The Best Private Schools in Saint Marys, West Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint Marys. 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 Saint Marys and surrounding communities. The school offers small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention. Their curriculum integrates technology with traditional academics, featuring dedicated computer labs and interactive learning tools. The school emphasizes character development through faith-based education while maintaining strong academic standards. Extracurricular activities include sports, music programs, and community service opportunities. Facilities include modern classrooms, a gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for art and music instruction.
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Parkersburg Catholic High School
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
As the companion institution to the elementary school, Parkersburg Catholic High School serves students from Saint Marys and throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley region. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with multiple AP course options and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging 15 students per class and individualized college counseling. The campus features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school's strong community atmosphere and emphasis on service learning make it a popular choice for families seeking faith-based secondary education.
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Trinity Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia
Located just across the Ohio River in Marietta, Trinity Episcopal School serves families from Saint Marys and the broader regional area. The school emphasizes project-based learning and holistic education within an Episcopal tradition. Their curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking skills through hands-on experiences and interdisciplinary studies. The school features small class sizes with individualized learning plans and strong parent-teacher partnerships. Facilities include historic buildings with modern upgrades, dedicated art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The school's inclusive community and focus on character development have earned it strong parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint Marys, West Virginia
What are the private school options for families living in Saint Marys, West Virginia, and are there any schools located directly in town?
While Saint Marys itself is a smaller community, families have access to well-regarded private Catholic schools in the nearby city of Parkersburg, which is a common commute for many residents. The primary options are Parkersburg Catholic Elementary School (Pre-K through 8th grade) and Parkersburg Catholic High School (9th-12th grade). Additionally, Trinity Episcopal School in Parkersburg offers a Pre-K through 5th program. There are no private K-12 school campuses physically located within Saint Marys city limits, so transportation to Parkersburg (approximately a 20-25 minute drive) is a key consideration for local families seeking private education.
How does tuition at private schools like Parkersburg Catholic compare to the West Virginia state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Parkersburg Catholic schools is generally below the national private school average but is a significant household investment for many in the Saint Marys area. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition is approximately $5,000-$6,000 annually, while high school tuition is around $8,000. West Virginia offers the Hope Scholarship, a state-funded Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which provides eligible families with funds that can be used for private school tuition, making these schools more accessible. Additionally, the Catholic schools offer parish subsidies for active members, need-based financial aid, and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Saint Marys students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible to Saint Marys families emphasize a values-based education with specific programmatic strengths. Parkersburg Catholic High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with a notable STEM program and a wide array of sports, competing in the WVSSAC. A key differentiator is the integrated religious education and weekly Mass attendance. Trinity Episcopal School focuses on a whole-child approach with small class sizes and character education. Compared to the public schools in Pleasants County, these private options often have smaller overall enrollments, which can allow for more individualized attention and a close-knit community feel, which many Saint Marys parents seek.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for families in Saint Marys looking to secure a spot at Parkersburg Catholic or Trinity Episcopal schools?
The enrollment process for these schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year. For Saint Marys residents, it's crucial to apply early, especially for kindergarten and pre-K seats, as spaces can be limited. The process involves submitting an application, providing previous school records (if applicable), and often a student assessment or visit. Parkersburg Catholic schools give priority to siblings of current students and active Catholic parishioners. We recommend Saint Marys families contact the admissions office by early winter, attend an open house (often held in the fall), and inquire about transportation options, as bus service from Saint Marys is not typically provided by the schools.
For a family in Saint Marys deciding between the local public schools and a private school in Parkersburg, what are the main practical and community factors to consider?
The decision often centers on commute, cost, and educational philosophy. The Saint Marys public schools (Pleasants County Schools) offer the convenience of proximity, no tuition, and strong community ties. Choosing a private school in Parkersburg involves a daily commute, tuition costs (potentially offset by the WV Hope Scholarship), and a different social circle for your child. However, many Saint Marys families choose private schools for their specific religious foundation, perceived disciplinary environment, and consistent academic performance. It's important to visit both your local public school and the private options, calculate the true cost including transportation, and consider where your child's long-term peer relationships and extracurricular involvement will be centered.
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