The Best Private Schools in West Point, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in West Point. 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 comprehensive Catholic college-preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. Located approximately 15 miles from West Point, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 17 Advanced Placement courses and a dedicated STEM Academy. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, the school emphasizes personalized attention and character development. The school has a strong tradition of academic excellence with 99% of graduates attending college.
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St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Diocese of Youngstown
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is a Catholic college-preparatory school located approximately 20 miles from West Point. The school is one of only a few in the region offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside traditional college-prep courses. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, a performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic facilities. With a focus on developing the whole person, the school offers extensive extracurricular activities and community service opportunities. The school maintains a strong academic reputation with consistently high college acceptance rates.
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Tuscarawas Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School
Diocese of Columbus
Tuscarawas Central Catholic serves students in grades 7-12 and is located approximately 15 miles from West Point. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern technology labs, science facilities, and recently renovated classrooms. The school emphasizes faith-based education while providing strong academic programs in STEM, humanities, and fine arts. With a focus on community involvement and character development, TCC maintains strong parent satisfaction and consistently prepares students for success in higher education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in West Point, Ohio
What are the private school options available for families living in West Point, Ohio, and are they located within the town itself?
West Point, Ohio, is a small, unincorporated community, so there are no private schools physically located within its immediate boundaries. However, families in West Point typically look to nearby cities within Columbiana County and the broader region. The most prominent options include Central Catholic High School in Canton (about 30 minutes away), St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Louisville (roughly 25 minutes away), and Tuscarawas Central Catholic Junior/Senior High School in Dover (approximately 40 minutes away). These are all Catholic diocesan schools serving the area. For younger grades, families often consider parish-based elementary schools in Alliance, Salem, or Canton that feed into these high schools. Transportation is a key consideration, as most options require a daily commute.
How does tuition for private high schools near West Point, Ohio, typically work, and are there financial aid options specific to Ohio residents?
Tuition for the Catholic high schools serving the West Point area (like Central Catholic, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Tuscarawas Central Catholic) typically ranges from approximately $8,000 to $11,000 per year for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. Ohio offers several unique financial aid opportunities that can significantly offset these costs. The most notable is the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers based on either family income or the performance rating of your assigned public school district. Additionally, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship is available for students with IEPs. Each school also has its own need-based financial aid and parish subsidy programs. It's crucial to apply for these programs early, as deadlines and funding are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from West Point, Ohio, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The diocesan high schools accessible to West Point families often provide a college-preparatory curriculum with a values-based foundation that integrates faith and service. Specific notable programs include Central Catholic High School's strong STEM initiatives and its "1:1 iPad" technology program. St. Thomas Aquinas is known for its acclaimed arts program and competitive athletics. Tuscarawas Central Catholic offers a more intimate setting with personalized attention and has developed strong partnerships with local colleges for dual-credit courses. A common differentiator across these schools is the required theology curriculum and community service hours, which are not part of the public school mandate. Their size often allows for a high participation rate in sports and clubs compared to larger public districts.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in West Point looking to secure a spot at a private high school like Central Catholic or St. Thomas Aquinas?
The enrollment process for these schools generally begins in the fall prior to the desired year of entry (e.g., fall for enrollment the following August). The key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or shadow day (typically held October-January). 2) Completing an online application, usually due by late January or February for priority consideration. 3) Submitting records, teacher recommendations, and taking an entrance exam (often the High School Placement Test) in January. 4) Applying for financial aid and Ohio EdChoice scholarships simultaneously, as these have early spring deadlines. Acceptance and financial aid offers are usually communicated in March. For West Point families, it's especially important to inquire about transportation options early, as busing may not be provided from your specific location.
For a family in West Point, Ohio, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district (likely Beaver Local or United Local) and a private Catholic high school a commute away?
The decision involves weighing several location-specific factors. Academically, the private options offer a consistent, faith-based environment and often smaller average class sizes. The public districts, like Beaver Local, may offer a wider variety of elective courses, advanced placement options, and career-tech programs directly on campus. Logistically, the daily commute of 25-45 minutes each way to a private school is a significant commitment of time and cost, whereas public school provides district transportation. Financially, private tuition is a major factor, but Ohio's EdChoice voucher can make it comparable to out-of-pocket costs for some families. Culturally, the private schools provide a close-knit community drawn from a wider geographic area, while the public school offers a community centered on your immediate local district. Visiting both types of schools is highly recommended.