The Best Private Schools in South Webster, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in South Webster. 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 highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the greater Portsmouth area, including South Webster. The institution offers comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features modern facilities, including science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Notable for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong community values, Notre Dame consistently produces graduates who excel in higher education. The school offers extensive extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams, robotics, and arts programs.
Programs:
St. Mary Elementary School
St. Mary Catholic Church
St. Mary Elementary School provides exceptional private education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Lawrence County and surrounding areas including South Webster. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring updated technology resources, dedicated specialty teachers for art and music, and a strong focus on foundational skills. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced teachers, and comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for high school success. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community connections.
Programs:
St. Peter School
St. Peter Catholic Church
St. Peter School in Wheelersburg serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade and draws families from throughout Scioto County, including South Webster. The school is known for its strong academic program that integrates technology and traditional learning methods. Features include modern classrooms, computer labs, library resources, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with individualized attention and offers a well-rounded education including music, art, and physical education. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's commitment to academic excellence and character development.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in South Webster, Ohio
What are the private school options for families living in South Webster, Ohio, and are they all religiously affiliated?
In South Webster, Ohio, the primary private school options are all Catholic institutions: Notre Dame Schools (a combined junior high and high school), St. Mary Elementary School, and St. Peter School. These schools serve the broader Scioto County area, with many families from South Webster commuting to Portsmouth for these programs. There are no secular private day schools within South Webster itself, so families seeking a non-religious private education typically need to look at boarding schools or longer commutes to cities like Chillicothe or Ashland, Kentucky. The local Catholic schools are well-established and often serve as a central community for many families in the region.
How does tuition at South Webster area private schools compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the Catholic schools serving South Webster families varies. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition at St. Mary or St. Peter is typically around $4,000-$5,500 per student, while Notre Dame High School tuition is higher, often exceeding $7,000. Critically, Ohio offers two major state-funded scholarship programs that significantly aid affordability: the EdChoice Scholarship (based on household income or residing in a lower-performing public school district) and the Autism Scholarship. Many families at these schools utilize EdChoice, which can cover a substantial portion of tuition. Additionally, the schools themselves and the Catholic Diocese of Columbus offer need-based aid and parish subsidy programs for active members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving South Webster, Ohio, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the South Webster area emphasize a faith-based education integrated into all subjects, which is their core differentiator. Academically, Notre Dame High School offers a notable STEM program and college credit plus courses through Shawnee State University. For younger students, St. Mary and St. Peter provide strong foundational programs with smaller class sizes. Extracurricularly, these schools offer unique opportunities like Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) sports through tight-knit teams, academic challenge teams, and specific clubs like robotics at Notre Dame. Their defining feature is a consistent moral framework throughout the curriculum, which appeals to many families in the community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for schools like Notre Dame, St. Mary, or St. Peter for a family moving to South Webster?
Enrollment for these schools is typically open in the early spring (January-March) for the following academic year, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active parishioners of supporting Catholic churches. For families moving to South Webster mid-year, contacting the school office directly is essential, as spots may be available. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), academic records, and often a family interview. It's highly recommended to schedule a tour, as these schools are community-oriented and want to ensure a good fit. Given the limited number of seats per grade, initiating contact as soon as possible is crucial.
For a South Webster resident, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community involvement when choosing a local private school?
A key practical consideration is transportation. South Webster Local School District is not required to provide busing to private schools outside its boundaries, so families are generally responsible for transporting students to Portsmouth for Notre Dame, St. Mary, or St. Peter. This involves a daily commute of about 15-20 minutes each way. Carpooling with other South Webster families is common. Regarding community, enrolling in these schools often means integrating into the Portsmouth-based Catholic community, which includes weekend Mass and school events. While this expands your social network, it requires active participation. The trade-off is a close-knit, values-aligned environment, but it does mean your child's school friends may not be their immediate South Webster neighbors.