Finding a good private school can be a major undertaking. If you’re paying tuition and trusting the organization with your child’s education, you want to be sure that the school is reputable.
There are more than 100 private schools in Cincinnati all offering different grade levels, religious instruction and special courses.
The majority of the private schools in Cincinnati are religious. However, many are secular as well. Although many are highly reputable institutions, some are better than others, so you must be careful about which you choose. To help you make the decision, here is a look at the top 10 Cincinnati private schools.
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The Seven Hills School – The Best Non-Sectarian Private School in Cincinnati
- Grades: Pre-K – 12
- Address: 5400 Red Bank Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227
- Phone: (513) 728-2400
- Enrollment: 1000
- Tuition: $24,000 – $31,000
The Seven Hills School is a non-sectarian, co-educational Pre-K through 12 school that consistently ranks among the best private educational institutions in Cincinnati. Seven Hills has two campuses, Hillsdale and Doherty, each offering slightly different tuition. It ranks among the very best in Cincinnati private schools because of its small class sizes, excellent student-to-teacher ratio, and high college acceptance rate.
The average classroom size is just 15, and there is roughly one teacher for every 9 students. Teachers, on average, have about 18 years of experience and 100% of Seven Hills students attend a four-year college. The student body is very diverse, and 39% of kids are students of color, and they offer $5 million per year in tuition assistance for needy families. However, it ranks among the most expensive private schools in Cincinnati as well.
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Cincinnati Country Day School – A College Preparatory School with High College Enrollment
- Grades: Pre-K through 12
- Address: 6905 Given Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243
- Phone: (513) 561-7298
- Enrollment: 850
- Tuition: $7,570 – $27,730
The Cincinnati Country Day School is a coeducational, college preparatory school in the nearby suburb of Indian Hill catering to students ages Pre-K through 12. The school boasts small class sizes, excellent extracurricular activities, and a high college enrollment rate. The County Day School ranks among the best private high schools in Cincinnati for sending students to top-rated schools like MIT, Harvard, and Princeton, and 100% of students attend a four-year college.
The school is accredited by the Ohio athletic association, and teams have won 27 individual state championships across different sports. The average class size is 15, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 9:1. Plus, about 15% of the class of 2021 were national merit students. So if you’re looking for a school with an excellent academic track record and fantastic sports programs, the Cincinnati Country Day School is a great choice.
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St. Xavier High School – One of the Oldest Private Schools in Cincinnati
- Grades: 9-12
- Address: 600 W North Bend Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45224
- Phone: (513) 761-7600
- Enrollment: 1514
- Tuition: $16,120
St. Xavier High School is a private Jesuit college preparatory school located in the Finneytown neighborhood of nearby Springwood Township. It ranks among the best private high schools in Cincinnati and is one of the oldest in the nation. It was established in 1831, although it moved to its present-day location in 1960.
In addition to its academic prowess, it’s recognized for its stellar athletic programs, and its sports teams frequently appear within national rankings. They also offer generous financial aid packages, and about 40% of the student body receives some form of tuition support. Historically 99% of students have gone on to attend a four year college, and the school has produced several professional athletes, Olympians, politicians, leading businessmen, and prominent authors.
Cincinnati Waldorf School – An Innovative Private School in Cincinnati
- Grades: Pre-K–8
- Address: 6743 Chestnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45227
- Phone: (513) 541-0220
- Enrollment: 280
- Tuition: $14,000 – $15,000
The Cincinnati Waldorf School is a non-sectarian school in the nearby suburb of Mariemont that caters to grades pre-K through eight. It’s ranked among the best private elementary schools in Cincinnati for those searching for a different approach to learning. The curriculum is based on the educational philosophy of Rudolph Steiner, the founder of a 19th-century spiritualist movement called Anthroposophy.
Waldorf schools offer a “developmentally appropriate, experiential approach to learning” that incorporates nature, community, and the arts. Aside from its unique approach to learning, it also offers small class sizes, exceptional test scores, and a great student-to-teacher ratio. Although their approach may not be for everyone, it’s a fantastic school that offers individual attention and hands-on learning.
Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy – A Christian School Offering Unique Programs
- Grades: Pre-K through 12
- Address: 8283 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249
- Phone: (513) 247-0900
- Enrollment: 1300
- Tuition: $9,785 – $20,425
The Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy is a non-denominational Christian School in northeast Cincinnati that enrolls students pre-K through 12. The school has a great academic track record and offers innovative programs rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It boasts a 12 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio, and 9-10% of the student body becomes national merit semi-finalists or finalists.
Students can participate in a variety of unique programs, including those focused on entrepreneurship and sustainability, robotics, and international study. There are also 21 varsity sports teams, and 84% of students participate in the fine arts. So if you’re looking for a Christian education with many innovative courses and programs, you should consider Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy.
