The Best Private Schools in Whipple, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Whipple. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School
Parkersburg Catholic Schools
Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School serves students from Whipple and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Catholic education program. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on faith-based learning alongside rigorous academics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum with specialized programs in STEM, fine arts, and competitive sports teams, serving as a feeder to Parkersburg Catholic High School.
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Parkersburg Catholic Middle School
Parkersburg Catholic Schools
Serving the Whipple area and regional communities, Parkersburg Catholic Middle School provides a transitional educational experience for grades 6-8. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring advanced technology integration, competitive sports programs, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. The faculty maintains high standards with personalized attention, preparing students for success in high school and beyond through a balanced curriculum of core academics and character development.
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Parkersburg Catholic High School
Parkersburg Catholic Schools
As the premier Catholic high school serving Whipple and the greater Parkersburg region, Parkersburg Catholic High School offers a comprehensive college preparatory education. The school features Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletic programs including basketball and soccer, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, the school boasts high college acceptance rates and a strong alumni network. Facilities include modern science laboratories, athletic complexes, and technology-enhanced classrooms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Whipple, Ohio
What are the private school options specifically for families living in Whipple, Ohio?
Whipple, Ohio, is a small, unincorporated community, so there are no private schools physically located within its boundaries. However, families in Whipple typically look to nearby Parkersburg, West Virginia, just across the Ohio River, for primary private school options. The main institutions are the Parkersburg Catholic Schools system, which includes Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School, Parkersburg Catholic Middle School, and Parkersburg Catholic High School. These schools serve students from both sides of the river and are the most accessible private option for Whipple residents. Some families may also consider private schools in Marietta, Ohio, though the Parkersburg Catholic system is the most geographically proximate and established choice.
How does Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship program affect tuition for Whipple residents attending private schools in Parkersburg?
This is a complex but crucial financial consideration. As Ohio residents, Whipple families are eligible for Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship (voucher) programs, which can significantly reduce tuition costs. However, since the Parkersburg Catholic schools are located in West Virginia, they are not direct participants in Ohio's state-funded voucher programs. To utilize an EdChoice Scholarship, a student must attend an *Ohio*-chartered private school that accepts the voucher. Therefore, Whipple families choosing the Parkersburg Catholic schools typically pay tuition out-of-pocket or seek financial aid directly from the school. Some may explore West Virginia's Hope Scholarship program, but eligibility is primarily for West Virginia residents. Exploring private schools in Marietta, Ohio, would be necessary to directly use Ohio's EdChoice benefits.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the Parkersburg Catholic schools offer that attract families from Whipple, OH?
The Parkersburg Catholic schools offer a faith-based education with a strong college-preparatory curriculum that is a key draw for Whipple families seeking an alternative to the local public school district. Specific notable programs include a robust STEM initiative, competitive athletics (competing in the West Virginia SSAC), and fine arts programs. The high school offers dual-credit courses through partnerships with local colleges, allowing students to earn college credits. For Whipple parents, the small class sizes, structured environment, and community feel of a Pre-K-12 campus are significant attractions. The schools also emphasize community service, aligning with values important to many families in the area.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for a Whipple, OH student applying to Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School?
The enrollment process for Parkersburg Catholic Schools is centralized and typically begins in the winter/spring for the following fall semester. Whipple families should directly contact the admissions office of Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing academic records from any previous schools, a birth certificate, baptismal certificate (if applicable), and possibly a family interview. Timelines are important, as some grades fill quickly. Open houses are often held in January and February. Whipple residents should inquire specifically about any interstate enrollment procedures, though it is a common occurrence for the schools. Financial aid applications, which are separate from admission, usually have a spring deadline.
How do the private school options near Whipple, like Parkersburg Catholic, compare academically to the local public school, Warren Local School District?
This is a key consideration for Whipple parents. Warren Local School District serves Whipple and is the assigned public district. The comparison often centers on environment and specialization. Warren schools offer a comprehensive, tuition-free education with a wide range of extracurriculars. Parkersburg Catholic provides a smaller, religiously integrated environment with typically smaller average class sizes. Academically, both systems prepare students for college, but the Catholic schools have a mandated religion curriculum and may offer a different pace or approach in core subjects. Standardized test scores and college acceptance rates are metrics parents should compare directly by requesting data from both institutions. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a faith-based education and their willingness to manage tuition and the commute to West Virginia.