The Best Private Schools in Saint Johns, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint Johns. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Northwest Ohio Classical Academy
Hillsdale College Barney Charter School Initiative
Northwest Ohio Classical Academy is a public charter school offering a rigorous classical education model that serves families throughout the region, including Saint Johns. The school follows the Hillsdale College Barney Charter School curriculum, emphasizing classical literature, Latin instruction, and the Socratic method. Students benefit from a content-rich education focused on Western civilization, moral virtue, and critical thinking. The academy features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong sense of community. The curriculum includes comprehensive arts and music programs alongside traditional academic subjects.
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Lima Central Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Lima Central Catholic High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout Allen County and surrounding areas, including Saint Johns. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 13 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, LCC provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Temple Christian School
Independent Christian School
Temple Christian School is a well-established Christian educational institution serving the greater Lima area, including Saint Johns families. The school offers a comprehensive PreK-12 education with a strong biblical worldview integrated throughout the curriculum. Academic programs include college preparatory courses, advanced mathematics and science, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Temple Christian emphasizes character development, community involvement, and preparing students for college and life beyond through a balanced approach to spiritual, academic, and personal growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint Johns, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Saint Johns, Ohio, and are they located within the town itself?
Saint Johns, Ohio, is a small, unincorporated community, so there are no major private school campuses physically located within its immediate boundaries. However, families in Saint Johns typically look to nearby cities for excellent private education. The top options in the surrounding area include **Lima Central Catholic High School** (grades 9-12) in Lima, **Northwest Ohio Classical Academy** (K-12) in Lima, and **Temple Christian School** (K-12) also in Lima. For younger grades, some families also consider Catholic elementary schools in the Lima diocese. Transportation is a key consideration, as commuting to Lima (approximately a 15-20 minute drive) is standard for Saint Johns residents seeking private education.
How does the tuition for private schools near Saint Johns, Ohio, compare, and what financial aid options are available through Ohio state programs?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Lima Central Catholic High School tuition is approximately $8,000-$9,000, while Temple Christian School and Northwest Ohio Classical Academy may range from $6,000 to $8,000 for K-12, often with multi-child discounts. Critically, Ohio offers the **EdChoice Scholarship Program**, which provides state-funded vouchers to eligible students to attend private schools. Eligibility is based on either residence in a designated low-performing public school district or household income (Expansion EdChoice). Many families in Saint Johns utilize these scholarships to significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. It's essential to contact each school's financial office for specific aid packages and application guidance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Saint Johns, Ohio, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Saint Johns offer distinct educational philosophies and programs. **Northwest Ohio Classical Academy** provides a rigorous, content-rich classical education rooted in the Trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric) and features Socratic seminars. **Lima Central Catholic** emphasizes a college-preparatory curriculum integrated with Catholic values and offers strong athletic programs (competing in the Northwest Conference) and STEM initiatives. **Temple Christian School** focuses on a Bible-based education with a strong emphasis on character development and offers programs like its "Patriot Academy." Compared to the local public schools (like Lima City Schools or Allen East), these private options often have smaller class sizes, specific religious or philosophical foundations, and specialized curricular approaches not available in the public system.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Saint Johns applying to private schools like Lima Central Catholic or Temple Christian?
The enrollment process for schools serving Saint Johns generally begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall. For instance, Lima Central Catholic holds shadow days for prospective students and opens applications in January, with placement tests often scheduled in February. Temple Christian School and Northwest Ohio Classical Academy also have rolling admissions but encourage early application. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a tour, 2) Submitting an application with fees, 3) Providing academic records and teacher recommendations, 4) Completing any required entrance assessments, and 5) Applying for financial aid and Ohio EdChoice scholarships simultaneously. Deadlines for EdChoice are typically in April. It's advisable to initiate contact with admissions offices by November of the year prior to desired enrollment.
For a family moving to Saint Johns, Ohio, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in Lima?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The public school for Saint Johns residents is typically **Allen East Local Schools** (for most of the area), known for its rural community feel and no tuition cost. Considerations for choosing private include: **Commute** (a daily drive to Lima is required), **Cost** (tuition offset by potential EdChoice scholarships), **Educational Philosophy** (desire for religious or classical education), and **Class Size** (private schools often offer smaller, more personalized settings). Conversely, public schools provide proximity, no tuition, and a wide range of extracurriculars. Many families in this area value the community-centric environment of Allen East but choose private schools in Lima for their specific mission-driven education, particularly if they seek a faith-based or alternative pedagogical framework.