The Best Private Schools in Westerville, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Westerville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul School
Diocese of Columbus Catholic Schools
St. Paul School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary and middle school serving Westerville families with a comprehensive faith-based education. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum enhanced by strong STEM programming, advanced mathematics, and comprehensive arts education. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern classrooms, technology labs, and dedicated spaces for music and art. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with families praising the nurturing environment and strong community atmosphere.
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The Wellington School
Independent School
The Wellington School is a premier independent day school serving the greater Columbus area, including many Westerville families. As Central Ohio's only International Baccalaureate World School for all grade levels (Preschool-12), Wellington offers an exceptional globally-focused education. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, students receive personalized attention and rigorous college preparation. The school is known for its diverse community, innovative teaching methods, and outstanding college placement record.
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Columbus Academy
Independent School
Columbus Academy is one of Central Ohio's most prestigious independent schools, serving students from Westerville and throughout the region. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers a challenging college-preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options and specialized STEM research opportunities. The 231-acre campus features outstanding athletic facilities, performing arts centers, and modern academic buildings. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development, leadership, and community service. Parent reviews consistently highlight the exceptional faculty quality and comprehensive student support systems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Westerville, Ohio
What are the primary types of private schools available within or near Westerville, Ohio, and how do they differ?
Westerville, Ohio, and its immediate vicinity offer a diverse range of private school options. These include parochial schools like St. Paul School (Catholic, K-8), independent college-preparatory day schools such as Columbus Academy (Pre-K-12, located in Gahanna but serving the greater Columbus/Westerville area), and The Wellington School (JK-12, located in Upper Arlington). The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, campus size, and programmatic focus. For example, St. Paul integrates faith-based learning, while Columbus Academy and Wellington emphasize rigorous academics, arts, and athletics within a secular or non-denominational framework. Many Westerville families also consider nearby schools in Columbus suburbs for their specialized programs.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Westerville, Ohio, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Westerville area varies significantly by grade level and school. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Paul School (K-8) has a more moderate tuition, often around $8,000-$10,000, reflecting its parish-subsidized model. In contrast, premier independent schools like Columbus Academy and The Wellington School have tuitions ranging from approximately $25,000 to $35,000+ for upper grades. All these schools typically offer need-based financial aid, and some may have merit scholarships. Ohio also has state-funded programs like the EdChoice Expansion Scholarship (income-based) and the Autism Scholarship Program, which can be applied to participating private schools, providing significant financial relief for eligible Westerville families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Westerville, Ohio, region offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools near Westerville often provide specialized programs that may be less available in the public system. Columbus Academy is renowned for its extensive global studies initiatives, including travel and language immersion, and a top-tier robotics program. The Wellington School emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, a renowned visual and performing arts department, and a Mandarin Chinese program from junior kindergarten. St. Paul School offers a strong STEM curriculum within a faith-based environment and character education program. These schools generally have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention and unique electives that can cater to specific student interests beyond the standard Ohio public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Westerville, Ohio, families?
The process for schools like Columbus Academy and The Wellington School is highly structured and begins early. Prospective families should initiate inquiries in the summer or early fall, a full year before desired enrollment. Key steps include attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments/visits, and family interviews. Admissions decisions are typically released in March. For St. Paul School and other parish schools, the process may be more flexible but still benefits from early application, especially for non-parishioners, as spaces can fill. It's crucial to check each school's website for exact dates, as missing deadlines can result in waitlisting for Westerville-area seekers.
For Westerville, Ohio, residents, what are the key considerations when deciding between the highly-rated Westerville City School District and a local private school?
This decision hinges on several factors unique to Westerville. The Westerville City School District is large, highly-rated, and offers a comprehensive, tuition-free education with diverse AP courses, sports, and activities. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific educational philosophy (e.g., Montessori, religious, or progressive), smaller class sizes for more personalized attention, or specialized programs in arts, global studies, or STEM. Logistics are also key: while public schools are neighborhood-based, commuting to a private school like Columbus Academy requires a daily drive. Financially, families must weigh the cost of private tuition against the free public option, though state scholarships may help. Ultimately, it's about matching the child's needs with the school's environment and resources.