The Best Private Schools in Friendly, West Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Friendly. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School provides a comprehensive Catholic education serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Their curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts education, and comprehensive religious instruction. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with modern facilities including technology-integrated classrooms, science labs, and dedicated art and music spaces. Extracurricular activities include sports, academic competitions, and community service programs.
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Parkersburg Catholic High School
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
As the only Catholic high school in the Parkersburg area, Parkersburg Catholic High School has served the regional community for decades with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The school offers multiple Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and personalized college counseling. The campus features modern science laboratories, technology resources, athletic facilities, and dedicated spaces for performing arts. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide.
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St. Mary Catholic School
Diocese of Steubenville
Located just across the Ohio River in Marietta, St. Mary Catholic School serves families from both Ohio and West Virginia, including the Friendly area. The school provides a strong academic foundation from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on faith formation and character development. Their comprehensive curriculum includes integrated technology programs, foreign language instruction, and robust music and arts education. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, library resources, and outdoor learning spaces. Extracurricular offerings include sports teams, academic clubs, and community service opportunities, fostering well-rounded student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Friendly, West Virginia
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Friendly, West Virginia, given that the top schools listed are in Parkersburg?
While the town of Friendly itself does not host a private school campus, families here typically look to neighboring Parkersburg, which is a short commute away. The primary options are the Parkersburg Catholic School System, which includes St. Mary Catholic School (Pre-K-6), Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School (K-6), and Parkersburg Catholic High School (7-12). These schools serve the broader Mid-Ohio Valley region, including Friendly. Transportation is a key consideration, as most families provide their own carpool or utilize the schools' limited bus routes that may extend into surrounding communities like Friendly.
How does tuition at Parkersburg Catholic schools compare to the West Virginia state average, and what financial aid options are available for Friendly residents?
Tuition at the Parkersburg Catholic schools is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional norms in West Virginia. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary tuition was approximately $5,000-$6,000 annually, while high school was near $8,000. Critically, the state of West Virginia offers the Hope Scholarship, an education savings account program that provides state-funded financial assistance to eligible students leaving the public system for private options. This can significantly offset costs for Friendly families. Additionally, the parishes associated with the schools offer need-based tuition assistance and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the Parkersburg Catholic schools offer that might benefit a student from Friendly, WV?
The Parkersburg Catholic schools provide a faith-based education with a strong college-prep curriculum. A notable program is their emphasis on STEM, with the high school featuring dedicated science labs and participating in regional competitions. For students in Friendly interested in the arts or trades, the schools offer robust music programs and dual-credit courses through partnerships with local colleges like West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Their small size allows for personalized attention, which is a distinct advantage. Furthermore, as part of a close-knit community, students from Friendly can easily participate in sports teams and clubs that might be more limited in a smaller public school.
What is the enrollment timeline and process for a child from Friendly, WV, applying to St. Mary or Parkersburg Catholic Elementary?
The enrollment process for these schools typically begins in January for the following academic year, with priority given to current families and registered parishioners until a specified date (often in February or March). For a family in Friendly, the first step is to contact the school's admissions office to schedule a tour and obtain an application packet. Required documents usually include birth and baptismal certificates, previous school records, and a pastor recommendation form. It's advisable to apply early, as some grades have waiting lists. The schools also often host open houses in the fall and winter, which are excellent opportunities for Friendly residents to visit and ask questions.
For a family in Friendly, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school options with the private Catholic schools in Parkersburg?
The primary considerations are educational philosophy, community, and logistics. The Wood County public schools serving Friendly are part of a larger district with diverse resources and extracurriculars. Choosing the private Catholic schools in Parkersburg means opting for a faith-integrated education, typically smaller class sizes, and a specific moral environment. The commute from Friendly to Parkersburg (approximately 15-20 minutes) is a daily logistical factor. Financially, the Hope Scholarship can make private school more accessible. Academically, both sectors can provide quality education, but the private option offers a consistent, values-based curriculum from elementary through high school, which some Friendly families find preferable for continuity.
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