The Best Private Schools in Windham, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Windham. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Kent State University School
Kent State University
As a laboratory school affiliated with Kent State University, this highly selective public-private partnership school serves high-achieving students from Windham and throughout Portage County. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside extensive college preparatory courses. Students benefit from university resources, research opportunities, and early college credit programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including advanced science laboratories, performing arts center, and technology-integrated classrooms.
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Old Trail School
Independent School
Old Trail School is a highly regarded independent school serving families from Windham and the greater Akron area. The school offers a progressive education from early childhood through eighth grade with an emphasis on experiential learning and character development. The 62-acre campus features extensive outdoor learning environments, modern academic facilities, arts studios, and athletic complexes. The school's curriculum integrates technology, environmental education, and global perspectives while maintaining small class sizes and individualized attention.
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Maplewood Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Maplewood Christian Academy serves students from Windham and surrounding Portage County communities with a comprehensive K-12 education program. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a Christian worldview framework, offering advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and has a strong track record of college acceptance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Windham, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Windham, Ohio?
While Windham itself is a smaller village, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Portage County area. The most prominent include Maplewood Christian Academy in Windham, which offers a K-12 education with a Christian worldview. Nearby options include The Kent State University School (KSUS) in Kent, a laboratory school affiliated with Kent State University known for its innovative curriculum, and Old Trail School in Bath (Summit County), a prestigious independent school offering an IB Primary Years Programme. Many Windham families also consider private schools in adjacent counties, expanding choices within a reasonable commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Windham, Ohio area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Windham area varies significantly based on the school. Maplewood Christian Academy typically has a lower tuition rate, often under $10,000 annually, reflecting its parochial model. In contrast, schools like Old Trail School have tuition that can exceed $20,000+ for upper grades, aligning with its independent school status and extensive facilities. Ohio offers the EdChoice Scholarship Program, a critical financial aid option for Windham families. This program provides state-funded vouchers for students assigned to low-performing public school districts or based on household income, which can be applied to participating private schools like Maplewood Christian Academy.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools accessible from Windham, OH?
The private schools near Windham offer distinct academic pathways. The Kent State University School (KSUS) provides a unique "lab school" experience with a focus on project-based learning and direct access to university resources and student-teachers. Old Trail School is notable for its International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme and a strong emphasis on environmental education, utilizing its 62-acre campus. Maplewood Christian Academy integrates biblical principles across its curriculum and may offer more traditional college-prep tracks. This variety allows Windham parents to choose between progressive, university-linked education, elite independent school frameworks, or faith-based instruction.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Windham, Ohio families?
The process and timeline differ by school. For Maplewood Christian Academy in Windham, enrollment may be more flexible, with rolling admissions based on availability, and typically involves an application, pastoral reference, and student interview. For the more competitive schools like Old Trail School and The Kent State University School, families must plan well ahead. These schools often have application deadlines in January or February for the following fall, with steps including tours, standardized testing, student visits, and parent interviews. It's crucial for Windham parents to initiate inquiries in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment, especially for grades with limited seats.
How do private school options near Windham, Ohio compare to the local public school district, and what are key considerations for making a choice?
The Windham Exempted Village School District is a small, rural public district. Key considerations for choosing a private alternative include class size, specialized programs, and educational philosophy. Private schools like KSUS and Old Trail offer significantly smaller class sizes and more extensive extracurricular and arts programs than may be available in a small district. For families seeking a specific religious foundation, Maplewood Christian Academy fills that niche. The decision often hinges on the value placed on the EdChoice voucher (if eligible), willingness to commute, and desire for a particular pedagogical approach (e.g., IB, lab-school model) not offered by the local public system. Transportation is also a factor, as Windham public district typically does not provide busing to private schools outside its boundaries.