Class Act
The area boasts a wide variety of private, independent schools, both parochial and secular.
By Tatyana Tandanpolie
Central Ohio is home to a remarkable variety of private and independent schools, whether you’re looking for a facility with a religious program, one that serves students with disabilities, one with a rigorous academic curriculum or something else entirely. The following is a curated selection of noteworthy options in the area; most offer tuition assistance, scholarships and/or financial aid options. You can learn more about individual, nonpublic schools by searching that category in the Ohio Department of Education’s Ohio Educational Directory System, a database in which users maintain their own data, at oeds.ode.state.oh.us. Data in the following pages are for the 2022–23 school year unless otherwise noted.
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PHOTO: COURTESY COLUMBUS JEWISH DAY SCHOOL
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Columbus Jewish Day School
Bishop Watterson High School
With 98 to 99 percent of its graduates going on to college and members of the 2022 class receiving $36 million in college merit scholarships, this Catholic high school takes pride in its results. A broad array of extracurricular activities, athletic programs and community service opportunities bolster an experience firmly rooted in faith. “Bishop Watterson educates the whole person in body, mind and spirit, with a goal of producing self-disciplined young men and women who have a commitment to Gospel values,” says deacon Chris Campbell, the school’s principal and a 1977 graduate. 99 E. Cooke Road, Columbus; 614-2688671; bishopwatterson.com
Grades: 9–12
Enrollment: 911
Tuition: $10,475–$12,465
Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Bridgeway Academy
Founded in 2005 by a speech pathologist and a music therapist, Bridgeway Academy is a nonprofit education center for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. The school offers music, occupational, physical and speech therapy and aims to “provide a centered, holistic approach to children’s education and therapeutic needs,” says Janelle Maur, Bridgeway’s director of advancement. The hallmark of its education center is the low student-teacher ratio at every grade level. Additionally, the academy is able to evaluate children for autism spectrum disorder through a partnership with the Bridgeway Therapy Center. 1350 Alum Creek Dr., Columbus; 614-262-7520; bridgewayohio.org
Grades: Preschool–age 21
Enrollment: 220
Tuition: $32,000–$38,000
Student-teacher ratio: 3:1
Columbus Academy
This independent, college preparatory school in Gahanna features a challenging academic curriculum, advanced STEM offerings (including computer science and robotics), a strong emphasis on arts and athletics, and a focus on character development. “Our students are invited to challenge themselves academically while working for the good of the community and developing sound skills in ethics and
character,” says head of school Melissa Soderberg. The expansive campus covers 231 acres (including renovated arts spaces designed to invite exploration, creativity and action) and serves children as young as age 3. 4300 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna; 614-475-2311; columbusacademy.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Enrollment: 1,170
Tuition: $14,000–$32,200
Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 (lower school), 17:1 (middle school), 14:1 (high school)
Columbus Jewish Day School
Columbus Jewish Day School is a private elementary school that blends secular subjects with Jewish studies. “A child never sees themselves compartmentalized, but rather sees themselves as a thriving human being who is full of wonder,” says Rabbi Morris Allen, the transitional head of school. Founded in 1998, the school sits on 7 acres of meadow, creek, pond and woodlands with six outdoor classrooms that students learn in yearround. CJDS also places an emphasis on service learning, teaching students how to tend to the school’s garden and donating the vegetables they grow to local food banks. 150 E. Granville Road, New Albany; 614-939-5311; cjds.org
Grades: K–5
Enrollment: 61
Tuition: $18,000
Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Columbus Montessori Education Center
This private, independent school teaches children from six weeks to sixth grade using the Montessori method, which nurtures academic and personal growth through a focus on individuality, child-led learning and multi-age classrooms. The school’s core elementary curriculum includes art, music, physical education and online language instruction. “We’re strengthening the skill set, equipping children to have a global perspective and be able to function and be successful,” says executive director Jamie Gottesman. The 7-acre location features thoughtfully planned indoor classrooms and outdoor learning spaces, with students learning in three agebased part- or full-day settings. 979 S. James Road, Columbus; 614-231-3790; columbusmontessori.org
Grades: Pre-K–6
Enrollment: 250
Tuition: $11,700–$20,300
Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Columbus School For Girls
Founded in 1898 and located just east of Downtown Columbus in Bexley, Columbus School for Girls is an independent, college preparatory day school with the mission of empowering girls to discover their distinct potential as learners and leaders. CSG has three campuses: a state-of-the-art main campus (featuring advanced classrooms, an indoor pool, yoga room,
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PHOTO: CYNTHIA WILSON
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Columbus Academy
fitness center and theater), a 100-acre nature preserve and 80-acre outdoor athletics complex, both located nearby. Highlights of CSG’s challenging curriculum include a robust computer science program, leading-edge visual and performing arts opportunities, social-emotional development and leadership programming for all students. 65 S. Drexel Ave., Bexley; 614-252-0781; columbusschoolforgirls.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Enrollment: 503
Tuition: $12,150–$30,095
Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Columbus Torah Academy
