The Best Private Schools in Scioto Furnace, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Scioto Furnace. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame Schools
Notre Dame Schools
Notre Dame Schools is a premier Catholic private school system serving Scioto County and surrounding areas. Located approximately 15 minutes from Scioto Furnace, it offers comprehensive education from elementary through high school. The school emphasizes college preparation with a rigorous academic curriculum, strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts offerings. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Notre Dame maintains high academic standards and has a track record of graduates attending top universities. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces.
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Portsmouth STEM Academy
Portsmouth STEM Academy
Portsmouth STEM Academy is a highly-regarded charter school serving the Scioto County region, located just 12 miles from Scioto Furnace. As a STEM-focused institution, it provides specialized education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through innovative project-based learning. The school offers College Credit Plus programs allowing students to earn college credits, competitive robotics teams, and advanced technology integration throughout the curriculum. With modern facilities and dedicated STEM labs, the academy prepares students for careers in high-demand fields while maintaining strong community partnerships and parent involvement.
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St. Mary Catholic School
St. Mary Catholic School
St. Mary Catholic School provides exceptional private elementary education to students throughout Scioto County, including the Scioto Furnace area. Located approximately 15 minutes away in downtown Portsmouth, this long-established school offers a strong foundation in core academics combined with Catholic faith formation. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a nurturing environment that emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Programs include comprehensive elementary curriculum, technology integration, music and art education, and various extracurricular activities. The school maintains strong parent-teacher partnerships and has a reputation for preparing students well for secondary education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Scioto Furnace, Ohio
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Scioto Furnace, Ohio, given that most schools are located in nearby Portsmouth?
While Scioto Furnace itself is a small, unincorporated community, families typically look to the nearby city of Portsmouth, Ohio, for private education. The most accessible and notable options include Notre Dame Schools (a combined junior high and high school), Portsmouth STEM Academy, and St. Mary Catholic School (elementary). Commuting 15-20 minutes into Portsmouth is standard for Scioto Furnace residents seeking private education. It's important to evaluate each school's transportation policies, as some may offer bus service from designated areas in Scioto County.
How does tuition at private schools like Notre Dame or St. Mary in the Portsmouth/Scioto Furnace area compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Scioto County area is generally more affordable than in major Ohio metros. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary Catholic School (K-8) tuition is approximately $4,000-$5,000 per year, while Notre Dame Schools (7-12) is around $7,000-$8,000. Critically, Ohio offers the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for students assigned to low-performing public schools or based on family income. Many families in Scioto Furnace utilize these scholarships to significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, all local private schools offer parish discounts and need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Scioto Furnace offer that leverage the regional context?
Schools in the Portsmouth area have developed programs that connect to local history and industry. Notre Dame Schools offer robust STEM pathways and college credit plus courses through Shawnee State University. Portsmouth STEM Academy is a dedicated K-8 school focused on science, technology, engineering, and math, a direct response to regional economic development goals. Furthermore, given the rich history of the Ohio River Valley and the area's namesake iron industry, schools often incorporate local history, environmental science of the Scioto River, and agricultural science into their curricula, providing a unique place-based learning experience.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary or Portsmouth STEM Academy for a Scioto Furnace resident?
The enrollment process for the upcoming school year typically begins with open houses in January or February. For St. Mary Catholic School, priority is often given to active parishioners and siblings of current students, with general enrollment opening in March. Portsmouth STEM Academy, as a public charter school (which functions like a tuition-free private school in choice), may have a lottery system if applications exceed available seats, with deadlines usually in early spring. Notre Dame Schools encourage shadow visits for prospective students in the fall. Scioto Furnace families are advised to contact schools directly by December to get on mailing lists and understand specific deadlines, as spaces, particularly in lower grades, can be limited.
For a Scioto Furnace family, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local Wheelersburg public school district and a private school in Portsmouth?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and commute. Wheelersburg Local Schools is a highly-rated public district, meaning families are paying for it via taxes regardless. Choosing a private school adds direct tuition costs (potentially offset by EdChoice scholarships) and a daily commute to Portsmouth. The private school advantage in this area often includes smaller class sizes, a specific religious or values-based education (at Notre Dame or St. Mary), or a specialized STEM-focused curriculum. For families deeply involved in the Portsmouth community or seeking a particular faith-based education, the private option is compelling. It's recommended to tour both the local public school and the private options to compare culture, facilities, and program offerings directly.