The Best Private Schools in Ray, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ray. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Immaculate Conception School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Immaculate Conception School is a highly-rated Catholic school serving the Ray and greater Celina area. Founded in 1959, this established institution offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The school features modern facilities, dedicated teachers with an average 15+ years of experience, and a robust curriculum that includes STEM programs, music education, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent preparation for high school.
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St. Marys Catholic School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati
St. Marys Catholic School has been serving the Ray and Celina community since 1974, providing exceptional private education with strong Catholic values. The school serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is known for its rigorous academic program that emphasizes advanced mathematics and comprehensive language arts. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, ensuring personalized attention. Parents highlight the strong sense of community, dedicated faculty, and excellent student outcomes.
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Lima Central Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Lima Central Catholic High School is a premier private high school serving students from Ray and surrounding communities. Established in 1964, LCC offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and a specialized STEM Academy. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complex. With a 98% college acceptance rate and average ACT scores above state averages, LCC consistently produces academically successful graduates. The school is particularly noted for its strong community support, championship athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ray, Ohio
What are the private school options for families living in Ray, Ohio, and are there any non-religious independent schools nearby?
Ray, Ohio, is a small, rural community, so most private school options are Catholic parochial schools serving the broader Allen County region. The primary schools include Immaculate Conception School (K-8) in nearby Celina and St. Marys Catholic School (K-8) in St. Marys. For high school, Lima Central Catholic High School in Lima is the main private option. There are no non-religious independent private schools located directly in Ray; families seeking that model typically look toward larger cities like Lima, Findlay, or Dayton. Transportation is a key consideration, as these schools are not within walking distance for Ray residents.
How does tuition at private schools serving Ray, Ohio, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at the Catholic schools serving Ray, OH, is generally below the Ohio private school average due to parish subsidies and the rural setting. For the 2024-25 school year, elementary tuition at Immaculate Conception or St. Marys Catholic School is approximately $4,000-$5,500 per child, with discounts for parish members and multiple children. Lima Central Catholic High School tuition is around $8,000-$9,500. Significant financial aid is available through the schools themselves and the Diocese of Toledo. Crucially, Ohio families can also apply for state-funded programs like the EdChoice Scholarship (voucher) or the Income-Based Scholarship, which can cover a substantial portion of tuition if you meet residency and eligibility requirements.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Ray, Ohio, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Ray emphasize a values-based education with structured environments. Academically, they offer consistent, faith-integrated curricula and often have smaller class sizes than regional public districts. Lima Central Catholic High School provides notable college-prep programs, including a growing number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual-enrollment opportunities with local colleges like the University of Northwestern Ohio. Extracurricularly, these schools offer robust athletics (competing in the Ohio High School Athletic Association) and activities like academic challenge teams, music, and drama, often with high participation rates due to their smaller, close-knit communities.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Ray looking to secure a spot at a school like Immaculate Conception or Lima Central Catholic?
The enrollment process for these diocesan schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall. For Ray families, the first step is to contact the school office directly to schedule a tour and receive an application packet. Priority is often given to active parishioners of supporting churches and to siblings of current students. The application typically requires birth and baptismal certificates, immunization records, and previous school records. For Lima Central Catholic High School, an entrance exam is usually required for incoming freshmen. It's advisable to apply by March to ensure placement, though some schools may accept applications on a rolling basis if space allows.
For a family in Ray, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district (likely Perry Local Schools) and a private Catholic school?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. **Logistics:** Transportation is a major difference. Perry Local Schools provide busing within the district, while private schools require parents to arrange transportation, which can mean a 20-30 minute commute to Celina, St. Marys, or Lima. **Cost:** Public school is tuition-free. Private school requires tuition, though Ohio vouchers can offset this. **Environment:** Perry Local Schools offer a comprehensive K-12 experience in one community. The private options offer a faith-based environment and may provide a consistent peer group from elementary through high school at LCC. **Academics:** Both sectors offer solid education; the choice often comes down to whether a family prioritizes the religious component, specific programs, and community culture of the private schools over the convenience and cost structure of the local public system.