The Best Private Schools in Orlando, West Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Orlando. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame High School
Catholic Schools of West Virginia
Notre Dame High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the central West Virginia region, including Orlando area students. Established in 1957, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with multiple Advanced Placement courses and strong STEM programs. The school features modern facilities, competitive athletic teams, and comprehensive fine arts programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Notre Dame maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Bridgeport Middle/High School (Private Division)
Bridgeport School System
Bridgeport Middle/High School's private division serves students from Orlando and surrounding communities with a comprehensive college-preparatory education. The school is known for its strong academic performance, extensive Advanced Placement offerings, and robust career technical education programs. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through its commitment to individualized attention and comprehensive student support services.
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St. Marys High School
Catholic Schools of West Virginia
St. Marys High School provides quality Catholic education to students in the Orlando region and surrounding areas. Founded in 1966, the school offers a strong college preparatory curriculum with dual enrollment opportunities through local colleges. The STEM Academy provides specialized science and technology education, while comprehensive athletic and extracurricular programs support whole-student development. The school is recognized for its safe, supportive environment and strong community partnerships that enhance educational opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Orlando, West Virginia
What are the private school options for families living in or near Orlando, West Virginia, and are there transportation services available?
Orlando, WV, is a small, rural community, so families typically look to private schools in surrounding towns within Braxton and Lewis Counties. The primary options include Notre Dame High School in Clarksburg (approx. 30 miles north), Bridgeport Middle/High School's Private Division in Bridgeport (approx. 25 miles north), and St. Marys High School in St. Marys (approx. 35 miles west). Due to the distances involved, most schools do not provide centralized bus transportation from Orlando itself. Families often coordinate carpools or utilize personal transportation, which is a key logistical consideration when choosing a private school in this region.
How does tuition at private schools serving Orlando, WV, compare to the state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the private high schools accessible to Orlando families is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional affordability. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $6,500 to $9,000 annually. West Virginia offers the Hope Scholarship, a state-funded Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which is a significant financial consideration. This program provides eligible K-12 students who are exiting the public school system with funds that can be used for private school tuition, making private education more accessible for Orlando-area families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Orlando, WV, offer that cater to a rural student population?
Schools like Notre Dame High School and St. Marys High School emphasize programs that resonate with the values and opportunities of rural West Virginia. This often includes robust agricultural science and FFA chapters, strong STEM partnerships with local community colleges, and faith-based service learning that connects students to local community needs. Bridgeport's Private Division is known for its advanced college preparatory curriculum and competitive athletics, providing a broader competitive arena while still maintaining a close-knit community feel important to families from areas like Orlando.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools that Orlando, WV, students attend, and how important is early application?
The enrollment process for schools like Notre Dame, Bridgeport Private, and St. Marys High usually begins in January or February for the following fall semester. While these schools do not have the multi-thousand-person waitlists of major cities, popular grades (especially freshman year) can fill due to their relatively small class sizes. For Orlando families, applying by early spring is highly recommended. The process typically involves an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and an interview or shadow day, which requires planning for the commute to the school's location.
For an Orlando, WV, family, what are the primary factors when deciding between the local public school (like Braxton County High School) and a private school option farther away?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The local public school offers proximity and deep community ties within Braxton County. Opting for a private school involves a significant daily commute but often provides smaller class sizes, specific religious education (if choosing a Catholic school like Notre Dame or St. Marys), and sometimes a wider array of advanced placement or specialized academic tracks. Families must weigh the investment of time and transportation costs against their educational priorities, such as college preparation focus or a particular value-based environment, which the private institutions in the region are known for cultivating.
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