The Best Private Schools in Tallmadge, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Tallmadge. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Old Trail School
Independent School
Old Trail School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located just 15 minutes from Tallmadge, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on STEAM education, character development, and experiential learning. The 62-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and offers robust extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic rigor.
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Seton Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
Seton Catholic School provides a faith-based education for students in preschool through 8th grade, conveniently located approximately 10 minutes from Tallmadge. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with Catholic values and traditions. Notable programs include advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and technology integration across all grade levels. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library, and gymnasium. Extracurricular activities include sports teams, choir, band, and various clubs. Parents appreciate the strong community atmosphere and the school's commitment to academic excellence combined with character formation.
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The Lippman School
Independent Jewish Community Day School
The Lippman School offers a unique educational experience combining academic excellence with Jewish values and traditions. Located just 15 minutes from Tallmadge in Akron, the school serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade with a focus on project-based learning and individualized instruction. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship, complemented by Hebrew language instruction and Jewish studies. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces including gardens and natural areas. The school is known for its inclusive community and strong parent involvement, with many families commuting from surrounding communities including Tallmadge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Tallmadge, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Tallmadge, Ohio, and what are their key educational approaches?
Tallmadge itself is home to Seton Catholic School, which offers a faith-based, Pre-K through 8th-grade education. Just outside the city limits, two highly regarded independent schools serve the Tallmadge area. Old Trail School, located in nearby Bath, is a Pre-K through 8th grade school known for its progressive, child-centered approach and extensive campus. The Lippman School in Akron, a short drive away, is a unique Pre-K through 8th grade Jewish community day school that emphasizes project-based learning, global citizenship, and interfaith understanding. These three schools provide distinct educational philosophies for Tallmadge families to consider.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Tallmadge, Ohio, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Seton Catholic School, as a parish-supported institution, generally has the most accessible tuition, often ranging from approximately $5,000 to $7,000 for parishioners. Old Trail School's tuition is higher, reflecting its independent school status and expansive programs, typically ranging from around $20,000 to $25,000. The Lippman School's tuition is also in the independent school range, often between $15,000 and $20,000. All three schools offer need-based financial aid, and Ohio residents should explore the state's EdChoice Scholarship Program, which may provide vouchers to eligible families to help offset the cost of tuition at participating private schools.
What specialized or notable academic programs do the private schools near Tallmadge, Ohio, offer that distinguish them from local public options?
Each school offers distinctive programs. Old Trail School is renowned for its integrated curriculum, world languages starting in pre-kindergarten, and a 572-acre campus used for outdoor, experiential learning. The Lippman School features a strong focus on STEM and humanities through its project-based "Makerspace" and "Zakoor Center for Global Education," which includes a student-run international gift shop. Seton Catholic School provides a structured, values-based curriculum with daily religion classes and sacramental preparation, which is a core differentiator for seeking families. These specialized offerings provide alternatives to the curriculum found in the highly-rated Tallmadge City School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Tallmadge, Ohio, area, and when should parents start applying?
The process for the schools serving Tallmadge generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Old Trail School and The Lippman School, as independent institutions, often have open houses starting in September and October, with application deadlines in January or February for the following fall. Their processes usually include a student visit or assessment and parent interviews. Seton Catholic School, serving the local parish community, may have a rolling admissions process but prioritizes parish families and siblings, so inquiring by early winter is advisable. For all schools, starting research and tours a full year in advance is highly recommended to understand deadlines and secure placement.
For families in Tallmadge, Ohio, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The Tallmadge City School District is consistently high-performing, which is a major consideration. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Private options provide smaller class sizes (often 15-18 students vs. 20-25+ in public), distinct curricular approaches (progressive, faith-based, or global), and specialized environments. Transportation is a practical factor; while Tallmadge public schools provide busing, private schools may require parents to arrange transportation or utilize limited fee-based bus services. For families seeking a religious education or a specific pedagogical model like project-based learning, the private schools offer a targeted alternative to the excellent, but more standardized, public education available in Tallmadge.