Central Montessori Academy – A Private School in Cincinnati Offering Individualized Attention
- Grades: Pre-K through 6th
- Address: 1904 Springdale Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45231
- Phone: (513) 742-5800
- Enrollment: 100
- Tuition: $10,795 – $11,995
The Central Montessori School is an independent private school in North Cincinnati, serving toddlers and elementary age students. It’s an authentic Montessori school, an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori that nurtures a student’s interests and passions over rote memorization. Central Montessori Academy offers individualized attention, high academic standards and a small student to teacher ratio.
They are also members of the Ohio Association of Independent Schools, the American Montessori Society, the Cincinnati Montessori Society, and the International Montessori Council. The Central Montessori Academy ranks among the top private Cincinnati elementary schools for those looking for an immersive educational experience that fosters emotional intelligence and independence.
Mount Notre Dame Academy – A Catholic School with Superb Athletics
- Grades: 9-12
- Address: 711 E Columbia Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45215
- Phone: (513) 821-3044
- Enrollment: 688
- Tuition: $13,385
Mount Notre Dame High School is an all-girls Catholic Preparatory school in the suburban city of Reading. They are affiliated with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, a Catholic religious organization founded to provide education to the poor. The Cincinnati schools boast top academic programs, small classes, and competitive athletic programs. Students can enroll in over 100 academic programs, including 20 AP courses and 26 honors programs. They offer a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1, and 96.96% of the class of 2021 went on to attend a four-year college. Outside of academics, they also have a well-respected athletic program, and MDN teams have won 25 state championships in five different sports.
Lasalle High School – A Catholic School with Small Class Sizes
- Grades: 9th -12th
- Address: 3091 N Bend Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45239
- Phone: (513) 741-3000
- Enrollment: 630
- Tuition: $14,975 – $16,975
Lasalle High School is an all-male Catholic high school in Monfort Heights, a suburb in northwest Cincinnati. The curriculum is based on the core principles of Lasalian education, which centers on Catholic values, academic achievement, faith, individual responsibility, and social justice. The Cincinnati high school boasts small class sizes of about 20 students and four to one mentoring programs. About 92% of families receive some economic assistance, and the student body is 24% persons of color. They promote an educational philosophy of experiential, service-based learning rooted in authenticity and community service.
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Ursuline Academy – A Private All-Girls School in Cincinnati
- Grades: 9-12
- Address: 5535 Pfeiffer Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242
- Phone: (513) 791-5791
- Enrollment: 510
- Tuition: $15,025
Ursuline Academy is an all-girls college preparatory high school in Blue Ash, Ohio, and serves students 9-12 from all over the Cincinnati area. The Cincinnati school is operated by the Ursulines Sisters, a religious order affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The curriculum is based on the concepts of individuality and self-discovery. Students and teachers have their own personalized schedule designed around their interests and passions. Students are even given the freedom to self-govern and move freely around campus in their free time. They also feature a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, and 100% of the class of 2022 went on to attend a college or university. Outside of academics, they offer 32 co-curricular clubs, 17 ongoing service projects, and 12 athletic programs. So if you’re looking for a Catholic education and the freedom to explore your interests, Ursuline Academy is worth considering.
Archbishop Moeller High School – A Catholic School with Great Athletic Programs
- Grades: 9-12
- Address: 9001 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242
- Phone: (513) 791-1680
- Enrollment: 856
- Tuition: 879
Archbishop Moeller High School is a private Catholic, all-male college preparatory high school in the suburbs of northeast Cincinnati. Their educational philosophy is rooted in the concepts of authenticity, experience, and lifelong learning, to foster the leaders of the future. They offer a 13:1 student-teacher ratio and have awarded $46 million in scholarships over the past two years.
Their unique house system provides an innovative form of student government where all four grades are separated into seven different communities, known as houses, that student mentors and teachers lead. Plus, they are renowned for their athletics programs, and Moeller sports teams have competed in 38 state championships. Archbishop Moeller High School was founded on the principles of self-discipline, camaraderie, and faith, ranking it among the best private schools in Cincinnati.
Best Private Schools in Cincinnati FAQ
How Many Private Schools Are in Cincinnati?
There are over 132 private schools in Cincinnati, serving more than 30,000 students at a time.
Do Private Schools in Cincinnati have Gifted Programs?
Yes, many Cincinnati private schools offer excellent programs for gifted children, including AP programs, honors courses, specialized classes, and more. However, if you are looking for a specific type of program, you may need to look at certain schools.
How Much Does a Cincinnati Private School Cost Per Year?
The exact annual tuition will vary depending on the institution, but the average is around $10,000. However, some schools can cost as much as $25,000 to $30,000.
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