The Best Private Schools in Tarlton, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Tarlton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop Flaget School
Diocese of Columbus Catholic Schools
Bishop Flaget School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located approximately 15 miles from Tarlton, this established institution offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM education, fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community feel, and excellent academic preparation for high school. The campus includes modern facilities with technology integration throughout classrooms.
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Fisher Catholic High School
Diocese of Columbus Catholic Schools
Fisher Catholic High School is a respected college-preparatory Catholic high school located approximately 12 miles from Tarlton. Serving students in grades 9-12, the school offers a rigorous academic program with numerous Advanced Placement and college credit opportunities. The campus features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Fisher Catholic emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in theology, service learning, and extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams, drama, and music programs. The school maintains a strong track record of college acceptance and student success.
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Harvest Preparatory School
Harvest Preparatory School Network
Harvest Preparatory School is a highly-rated charter private school located approximately 20 miles from Tarlton, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school emphasizes college preparation with a strong focus on STEM education, character development, and academic excellence. Harvest Prep features a comprehensive curriculum with advanced coursework opportunities, state-of-the-art technology integration, and extensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, robotics, and performing arts. The school is known for its high academic standards, dedicated teaching staff, and strong parent involvement. Students consistently achieve above-average test scores and college acceptance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Tarlton, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Tarlton, Ohio?
Tarlton itself is a small village, so families typically look to nearby communities for private education. The most prominent options include Bishop Flaget School (PreK-8) in Chillicothe, Fisher Catholic High School (9-12) in Lancaster, and Harvest Preparatory School (K-12) in Canal Winchester. These schools serve the broader region, including Tarlton residents. Bishop Flaget is a Catholic diocesan school, Fisher Catholic is a college-preparatory Catholic high school, and Harvest Preparatory is a non-denominational Christian school. Transportation considerations are important, as all require a commute from Tarlton.
How does tuition at private schools serving Tarlton, OH, compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 year, Bishop Flaget's elementary tuition is approximately $5,000-$6,000, Fisher Catholic High School is around $9,000-$10,000, and Harvest Preparatory School is roughly $8,500. Ohio offers specific financial aid programs that Tarlton families can utilize. The most significant is the EdChoice Scholarship, a state-funded voucher program. Eligibility is based on household income or the assigned public school building's performance rating. Additionally, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship Program provide support for eligible students. All three schools also offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for Catholic families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Tarlton, Ohio, offer that differentiate them?
Each school has distinct strengths. **Fisher Catholic High School** offers a strong college-prep curriculum with 15+ Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses through partnerships with Ohio University and OSU-Newark. Their agriculture program and FFA chapter connect to the rural heritage of the Tarlton area. **Bishop Flaget School** emphasizes foundational Catholic education with dedicated STEM and art programs from an early age. **Harvest Preparatory School** is known for its rigorous "College Prep" academic model, mandatory community service hours, and a notable athletics program, particularly in basketball. For Tarlton families, these specialized programs often provide opportunities not as readily available in smaller local public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Tarlton, OH, area?
The process is school-specific but generally follows an annual cycle. For schools like Bishop Flaget and Harvest Preparatory, open enrollment for the next academic year often begins in January or February, with priority given to siblings and parish members (for Catholic schools). Fisher Catholic High School hosts shadow visits for 8th graders in the fall and has application deadlines in early winter. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house (often held in fall/winter), 2) Submitting an application with fees, 3) Providing academic records and teacher recommendations, 4) Completing an entrance assessment (for some grades), and 5) A family interview. Given Tarlton's location, early inquiry is advised to understand transportation logistics and seat availability.
For a family in rural Tarlton, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school a commute away?
The decision involves weighing several location-specific factors. **Logistics:** The commute to any of the private schools is 25-45 minutes each way, requiring a significant family time and fuel investment. Most do not provide transportation from Tarlton. **Community vs. Opportunity:** The local public school (typically Zane Trace or Amanda-Clearcreek districts) offers a close-knit, community-centered environment with easier access to extracurriculars. Private options offer religious education, often smaller class sizes, and specialized programs (like Fisher Catholic's ag program) that may align better with family values or student goals. **Cost:** Public school is tax-funded, while private requires tuition, though state vouchers can offset this. Families should also consider the social aspect of their child building friendships closer to home versus in the school's city.