The Best Private Schools in Xenia, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Xenia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Miami Valley School
Independent School
Miami Valley School is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from preschool through grade 12, drawing families from Xenia and throughout the Dayton region. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside advanced college preparatory courses. Features include small class sizes (average 12:1 student-teacher ratio), extensive arts facilities, modern science labs, and comprehensive athletic programs. The 24-acre campus includes dedicated lower, middle, and upper school buildings, performing arts center, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes global education and community engagement.
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Carroll High School
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Carroll High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Dayton area, including Xenia families. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM programs. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a 98% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development through community service requirements. Extracurricular offerings include 50+ clubs and competitive athletic programs in the Greater Catholic League.
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Bishop Fenwick High School
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Bishop Fenwick High School serves students from multiple counties including Greene County, providing comprehensive college preparatory education with specialized pathways in engineering, business, and healthcare. The school features modern technology integration with 1:1 device program, newly renovated science facilities, and competitive athletic programs. Academic support includes comprehensive college counseling and tutoring services. The campus includes recently updated athletic facilities and dedicated arts spaces for visual and performing arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Xenia, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Xenia, Ohio, and are they located within the city itself?
While Xenia itself has a limited number of private schools, families commonly look to neighboring communities within Greene and Montgomery counties. The most prominent options include Carroll High School (a Catholic college-preparatory school in Dayton), Bishop Fenwick High School (a Catholic school in Franklin), and The Miami Valley School (a prestigious independent school in Dayton). Many Xenia families commute to these schools, which are typically a 20-30 minute drive. There are also smaller parochial elementary schools in nearby areas. This means exploring private education in Xenia requires considering the broader regional landscape.
How does the tuition for private high schools like Carroll, Fenwick, and Miami Valley School compare, and what financial aid options are available for Ohio residents?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Bishop Fenwick and Carroll High School, as diocesan schools, have tuition in the range of $10,000-$12,000 annually. The Miami Valley School, as an independent school, has a higher tuition, often exceeding $25,000. All three schools offer need-based financial aid. Critically, Ohio residents can also utilize the state's EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides vouchers based on either household income or the performance rating of your assigned public school. Eligibility can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs, making these schools more accessible to Xenia families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Xenia students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in this consortium offer distinct specializations. The Miami Valley School is known for its globally-focused, innovative curriculum with advanced inquiry-based learning and extensive international programs. Carroll and Fenwick offer strong college-prep curricula within a faith-based framework, including theology courses and campus ministry. All provide smaller average class sizes than Xenia City Schools. For athletics, Carroll and Fenwick compete in the competitive Greater Catholic League (GCL), while Miami Valley is in the Miami Valley Conference. These schools also often have more robust arts and language offerings at the secondary level, such as specialized STEM tracks, Latin programs, and comprehensive theater productions.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Xenia applying to schools like Carroll, Fenwick, or Miami Valley School?
The process generally begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held September-November), submitting an application by January or February, and providing records, recommendations, and standardized test scores. The Miami Valley School typically requires the ISEE or SSAT. For the Catholic high schools, placement tests are usually held in January. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are communicated in March. It's crucial to apply for both admission and financial aid/EdChoice simultaneously. Given the competitive nature, especially for Miami Valley, starting early is essential for Xenia-based applicants.
For a family living in Xenia, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school in the Dayton region?
Key considerations include: **1. Commute & Community:** Private options require daily travel to Dayton, Franklin, or Huber Heights, impacting family logistics and the student's ability to participate in local Xenia activities. **2. Cost vs. Value:** Weighing the tuition (even with aid) against the perceived value of smaller classes, specific religious education, or specialized curricula. **3. Educational Philosophy:** Deciding between the diverse, community-based environment of Xenia City Schools and the focused, often college-prep mission of private institutions. **4. Student Needs:** Assessing if your child would benefit from the specific programs (e.g., advanced academics, faith-based learning, particular arts/athletics) that these private schools emphasize. Many families visit both their local public school and several private options to feel the difference in culture firsthand.