The Best Private Schools in Saint Marys, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint Marys. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lima Central Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Lima Central Catholic High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Saint Marys and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and comprehensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics and fine arts. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, LCC provides personalized attention and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The school emphasizes character development and community service within a faith-based environment.
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Temple Christian School
Independent Christian School
Temple Christian School is a respected private Christian institution serving the Saint Marys area with comprehensive education from preschool through high school. The school offers a strong academic program grounded in Christian values, featuring college preparatory courses, technology integration, and diverse extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports teams, music programs, and drama. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes both academic excellence and spiritual development, with many graduates attending selective colleges and universities.
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Immaculate Conception School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Immaculate Conception School in nearby Celina serves families from Saint Marys and surrounding communities with a strong Catholic elementary education program for grades K-8. The school features a comprehensive curriculum with emphasis on core academics, faith formation, and character development. Students benefit from technology integration, STEM activities, music programs, and various extracurricular opportunities. The school maintains an excellent student-to-teacher ratio and prepares students for success in high school and beyond through its rigorous academic foundation and values-based education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint Marys, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Saint Marys, Ohio, and what grade levels do they serve?
Saint Marys, Ohio, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily faith-based. The notable schools include **Immaculate Conception School** (Pre-K through 8th grade), a Catholic parish school within the city. For high school, many Saint Marys families look to **Lima Central Catholic High School** in nearby Lima (grades 9-12), which is a common destination for graduates of the local Catholic elementary school. Additionally, **Temple Christian School** in Lima (Pre-K through 12) is another regional option. There are limited private school campuses physically within Saint Marys city limits, making transportation to neighboring communities like Lima a common consideration for parents seeking a full K-12 private education.
How does tuition at private schools serving Saint Marys, Ohio, compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and religious affiliation. For the 2024-2025 year, parish-supported schools like **Immaculate Conception** typically have lower tuition for registered, contributing parishioners (often ranging from $3,000-$5,000 annually) compared to non-parishioners. Schools like **Lima Central Catholic High School** and **Temple Christian School** have higher comprehensive tuition, often between $7,000-$10,000+ per year. Critically, Ohio offers the **EdChoice Scholarship Program**, which provides state-funded vouchers for students to attend private schools based on either residence in a low-performing public school district or family income. Eligibility should be checked annually, as it can significantly offset costs. Additionally, all these schools offer internal financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Saint Marys area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Saint Marys region often emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum, which is a primary differentiator. Academically, **Lima Central Catholic High School** offers a robust College Credit Plus (CCP) program through partnerships with local universities, allowing students to earn significant college credit. **Temple Christian School** emphasizes a biblical worldview across all subjects and may offer specific programs in fine arts or ministry. **Immaculate Conception School** provides a strong foundational program with small class sizes and sacramental preparation for Catholic families. These schools often have distinct extracurriculars like state-level competitive robotics at LCC, or mission trip opportunities, which may be less emphasized in the public system.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Immaculate Conception that serve Saint Marys residents?
For a community school like **Immaculate Conception School** in Saint Marys, the process typically begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year. Priority is usually given to registered parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church, then to other Catholic families, and finally to the general community if space allows. The process involves submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates, previous school records, and often a family interview. For **Lima Central Catholic** or **Temple Christian**, timelines are similar, with open houses often held in the fall. It's crucial to contact these schools directly by early winter, as some grades (especially kindergarten and freshman year) can fill quickly. Most schools require a non-refundable registration fee to secure a spot.
For a family in Saint Marys, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school option?
Key considerations include **cost, commute, and educational philosophy**. The Saint Marys City School District offers a free, comprehensive K-12 education with strong athletic programs and proximity. Choosing a private option like Immaculate Conception or commuting to Lima involves direct tuition costs (potentially offset by EdChoice scholarships) and daily transportation logistics—a 25-30 minute drive each way. Philosophically, it centers on whether you desire a specific religious foundation and often smaller class sizes versus the broader resources and student diversity of a public district. Additionally, consider the student's path: attending Immaculate Conception for elementary often naturally leads to LCC for high school, creating a continuous, close-knit community, whereas public school offers continuity within the local Saint Marys community from kindergarten through graduation.