The Best Private Schools in Parkersburg, West Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Parkersburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Catholic School
Diocese of Steubenville
Located just across the river in Marietta, Ohio, St. Mary Catholic School serves many families from the Parkersburg area. This pre-K through 8th grade institution provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects while integrating Catholic values throughout the curriculum. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Programs include comprehensive religious education, STEM initiatives, art and music programs, and competitive sports. The school is noted for its excellent parent-teacher communication and strong sense of community.
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Parkersburg Catholic Schools
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Parkersburg Catholic Schools is a comprehensive Catholic educational system serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school emphasizes faith-based education combined with rigorous academic preparation. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and dedicated art spaces. The school offers a strong college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including theater, music, and community service opportunities. Parent satisfaction is high with particular praise for the supportive community environment and dedicated faculty.
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Marietta Christian School
Independent Christian School
Marietta Christian School serves the broader Mid-Ohio Valley region including Parkersburg families seeking a Christ-centered education. The school offers programs from preschool through 12th grade with a comprehensive curriculum that integrates biblical principles across all subjects. Academic offerings include college preparatory courses, Advanced Placement options, and dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's strong academic standards, caring faculty, and emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Parkersburg, West Virginia
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and what are their core affiliations?
In Parkersburg, WV, the primary private school options are predominantly faith-based. The main system is **Parkersburg Catholic Schools**, which operates a PK-12 continuum across multiple campuses, including St. Margaret Mary School for elementary and Parkersburg Catholic High School. **St. Mary Catholic School** offers a PK-8 education with a strong parish community focus. For families seeking a non-Catholic Christian option, **Marietta Christian School** in nearby Marietta, Ohio (just across the river) is a common choice for Parkersburg residents, offering a Protestant, biblically-integrated curriculum. The limited number of options means these schools are central to the private education landscape in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
How does tuition at Parkersburg private schools compare to the West Virginia state average, and what financial aid opportunities exist locally?
Tuition at Parkersburg's private schools is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional affordability. For the 2024-2025 academic year, full tuition at Parkersburg Catholic elementary schools is approximately $5,000-$6,000, with high school around $8,000. This is moderately below the WV private school average, reflecting the local economy. Crucially, all major schools offer need-based financial aid and active tuition assistance programs. Additionally, West Virginia's **Hope Scholarship Program** is a significant factor; this state-funded ESA (Education Savings Account) allows eligible students leaving public school to use funds for private school tuition, making private education more accessible for many Parkersburg families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Parkersburg private schools offer that leverage the local community and environment?
Parkersburg private schools integrate the region's character into their programs. **Parkersburg Catholic High School** features a robust STEM program with partnerships at local industries like DuPont and the nearby Blennerhassett Island Historical Park for interdisciplinary history/science projects. Given the Ohio River's presence, environmental science classes often include river ecology studies. **St. Mary Catholic School** emphasizes community service through partnerships with local organizations like the Salvation Army and Parkersburg Harvest. Furthermore, the tight-knit community allows for unique extracurriculars like combined sports teams (e.g., swimming, golf) that draw from smaller student bodies to compete regionally.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Parkersburg, and are there waitlists for certain grades?
The enrollment process for Parkersburg private schools typically begins in January for the following fall, with priority given to current families and parishioners (for Catholic schools) until March 1st. Open enrollment for new families then continues, but space is limited, especially in popular entry grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade. **Parkersburg Catholic Schools** often have waitlists for these early grades due to their continuity from PK-12. The process involves a completed application, student records, a family interview, and often a placement assessment. Given the small number of schools, it's highly advisable for Parkersburg parents to initiate inquiries by December and schedule tours early to secure a spot.
For a family deciding between Parkersburg public schools and private options, what are the key differentiating factors specific to this area?
The key differentiators in Parkersburg center on class size, religious education, and specific program continuity. **Wood County Public Schools** are well-regarded but can have larger class sizes. Private options offer smaller, more personalized environments (often 15-20 students per class) and a values-based education rooted in Christian doctrine. A major practical factor is the **Hope Scholarship**, which can offset the cost of private tuition. Academically, private schools like Parkersburg Catholic offer a continuous, college-prep track from elementary through high school without the need for district transitions. For families deeply involved in the local Catholic or Protestant communities, the school environment serves as an extension of their faith life, which is a significant draw in this region.
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