PRIVATE SCHOOLS 2025
Young people in Greater Columbus—and their families—have a wide array of private and independent schools to choose from. In the pages that follow, we offer an alphabetical list of the most notable schools in the region. The information on enrollment, student-teacher ratio and tuition is current as of December 2024.
Columbus Academy
This 114-year-old independent coeducational school cultivates an atmosphere that transforms lives by igniting curiosity while developing appetites for learning and the confidence to live with intention. “We create a culture of thinking and learning,” says head of school Melissa Soderberg. “We are a tight-knit community, but we raise our children to be at home in the world.” The unmatched campus stretches over 231 acres of woods and streams, outdoor classrooms, high-tech makerspace labs, conservatory-quality music rooms and athletic facilities that rival small colleges. 4300 Cherry Bottom Rd., Gahanna; 614-509-2220; columbus academy.org
Grades: Age 3–grade 12
Enrollment: 1,162
Average student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Tuition: $15,300–$35,300
Columbus School for Girls
Since 1898, Columbus School for Girls has been a proud pioneer in educating and empowering girls and young women to excel in every aspect of life. This legacy of excellence comes alive across its three-campus learning environment, where students shine in the classroom, on stage and on the athletic field. Led by 14th head of school Camille Seals, the robust curriculum includes computer science, visual and performing arts, leadership development, experiential learning, and global studies. Students are also encouraged to excel athletically on a sprawling 70-acre campus. 65 S. Drexel Ave., Columbus; 614-252-0781; columbusschoolforgirls.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Enrollment: 528
Average student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Tuition: $12,300–$31,900
Columbus Jewish Day School
Located on 7 acres, this school stresses hands-on learning and standards-driven dual curriculum, which includes Torah study and the Hebrew language. Leaders say that students leave their time at the school with the tools for the next step in their education, recognizing the importance of both intellectual growth and social responsibility. “We integrate both Jewish and secular learning across all subject areas,” says director of admissions and marketing Julie Mikalov. “Our approach empowers students to become lifelong learners and compassionate, thoughtful individuals. We are committed to helping every student discover their unique path.” 150 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany; 614-939-5311; cjds.org
Grades: K–5
Enrollment: 60
Average student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Tuition: $18,625
Harvest Preparatory School
This private, faith-based school combines a rigorous academic program, including honors, advanced placement and college credit plus courses, with an emphasis on community service and numerous athletic offerings. The results speak for themselves: the school has a college placement rate of 100 percent. “We believe we are the best-kept secret in Central Ohio,” says head of school Andrew J. Mills. “We take great pride in creating strategies to help our students achieve their goals in the classroom, in the community and in their relationships with Jesus Christ.” 4595 Gender Rd., Canal Winchester; 614-382-1111; harvestprep.org
Grades: K–12
Enrollment: 806
Average student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Tuition: $6,500–$9,200
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At Columbus School for Girls, academic excellence and experiential learning create an environment designed intentionally for girls. With small class sizes, award-winning faculty, and experiential learning like no other, it’s no wonder why Columbus School for Girls is the only choice for girls to truly thrive! lead. pire. She will innova e will thrive. She will ovate. She will experi She will lead. She will
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Marburn Academy
On its 17-acre campus in New Albany, Marburn Academy prides itself on its program tailored specifically to those who learn differently due to dyslexia, ADHD and executive function difficulties. “We are proud to be the only school in the Midwest with a full academic program accredited by the Orton-Gillingham Academy,” says head of school Eldrich Carr. “Through this approach, Marburn Academy supports all students as they acquire the skills, self-knowledge, and strength of character needed to be successful in school and life.” Financial aid options are available, and the school is a Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Provider. 9555 Johnstown Rd., New Albany; 614433-0822; marburnacademy.org
Grades: 1–12
Enrollment: 196
Average student-teacher ratio: 8:1 (grades 1–8); 16:1 (grades 9–12)
Tuition: $33,030– $34,385
Red Oak Community School
Red Oak’s primary purpose is to develop confident, capable learners through a growth mindset approach that equally values social/emotional skills alongside academic skills. The school serves learners across 15 school districts in central Ohio. Red Oak offers integrated two and three day homeschool supplement programs, allowing part-time students to experience a more traditional school day while providing professional support and resources for homeschool-
ing parents. 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus; 614-362-9776; redoak communityschool.org
Grades: K–grade 5
Enrollment: 80
Average student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Tuition: $4,643–$10,495
The Wellington School
Founded in 1982 by a group of local entrepreneurs as Columbus’ first coeducational independent school, The Wellington School is dedicated to helping students find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow’s world. Students in preschool through grade 12 have freedom to delve into interests that spark their curiosity, all while building a solid academic foundation through challenging and engaging
curriculum. The Wellington School believes that every form of diversity makes people stronger and strives for each member of its learning community to share their individual voice and have a deep sense of belonging. 3650 Reed Rd., Columbus; 614-457-7883; wellington.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Enrollment: 719
Average student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Tuition: $22,500-33,000
Welsh Hills
The words of Katherine Naul, the founder of Licking County’s only independent school, still resonate with leaders today: “We believe that education must exceed the limits of the mere accumulation of information by extending the child’s education to include the creative, experimental and practical use of knowledge.” Celebrating its 45th year, the school remains committed to those principles, which are reflected in its STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) program, which allows students to acquire knowledge in those areas through hands-on applications. “Our students are provided with myriad opportunities to creatively apply what they are learning in a project-based approach and to increase their depth of knowledge through the pursuit of interest-driven learning,” says head of school Shelli Drumm. 2610 Newark-Granville Rd., Granville; 740-5222020; welshhills.org
Grades: 18 months–grade 12
Enrollment: 80
Average student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Tuition: $5,850-$14,550