers extensive extracurricular programs in arts, athletics, and technology.
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Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts
Akron Public Schools (Public Magnet)
Miller South is a highly selective public magnet school that serves as a private school alternative for Ravenna-area families seeking specialized arts education. As a school of choice within Akron Public Schools, it requires audition and portfolio review for admission. The school provides intensive arts training alongside rigorous academic coursework for students in grades 4-8. Miller South features professional-grade facilities including dance studios, art galleries, music practice rooms, and a black box theater. The curriculum integrates arts throughout all academic subjects, and students choose a major arts concentration. The school has earned numerous awards for both academic excellence and arts education, with many graduates continuing to prestigious arts high schools and colleges.
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Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy is a premier Christian college-preparatory school serving students from Ravenna and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive academic program from kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and spiritual development. CVCA features modern facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, honors programs, and specialized tracks in STEM and fine arts. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and is known for its strong community values and character education. Extracurricular opportunities include championship athletic teams, competitive academic clubs, and extensive mission and service programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ravenna, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Ravenna, Ohio?
While Ravenna itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families in the area commonly consider institutions in the broader Portage and Summit County region. Notable options include **Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA)** in Cuyahoga Falls, which is a popular Christian college-preparatory school. Additionally, **Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts** in Akron is a highly selective public magnet school that functions like a private school in its specialized focus and application process. **Old Trail School** in Bath is another premier independent school, though it is a significant commute. Many Ravenna families also look at Catholic schools within the Diocese of Youngstown, such as those in nearby Kent or Akron. Transportation is a key consideration, as most options require commuting.
How does tuition at private schools near Ravenna, OH, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for private schools in the Northeast Ohio region surrounding Ravenna varies widely. For example, CVCA's high school tuition is approximately $12,000-$14,000 per year, while Old Trail School's tuition ranges from $12,000 to $22,000 depending on grade level, which is generally on par with or slightly below the average for Ohio's top-tier independent schools. Ohio offers the **EdChoice Scholarship Program**, a critical financial consideration for families. This state-funded voucher can significantly reduce tuition costs if your family meets income requirements or if your resident public school is designated as underperforming. Additionally, most private schools offer their own need-based financial aid. It's essential to apply for aid and scholarships directly through each school, as deadlines are often early in the calendar year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Ravenna area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private and specialized public schools near Ravenna offer distinct programs not always available in the local public district. **Miller South** provides an intensive, arts-integrated curriculum where students major in an art form (e.g., dance, theatre, visual arts). **CVCA** emphasizes a faith-based, college-prep curriculum with strong STEM and arts programs, along with a wide array of competitive athletics. **Old Trail School** offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and a strong focus on environmental education, utilizing its 62-acre campus. These schools often have smaller class sizes, more specialized faculty, and unique partnerships with local cultural institutions in Akron and Cleveland, providing enrichment opportunities that leverage the region's resources.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Ravenna, OH, families?
The timeline is competitive and requires advanced planning. For schools like Old Trail School and CVCA, the application process for the following academic year typically opens in **August or September**, with priority deadlines in **January or February**. This often includes submission of applications, teacher recommendations, transcripts, standardized testing (like the ISEE or school-specific tests), and family interviews. For a specialized school like Miller South, the application window for its audition/portfolio review process is usually in the fall for admission the next year. Given the limited seats and the fact that these schools draw from a wide region, we strongly advise Ravenna parents to begin research and campus visits at least 12-18 months before the desired enrollment date, especially for middle or high school entry.
For a family living in Ravenna, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school outside the district?
This is a crucial factor. Most private schools near Ravenna do not provide district-sponsored transportation. Families are responsible for getting their children to schools in Cuyahoga Falls, Akron, or Bath, which can mean a **daily commute of 20-45 minutes each way**. Carpooling with other local families is common. On the community front, your child's social circle and extracurricular involvement will be geographically dispersed, which can require more effort for playdates and parent involvement. However, these schools often foster tight-knit communities of their own. It's advisable to connect with current families from the Ravenna/Portage County area through school-admitted family networks to understand the real-world logistics and build a support system before committing.