The Best Private Schools in Solon, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Solon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University School
University School
University School is one of Northeast Ohio's premier independent day schools for boys, serving students from pre-primary through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Solon in Hunting Valley, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic, artistic, and athletic facilities. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive college counseling. Students benefit from state-of-the-art STEM labs, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The campus spans 221 acres with modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces.
Programs:
Laurel School
Laurel School
Laurel School is a nationally recognized independent day school for girls located in nearby Shaker Heights, serving students from pre-primary through 12th grade. The school emphasizes empowering young women through rigorous academics, leadership development, and innovative STEM programs. Laurel features a 150-acre outdoor education campus, state-of-the-art science and technology facilities, and comprehensive arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 7:1 and offers extensive college preparation with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges. Laurel's location provides easy access for Solon families.
Programs:
Hawken School
Hawken School
Hawken School is a highly respected co-educational independent school with multiple campuses serving Northeast Ohio, including their Lyndhurst location convenient for Solon families. The school serves students from early childhood through 12th grade with a focus on experiential learning, character development, and academic excellence. Hawken offers a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and global study opportunities. The school features modern facilities, innovative learning spaces, and a commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for college and beyond. Hawken's strong community and academic reputation make it a top choice for families in the Solon area.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Solon, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Solon, Ohio, and are they located within the city?
While Solon itself is primarily served by its highly-rated public school district, several prestigious private schools are accessible in the broader Northeast Ohio region, with many Solon families commuting to them. The most notable include University School (Shaker Heights and Hunting Valley campuses, all-boys, PreK-12), Laurel School (Shaker Heights, all-girls, PreK-12), and Hawken School (campuses in Gates Mills and Lyndhurst, co-ed, PreK-12). These schools are typically a 15-30 minute drive from Solon. There are also parochial options in surrounding communities. Solon's location provides convenient access to these top-tier institutions without them being within the city's municipal boundaries.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Solon, OH, compare, and what financial aid options are available for Ohio residents?
Tuition for the leading independent schools near Solon is significant, often ranging from approximately $30,000 to $40,000+ per year for upper grades. For the 2024-2025 academic year, families should expect costs at the higher end of that spectrum. Critically, all these schools are committed to need-based financial aid, offering substantial grants (not loans) to qualified families. As Ohio residents, Solon families may also be eligible for the state's EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides vouchers based on income or the assigned public school building's performance rating, potentially reducing the net cost. Each school's financial aid office can provide detailed guidance specific to your family's situation.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools like University, Laurel, and Hawken offer that attract Solon families?
These schools offer distinct programs that complement Solon's own strong academic base. University School emphasizes leadership and experiential learning, with a renowned Senior Project. Laurel School has a strong focus on STEM and research for girls, including its Center for Research on Girls. Hawken School is known for its forward-thinking, co-ed curriculum and the Gries Center for experiential education. All three offer extensive arts, athletics, and global study programs that are deeply integrated into the curriculum. For Solon parents, these schools provide specialized environments (single-sex or co-ed), exceptionally low student-to-teacher ratios, and college preparatory rigor that is highly personalized, which are the primary draws beyond the excellent local public system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Solon, Ohio area?
The admission process for schools like US, Laurel, and Hawken is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. The key timeline is as follows: **Spring/Summer before entry year:** Attend open houses and tours. **Early Fall (Sept-Oct):** Submit inquiry forms, attend fall open houses, and schedule parent interviews and student visits/assessments. **Application Deadline:** Most schools have a deadline in January (often mid-to-late month) for the following fall. **Decision Notification:** Schools typically release admission and financial aid decisions in March. It is crucial for Solon families to plan early, as spaces, especially in specific entry grades (PreK, K, 5, 6, 9), are limited and competitive. Applying for financial aid runs concurrently with the admission application.
For families in Solon's top-rated public school district, what are the key reasons to consider a private school option?
This is a central consideration for Solon residents. The decision often hinges on educational philosophy and specific student needs rather than a lack of quality in the public schools. Key reasons include: seeking a single-gender learning environment (Laurel or US); desiring a specific pedagogical approach with more experiential or project-based learning; wanting a significantly smaller average class size for more individualized attention; valuing a particular community or mission focus; or seeking specialized programs that start in early childhood. For some, the private school path offers a continuous PreK-12 journey without transitions between buildings. It's less about "better" and more about "different"—finding the most tailored fit for a child's learning style and a family's educational values.