The Best Private Schools in Strongsville, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Strongsville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lawrence School
Independent School for Students with Learning Differences
Lawrence School is a highly-regarded independent school specifically designed for students with learning differences and attention issues. Located just minutes from Strongsville in Broadview Heights, the school serves grades 1-12 with a research-based curriculum that emphasizes multi-sensory teaching approaches. Lawrence provides individualized instruction, small class sizes (typically 6-8 students), and comprehensive support services. The school boasts exceptional college placement rates and focuses on developing students' academic skills, self-advocacy, and confidence. Their comprehensive program includes extensive arts, athletics, and technology integration.
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The Ratner School
Private Montessori School
The Ratner School is a highly respected private Montessori school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located approximately 20 minutes from Strongsville, this established institution offers an authentic Montessori education combined with innovative programming. The school features purpose-built Montessori classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes foreign language, arts, music, and physical education. Ratner emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on experiences, and the development of critical thinking skills. The school maintains strong parent satisfaction and prepares students exceptionally well for high school and beyond.
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Gilmour Academy
Independent Catholic School
Gilmour Academy is a premier independent Catholic school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located just 15 minutes from Strongsville, it offers a comprehensive college-preparatory education with state-of-the-art facilities including a new STEM wing, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school features small class sizes, rigorous academic programs including International Baccalaureate, and a strong emphasis on character development. With a 9:1 student-teacher ratio and extensive extracurricular offerings, Gilmour provides a well-rounded education that consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Strongsville, Ohio
What are the primary private school options serving families in Strongsville, Ohio, and are they located within the city?
While Strongsville itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families commonly consider several highly-regarded institutions in the broader Cuyahoga County area. Notable options include Gilmour Academy (a Catholic, independent, coed day and boarding school in Gates Mills), Lawrence School (specializing in students with learning differences in Broadview Heights), and The Ratner School (a Montessori-based school in Lyndhurst). Many Strongsville residents choose these schools for their specialized programs, often involving a commute. It's important to research each school's transportation policies, as some may offer busing from designated areas.
How does tuition for top private schools near Strongsville, OH compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Cleveland metropolitan area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $12,000 to over $40,000 annually depending on the school and grade level. Ohio offers specific financial resources that Strongsville parents should explore. The most notable is the **EdChoice Scholarship**, a state voucher program that may provide funding based on either the assigned public school's performance or family income. Additionally, many private schools offer their own need-based financial aid. It's crucial to apply for aid and scholarships early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Strongsville that complement the local community's strengths?
Private schools in the region leverage Greater Cleveland's resources to offer distinctive programs. Gilmour Academy, for instance, features a robust hockey program and an engineering track that connects with local industries. Lawrence School offers a unique, research-based curriculum specifically designed for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences—a specialized resource not typically found in standard public offerings. The Ratner School’s Montessori approach through 8th grade emphasizes hands-on, self-directed learning. Many schools also have partnerships with the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra, and NASA Glenn Research Center, providing enriched learning opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Strongsville, OH area?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For most top-tier schools like Gilmour, Lawrence, and Ratner, the admission cycle for the following academic year starts in the fall, 12-18 months prior to enrollment. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by January/February, completing student assessments or visits, and receiving decisions in March. For Strongsville families, it's critical to plan around these deadlines, as waiting lists are common. Many schools also encourage "shadow days" where your child spends a day at the school. We recommend initiating research and tours in the spring or summer before you intend to apply.
For a family living in Strongsville with excellent public schools, what are the key reasons to consider a private school in the area?
Strongsville City Schools are highly rated, so the decision often hinges on specific educational philosophies or needs. Parents might consider a private school for: a distinct learning environment (like Montessori at Ratner or a faith-based education at Gilmour); specialized support for learning differences (Lawrence School's entire model); smaller class sizes for more individualized attention; or different curricular emphases, such as classical education or intensive arts/STEM tracks. The choice may also involve seeking a specific community culture or a continuity of education from early childhood through high school, which some private networks offer. It's a highly personal decision weighing these specialized benefits against the convenience and cost of the strong local public option.