The Best Private Schools in Steubenville, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Steubenville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Catholic Central High School
Diocese of Steubenville
Catholic Central High School delivers a rigorous college-preparatory education grounded in Catholic values, known for its academic excellence and strong community. The school features AP and honors courses, robust STEM and arts programs, and state-of-the-art facilities including science labs and a gymnasium. Extracurricular activities range from athletics to clubs and service projects, with parents praising the high teacher quality, safe environment, and successful college placements for graduates.
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Madonna High School
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Madonna High School offers a faith-based education with a focus on academic achievement and personal development, serving students from the Steubenville area. The school provides a comprehensive curriculum with advanced coursework, sports teams, and arts programs. Facilities include updated classrooms, a library, and athletic fields. Known for its family-like atmosphere and high graduation rates, parents value the dedicated staff and strong sense of community, leading to consistent positive reviews.
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Ohio Valley Christian School
Private Christian School
Ohio Valley Christian School provides a Christ-centered education from kindergarten through 12th grade, emphasizing academic rigor and character development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school offers a strong college-prep curriculum, including STEM programs and arts integration. Facilities feature modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic fields. Extracurriculars include sports, music, and community service, with high parent satisfaction due to its supportive environment and focus on individual student growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Steubenville, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Steubenville, Ohio, and what are their religious affiliations?
Steubenville offers a few core private school options, primarily with religious foundations. For a Protestant Christian education, Ohio Valley Christian School serves students from preschool through 12th grade. For Catholic education, families have two choices: Catholic Central High School (grades 9-12) and Madonna High School (grades 9-12), which is also Catholic. It's important to note that Steubenville's private school landscape is dominated by faith-based institutions, and there are no major secular independent private schools in the immediate city. Many families also consider schools in nearby West Virginia communities for additional options.
How does tuition at Steubenville's private schools compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid programs available to help with costs?
Tuition varies among Steubenville's private schools. Typically, Catholic Central and Madonna High Schools have parishioner and non-parishioner rates, with active parish members receiving a discounted tuition. Ohio Valley Christian School sets its own independent rate. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition generally ranges from approximately $6,000 to $9,000 annually. Critically, Ohio offers the EdChoice Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher that can significantly offset tuition costs for families based on income or if their resident public school is designated as underperforming. Eligibility and award amounts should be verified directly with the school and the Ohio Department of Education.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Steubenville's private high schools offer that leverage the local community?
Steubenville's private high schools offer distinctive programs tied to their missions and the Ohio Valley region. Catholic Central High School features a strong STEM program and partnerships with local industries and Franciscan University of Steubenville for dual-enrollment opportunities. Madonna High School emphasizes its Italian language and cultural programs, reflecting the area's heritage, and has a renowned music program. Ohio Valley Christian School integrates biblical worldview across all subjects and may offer specialized agriculture or trades-related electives that connect to the surrounding community. All schools participate intensely in the local Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) for sports.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Steubenville, and are there important deadlines for Ohio EdChoice?
The enrollment process for Steubenville private schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (often held in winter), 2) Submitting an application by a spring deadline (March-April), 3) Providing records and possibly undergoing an entrance assessment, and 4) Completing financial aid and EdChoice paperwork. The EdChoice application window typically opens in February, and it is crucial to apply early as funds are limited. Families must be accepted into a participating private school to use the scholarship. Contacting your school of choice by January is highly recommended to ensure you meet all deadlines.
For families considering both sectors, what are the notable differences between Steubenville City Public Schools and the local private school options?
The key differences lie in scale, curriculum, and environment. Steubenville City Public Schools serve a larger, more diverse student population across multiple elementary schools, a middle school, and Steubenville High School (Big Red). The public district offers a broad curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses, and is tuition-free. The private schools are much smaller, leading to smaller class sizes and a close-knit community atmosphere. Their curricula are explicitly shaped by religious values (Catholic or Protestant Christian), which is infused in daily activities. Academically, the private schools often match or exceed public school performance on state metrics, and they provide an alternative for families seeking a specific faith-based education or who qualify for EdChoice scholarships due to their designated public school's performance.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Right Private Special Education School in Steubenville, Ohio: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Steubenville, Ohio, searching for the right educational environment for a child with unique learning needs can feel overwhelming. The phrase "private special education schools near me" is more than a search query; it represents a deeply personal quest for a supportive community where your child can thrive. While Steubenville itself is home to several excellent private institutions like Ohio Valley Christian School, Catholic Central High School, and Madonna High School, it’s important to understand how these schools and the broader regional landscape can serve students with learning differences. The journey often involves looking at both the specific programs within local schools and the specialized options within a reasonable commute from the Ohio Valley.
First, it's valuable to have direct conversations with the admissions teams at our local private schools. Many traditional private schools in our area, including those with strong faith-based foundations, are increasingly committed to inclusive education. They may offer learning resource programs, accommodations, and smaller class sizes that can provide significant support for students with mild to moderate learning challenges, such as dyslexia or ADHD. When you contact a school like Ohio Valley Christian School, ask specifically about their student support services, the training their teachers have in differentiated instruction, and their experience in creating individualized success plans. The intimate, community-focused environment that defines Steubenville’s private schools can be a tremendous asset for a child who benefits from close-knit, personal attention.
However, for parents seeking a dedicated private special education school, the search typically extends beyond Steubenville’s immediate city limits. This is where understanding the "near me" aspect becomes crucial for our tri-state region. Families in the Ohio Valley often find specialized programs within a 60 to 90-minute drive, in cities like Pittsburgh, Wheeling, or Columbus. These schools are designed specifically for students with more significant learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or social-emotional needs, offering tailored curricula, on-site therapeutic services, and highly specialized teaching methodologies. While this requires a commute, many families find the targeted support is transformative. It’s essential to factor this travel into your family’s planning and to inquire about potential transportation assistance or flexible scheduling.
Navigating this path in our community also means tapping into local resources. Connect with other parents through local support groups, your child’s current therapists, or pediatricians in the Steubenville area. They can offer invaluable, ground-level insights into which environments—be it a supportive classroom at Madonna High School or a specialized school in a neighboring county—have proven successful for children with similar profiles. Remember, the goal is to find a place where your child is understood, challenged appropriately, and celebrated. Your search for "private special education schools near me" is the first step in advocating for an education that recognizes your child’s unique potential, right here in the heart of the Ohio Valley.
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