The Best Private Schools in Sunbury, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sunbury. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Columbus Academy
Independent
Columbus Academy is a highly prestigious independent college preparatory school serving the Greater Columbus area, including Sunbury. Founded in 1911, the school offers a rigorous academic program for students in Pre-K through Grade 12. The 231-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers over 20 AP courses. Extracurricular programs include championship athletics, extensive arts offerings, and community service opportunities. The school is known for its strong college placement record and comprehensive character education program.
Programs:
Wellington School
Independent
The Wellington School is an independent college preparatory school serving students from junior kindergarten through grade 12. Located in Columbus and serving families throughout Central Ohio, including Sunbury, Wellington offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement courses. The school features a 17-acre campus with modern academic buildings, arts facilities, and athletic complexes. Academic programs emphasize critical thinking, global perspective, and interdisciplinary learning. The school maintains a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including robotics, debate, championship athletics, and performing arts. Wellington is particularly noted for its strong community atmosphere and innovative approach to education.
Programs:
St. Paul Catholic School
Diocese of Columbus
St. Paul Catholic School serves students in preschool through eighth grade and draws families from throughout Delaware County and surrounding areas, including Sunbury. The school provides a faith-based education rooted in Catholic traditions while offering strong academic foundations. The curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies programs enhanced by technology integration. Special programs include Spanish instruction, music and art education, and physical education. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and family atmosphere. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library, and gymnasium. St. Paul prepares students for success in area Catholic high schools and beyond.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sunbury, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Sunbury, Ohio, and are they located within the town itself?
While Sunbury itself is a smaller community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the broader Delaware County and Columbus metro area. The schools you mentioned, such as Columbus Academy and Wellington School, are located in Gahanna and Columbus, respectively, requiring a commute. St. Paul Catholic School is closer, located in Westerville. There are no major, independent K-12 private school campuses physically located within Sunbury's village limits. Most Sunbury families looking at private education consider these nearby institutions, with transportation often being a key logistical factor.
How does Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program affect tuition costs for private schools accessible to Sunbury residents?
Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship (voucher) program can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of private school tuition for eligible families in Sunbury. The program provides state funds for students to attend participating private schools based on either the performance rating of their assigned public school building (EdChoice Expansion) or household income (EdChoice Income-Based). Schools like St. Paul Catholic School participate in this program. It's crucial to check each school's participation status and application deadlines, as the process is separate from school admission. This state-specific program makes private education more financially accessible for many Ohio families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Sunbury, like Columbus Academy, offer that differentiate them from local public options?
Private schools in the Sunbury area often offer distinctive programs not typically found in the public school setting. For example, Columbus Academy features a renowned global studies program with extensive travel opportunities, a comprehensive Mandarin Chinese language track from junior kindergarten onward, and a 125-acre campus with extensive outdoor education facilities. Wellington School emphasizes project-based learning and innovation labs. These schools also generally have smaller class sizes than Sunbury's Big Walnut Local Schools, allowing for more individualized attention. Specializations in arts, robotics, or classical education are other differentiators to explore at specific institutions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Wellington School for a family moving to Sunbury?
The enrollment process for top-tier private schools near Sunbury is highly structured and often begins more than a year in advance. For schools like Wellington School or Columbus Academy, the application cycle for the following academic year typically opens in August or September, with deadlines for financial aid and applications falling between January and February. The process usually includes a parent interview, student visit/assessment, teacher recommendations, and standardized testing. For families moving to Sunbury mid-cycle, it is essential to contact admissions offices immediately, as spaces are limited and waitlists are common. Planning early is critical due to the competitive nature of admissions.
For a family living in Sunbury, what are the key considerations when comparing the local Big Walnut Public Schools to private school options in the Columbus area?
The key considerations involve commute, cost, community, and curriculum. Big Walnut Local Schools are highly-rated public schools located within the community, offering a traditional public education with no tuition. Choosing a private school like those in Columbus involves a daily commute of 20-45 minutes, significant tuition costs (potentially offset by Ohio EdChoice), and a departure from the localized Sunbury peer network. In return, private schools offer alternative educational philosophies, often more diverse student bodies drawn from across the region, and specialized academic or arts programs. The decision often hinges on whether a family's educational priorities justify the investment of time and money for the private school's specific offerings.