The Best Private Schools in Somerset, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Somerset. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop Rosecrans High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus
Bishop Rosecrans High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Somerset and surrounding Perry County communities. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. Students benefit from comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and robust fine arts offerings. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and provides a values-based education grounded in Catholic traditions. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic complexes.
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Licking County Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Licking County Christian Academy provides a comprehensive Christian education serving families from Somerset and surrounding areas. The school offers a challenging academic program integrated with biblical worldview instruction. Features include advanced placement courses, competitive sports teams, music and drama programs, and technology integration across all grade levels. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining strong academic standards and college preparation.
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The Graham School
Independent Progressive School
The Graham School offers an innovative expeditionary learning model that serves students from Somerset and the broader central Ohio region. This progressive independent school emphasizes hands-on, experiential education with project-based learning and outdoor education components. The curriculum includes rigorous college preparatory courses, integrated arts programs, and community engagement initiatives. Small class sizes and personalized learning plans ensure individual student growth and achievement. The school's unique approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Somerset, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Somerset, Ohio?
Somerset and the surrounding Perry County area offer a few key private school options, though many families also consider schools in neighboring counties. Within close proximity, you have Bishop Rosecrans High School (grades 9-12) in nearby Zanesville, which is a Catholic diocesan school. For K-12 Christian education, Licking County Christian Academy in Heath is another option, though it requires a commute. Some families also look at The Graham School in Columbus for its expeditionary learning model, which is a longer drive. It's important to note that Somerset itself has a very limited number of private schools, so most options involve commuting to Zanesville, Newark, or Columbus, which is a significant consideration for Somerset residents.
How does the tuition for private schools near Somerset, OH, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools serving the Somerset area tends to be below the average for major Ohio cities but is a significant consideration for local family budgets. For example, Bishop Rosecrans High School's tuition is set by the Diocese of Columbus and is typically several thousand dollars per year, with reduced rates for active parishioners. Ohio offers several state-funded financial aid programs that Somerset families can utilize, most notably the EdChoice Scholarship (voucher) program. Eligibility is often based on the assigned public school's performance or family income. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans. It's crucial to apply for these programs early, as funds can be limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Somerset, Ohio, provide that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the region often provide specialized environments that can be appealing. Bishop Rosecrans emphasizes a college-preparatory curriculum within a faith-based framework, offering theology courses and community service requirements. Licking County Christian Academy provides a Bible-integrated curriculum across all subjects. The Graham School, though a longer commute, is notable for its project-based "expeditionary learning" model, which is rare in rural Ohio. For Somerset families, these schools can offer smaller class sizes, distinct religious education, or alternative pedagogical approaches not available in the local public district, potentially justifying the commute for the right fit.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Bishop Rosecrans that serve Somerset students?
The enrollment process for schools like Bishop Rosecrans High School usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, and often a pastoral recommendation for Catholic schools. Many schools host open houses in the fall. A critical step for Somerset families is scheduling a shadow day, where the student spends a day at the school, which can be a logistical consideration due to distance. For schools utilizing Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship, application deadlines for the voucher program are strict and usually in the spring. It's advisable to contact the admissions office a full year in advance to understand specific dates and requirements.
For a family living in Somerset, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school option that requires commuting?
The decision heavily revolves around logistics, cost, and educational philosophy. Somerset is served by the Northern Local School District (Sheridan High School). Choosing a private option like those in Zanesville or Newark adds a daily commute of 20-45 minutes each way, which impacts family schedules and transportation costs. Families must weigh the value of the private school's specific offerings—religious education, different academic focus, or smaller environment—against the convenience and no-tuition cost of the well-regarded local public system. Additionally, participating in after-school activities at a private school becomes a greater challenge with a long commute. Many Somerset families who choose private education do so for strong religious alignment or a specific learning need they feel is better met outside the public system.