The Best Private Schools in Waynesburg, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Waynesburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Youngstown
Central Catholic High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from multiple communities including Waynesburg. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 17 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including 18 sports teams. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school provides personalized attention and has a 99% college acceptance rate. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
Programs:
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Diocese of Youngstown
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from Stark County communities including Waynesburg. The school offers both traditional college prep curriculum and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with diverse academic pathways. Known for strong athletic traditions and comprehensive arts programs, the school features modern facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Jackson Memorial Middle School - STEM Academy
Jackson Local School District
Jackson Memorial Middle School's STEM Academy is a highly-selective magnet program that serves students from across Stark County, including Waynesburg residents through open enrollment. This innovative program focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through project-based learning and advanced coursework. The academy features state-of-the-art laboratories, technology integration, and partnerships with local industries and universities. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and opportunities for advanced research projects, preparing them for competitive high school STEM programs.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Waynesburg, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families in Waynesburg, Ohio, and what grade levels do they serve?
Waynesburg, Ohio, is served by a small number of dedicated private institutions, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. The notable options include Central Catholic High School, which serves grades 9-12, and St. Thomas Aquinas High School, also a 9-12 institution, located in nearby Louisville. For younger students, Jackson Memorial Middle School - STEM Academy is a private STEM-focused option for middle school grades. Due to the limited number of schools within Waynesburg itself, many families in this Stark County area also consider private schools in neighboring communities like Canton and Louisville for a broader range of options, including elementary programs.
How does tuition at private schools in the Waynesburg, Ohio, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for private high schools like Central Catholic and St. Thomas Aquinas in the Waynesburg area typically ranges from approximately $8,000 to $12,000 per year. Ohio offers specific financial aid opportunities that parents should explore. The most significant is the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for students assigned to low-performing public schools or based on household income, which can significantly offset tuition costs. Additionally, individual schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for active Catholic families, and payment plans. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current tuition schedules and aid applications.
What specialized academic programs or focuses are offered by private schools in the Waynesburg, Ohio, region?
Private schools in the Waynesburg area offer distinct academic specializations. Jackson Memorial Middle School - STEM Academy provides a focused curriculum in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at the middle school level. The high schools, Central Catholic and St. Thomas Aquinas, offer robust college-preparatory curricula with honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. St. Thomas Aquinas is known for its strong arts programs and campus ministry, while Central Catholic emphasizes a comprehensive education with competitive athletic programs. Many of these schools also integrate faith-based education and character development as a core component of their programming, which is a key differentiator from public schools in the Sandy Valley Local School District.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private high schools like Central Catholic in Waynesburg, Ohio?
The enrollment process for private high schools in the Waynesburg area generally begins in the fall for the following academic year. For Central Catholic High School, the process typically involves: 1) Attending an open house (often held in October-November), 2) Submitting an application by a stated deadline (often in early winter), 3) Providing records from the current school, 4) Possibly taking a placement test, and 5) Completing a financial aid application if needed. Admissions decisions are usually communicated in the spring. It is highly recommended to contact the admissions office by September of your child's 8th-grade year to get specific dates and requirements, as spaces can be limited.
For a family in Waynesburg, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Sandy Valley) and a private school option?
The decision between Sandy Valley Local Schools and a private school in Waynesburg involves several local considerations. Key factors include: **Educational Approach:** Sandy Valley offers a traditional public education serving the community, while private options provide a faith-based (typically Catholic) environment with an emphasis on moral development. **Class Size:** Private schools often boast smaller class sizes, which can mean more individualized attention. **Cost:** Public schools are tuition-free, whereas private schools require tuition, though Ohio's EdChoice scholarship may apply. **Programs:** Sandy Valley provides a full K-12 continuum and public school extracurriculars. Private schools offer specific strengths like STEM focus (Jackson Memorial) or college-prep rigor with a defined value system. **Community:** Consider whether you prefer a community drawn from a specific geographic district (public) or one united by religious affiliation or educational philosophy (private). Visiting both types of schools is essential.