The Best Private Schools in Rawson, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rawson. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Michael School
Catholic Diocese of Toledo
St. Michael School is a highly-rated Catholic private school located approximately 15 minutes from Rawson in Findlay. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive education rooted in Catholic values with strong academic programs. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and strong community atmosphere. The curriculum emphasizes faith formation alongside rigorous academics with special programs in STEM, fine arts, and competitive sports.
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The Gardner School of Findlay
The Gardner School
The Gardner School of Findlay is a premier private preschool and early childhood education center located about 12 miles from Rawson. This nationally accredited school serves children from six weeks through pre-kindergarten with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes early literacy, mathematics, and social development. The facility features secure, state-of-the-art classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and specialized learning centers. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its professional staff, clean and safe environment, and comprehensive educational approach that prepares young learners for elementary school success.
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St. Joseph School
Catholic Diocese of Toledo
St. Joseph School in Tiffin is a historic Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, located approximately 25 minutes from Rawson. With over 160 years of educational excellence, the school combines tradition with modern educational practices. The curriculum features strong core academics enhanced by technology integration, music education, and competitive sports programs. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and commitment to developing students' spiritual, academic, and social growth. Facilities include updated classrooms, a gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for art and music instruction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rawson, Ohio
What are the private school options for families living in Rawson, Ohio, and are there any located directly within the village?
Families in Rawson, Ohio, have several well-regarded private school options in the immediate surrounding area, though none are physically located within the village limits of Rawson itself. The most prominent schools serving the community are St. Michael School in Findlay (Catholic, PreK-8), The Gardner School of Findlay (private, nonsectarian preschool and pre-kindergarten), and St. Joseph School in Findlay (Catholic, K-8). Due to Rawson's small size and rural setting in Hancock County, most private education requires a commute to nearby Findlay, approximately a 15-20 minute drive. Transportation is typically the responsibility of the family.
How does tuition at private schools like St. Michael or St. Joseph in the Findlay/Rawson area compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the Catholic elementary schools (St. Michael and St. Joseph) typically ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 per year for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. The Gardner School, as a premier early childhood center, may have comparable or higher rates for its programs. Importantly, Ohio offers the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers to eligible students to attend private schools. Eligibility is often based on the assigned public school's performance or family income. Families in Rawson should check the specific EdChoice expansion rules and apply through their chosen private school, as this can significantly offset tuition costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Rawson, OH, offer that differentiate them from local public districts?
Private schools in the Findlay area serving Rawson families often provide distinctive programs rooted in their missions. St. Michael and St. Joseph Schools offer a faith-based education integrated throughout the curriculum, with weekly Mass and sacramental preparation. They may also feature smaller class sizes than some regional public districts, allowing for more individualized attention. The Gardner School focuses exclusively on early childhood development with a research-based curriculum aimed at school readiness. For older students, some area private schools offer connections to larger Catholic high schools in Findlay, providing a continuous K-12 pathway that Rawson's public system (typically sending students to Cory-Rawson Local Schools) does not offer in the private sector.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Michael School for a family moving to Rawson?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Michael or St. Joseph in Findlay often begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority given to existing families and parish members. For families moving to Rawson mid-year or over the summer, it's essential to contact the school office directly, as spots may be available due to attrition. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records, and possibly a family interview. Given Rawson's location, proving residency in Ohio is required, but living within a specific parish boundary is less critical than demonstrating a commitment to the school's faith-based mission for parish tuition rates.
For a family considering the Cory-Rawson Local School District versus a private school in Findlay, what are the key logistical and community considerations?
The primary consideration is the community and educational environment. Cory-Rawson Local Schools offer a consolidated, community-centered public education from kindergarten through 12th grade all within the same district, with no commute for extracurricular activities. Choosing a private school in Findlay means a daily commute (15-20 minutes each way) and potentially separating your child from neighborhood peers. However, private options may offer a specific religious foundation or pedagogical approach not available in the public system. Financially, using the Ohio EdChoice Scholarship can make private school tuition competitive with the incidental costs of public school, but families must factor in transportation time and costs. It's advisable to tour both the local Cory-Rawson schools and the private options in Findlay to feel the difference in culture and scale.