The Best Private Schools in Shawnee, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shawnee. 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 the Shawnee area and greater Lima region. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, LCC emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, preparing students for college and beyond. The school maintains strong community ties and has a proven track record of student success.
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St. Charles Borromeo School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo
St. Charles Borromeo School provides comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families in Shawnee and the Lima area. The school features a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, music education, and religious formation. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, library resources, and playground areas. With experienced teachers and a supportive community environment, St. Charles emphasizes academic achievement while nurturing spiritual growth. The school prepares students well for high school with a curriculum that balances core academics with character development.
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Liberty Benton Elementary School
Liberty-Benton Local School District
Liberty Benton Elementary School, while located in Findlay, serves students from surrounding communities including Shawnee area families seeking quality private education options. The school offers a comprehensive elementary program with strong emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and STEM education. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, library media center, and extensive playground areas. The school is known for its dedicated teaching staff, strong parent involvement, and excellent academic outcomes. Liberty Benton provides a well-rounded education with robust arts programs and extracurricular activities, making it a popular choice for families in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shawnee, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Shawnee, Ohio, and are they located within the city limits?
Shawnee, Ohio, is a village within Allen County, and most of its private school options are located in the broader Lima metropolitan area. The top schools include Lima Central Catholic High School (grades 9-12) in Lima, St. Charles Borromeo School (Pre-K-8) in Lima, and Liberty Benton Elementary School (K-5) in nearby Findlay. It's important to note that there are no major private school campuses physically located within Shawnee's village boundaries. Families in Shawnee typically commute to these nearby institutions, with Lima Central Catholic being a popular choice for high school due to its strong college-prep curriculum and faith-based environment.
How does tuition for private schools in the Shawnee, Ohio, area compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Shawnee/Lima area 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 St. Charles Borromeo is roughly $4,000-$5,000 for parishioners. A key Ohio-specific financial aid program is the EdChoice Scholarship, which provides state-funded vouchers for students attending private schools if their assigned public school is on the state's performance list or based on household income. Additionally, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship Program are available for eligible students. All local private schools have their own financial aid and parish subsidy programs, making it essential to schedule individual consultations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Shawnee, Ohio, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Lima area serving Shawnee families offer distinct programs rooted in their missions. Lima Central Catholic High School features a renowned STEM program with dedicated labs, a competitive engineering track, and a strong emphasis on theology and service hours. St. Charles Borromeo School integrates Catholic faith throughout its curriculum and offers Spanish instruction from an early grade. While Shawnee's public schools are part of the Shawnee Local School District, these private options provide a faith-based education, often with smaller class sizes and a focus on character development. Extracurricularly, LCC competes in the Northwest Conference and offers unique clubs like Mock Trial and Robotics, which may differ from the offerings at Shawnee High School.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Lima Central Catholic for a family residing in Shawnee, Ohio?
For Shawnee families, the enrollment process for Lima Central Catholic High School typically begins in the fall for the following academic year, with open houses held from October through January. The priority application deadline is often in early February. The process involves submitting an application, academic records from the current school (e.g., Shawnee Middle School), teacher recommendations, and attending a shadow day. For feeder schools like St. Charles Borromeo, the process for 8th graders transitioning to LCC is more streamlined. It's crucial to contact the admissions office directly, as timelines can vary, and spaces for incoming freshmen from outside the traditional feeder system can be limited.
For a family in Shawnee, Ohio, considering the choice between Shawnee Local public schools and private options, what are the key local factors to weigh?
The decision involves several Shawnee-specific considerations. Academically, Shawnee Local Schools are highly rated, offering robust AP courses and extracurriculars. The choice often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and religious affiliation. Private options provide a faith-based environment and may have a different student-to-teacher ratio. Logistically, choosing a private school like LCC or St. Charles requires a daily commute to Lima (a 15-20 minute drive from Shawnee), whereas public schools are within the village. Financially, while public school is tax-funded, private tuition is offset by potential state scholarships. Culturally, some Shawnee families value the continuity of the local public community, while others seek the specific mission and college placement record of private institutions in the region.