Columbus Torah Academy is an Orthodox Jewish school providing comprehensive college preparatory and Judaic studies education. Committed to providing an intellectually stimulating and academically progressive learning environment, the CTA facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art chemistry, biology and computer labs, as well as two libraries, a gymnasium and a chapel. “CTA meets and exceeds learning standards that will prepare students to continue their education and become successful in their chosen fields,” says development and marketing coordinator Shari Herszage. The campus is situated on 22 wooded acres, and students study hands-on science in the school’s 20-acre “land lab.” 181 Noe Bixby Road, Columbus; 614-864-0299; torahacademy.org
Grades: K–12
Enrollment: 212
Tuition: $12,680–$20,993
Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 (lower school), 8:1 (upper school)
The Juniper School
This school aims to guide students through a nature- and arts-based curriculum, including classes in earth cycles, movement and cooking. The school’s teaching model draws from Rudolf Steiner methods, which emphasize a holistic education based in imagination, creativity, love and reverence. “We value the wisdom of children, but we’re also, as teachers, empowered to lead them,” says Kate Curlis, a lead fourth- and fifth-grade teacher at Juniper. In addition to general subjects, all students learn through unstructured play; those in grade one and higher can
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partake in special subjects, such as handwork, foreign language and music. 76 Charleston Ave., Columbus; 614-2331755; thejuniperschool.org
Grades: Preschool–6
Enrollment: 100
Tuition: $2,205–$8,378
Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 (early childhood), 16:1 (grade school)
Mansion Day School
Located minutes from Downtown Columbus, Mansion Day School has a mission to educate children regardless of race or religion, though it is an affinity space for its currently 100 percent Black student body. The coeducational school provides a well-rounded curriculum, including fine arts and foreign language education throughout the lower grades. “We have a rigorous curriculum taught in a disciplined but nurturing environment by teachers who love our students and love teaching,” says head of school Dee James. In addition to typical courses, Mansion Day School offers after-school enrichment classes on topics such as woodworking, chess and robotics. 72 Woodland Ave., Columbus; 614-2584449; mansiondayschool.org
Grades: Preschool–5
Enrollment: 65
Tuition: $10,634–$12,703
Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Marburn Academy
Marburn Academy is exclusively devoted to students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD or other executive function issues. The curriculum focuses on using assistive technology and multiple teaching modalities to help every student reach their potential. “We do everything we can in our power as education specialists to meet the students where they are and provide them the education they so richly deserve,” says head of school Eldrich Carr. The academy’s innovative arts, athletics and tutoring programs, as well as its engineering, robotics and technology courses, continue to develop after its 2017 move into a larger facility. 9555 Johnstown Road, New Albany; 614-4330822; marburnacademy.org
Grades: 1–12
Enrollment: 241
Tuition: $30,390–$31,640
Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 (grades 1–8), 16:1 (grades 9–12)
Oakstone Academy
This immersion school weaves academic rigor, leadership and character development into an individualized curriculum for students with and without autism spectrum disorders. Oakstone Academy aims to educate the whole student, offering college-level courses and an array of enriching after-school programs in sports and the arts for middle and high schoolers. “Our focus is not on society as a whole, but it’s on the individual student and what’s best for each one of them,” says executive director Nikki Kerns. The school also boasts a chartered, student-run theater troupe, an Olympic-sized indoor pool, and soccer and baseball fields. 900 Club Drive, Westerville; 614-899-2838; oakstoneacademy.org
Grades: Pre-K–12
Enrollment: 547
Tuition: $1,900–$5,700
Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 (elementary school), 10:1 (high school)
Shekinah Christian School
Founded in 1978 by two congregations, this independent Christian school molds students into lifelong learners and Christlike community servants.
Its conventional curriculum uses BJU Press textbooks, which base core values on biblical teachings, and incorporates weekly chapel services. “We really care about our students, and through that caring of them and for them, we are able to provide them with the guidance that they need to really succeed in life,” says interim head of school Lynne Wolfe. Students can participate in various after-school activities, from sports to worship team and biannual dramatic performances. To accommodate growing enrollment, the school opened a new, four-room modular addition for the 2022–23 academic year. 10040 Lafayette Plain City Road, Plain City; 614873-3130; shekinahchristian.org
Grades: K–12
Enrollment: 142
Tuition: $2,010–$7,452
Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
St. Charles Preparatory School
Students at this all-male Catholic high school are steeped in tradition from the moment they arrive: The school, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, is not only situated on a historic 26-acre campus in Bexley, but also has requirements not routinely encountered
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PHOTO: COURTESY THE JUNIPER SCHOOL
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The Juniper School
Our secret ingredient is fun.
At Wellington, joy is the catalyst to learning that lasts. Preschoolers to seniors are given the freedom to delve into interests that spark their curiosity, all while building a solid academic foundation to power their next steps.
Now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Learn more at wellington.org/admissions
Helping students in preschool through grade 12 find their purpose and realize their potential for tomorrow’s world.
FEBRUARY 2023 COLUMBUS MONTHLY 47
elsewhere, including two years of Latin. Other fundamentals are taught in depth, including mathematics, science, English and religion. These are supplemented by character-building programs, such as robotics, quiz and engineering teams. “We welcome students from 56 different ZIP codes and foster an environment that creates an enduring brotherhood for our students,” says principal James Lower. 2010 E. Broad St., Bexley; 380-209-2222; stcharlesprep.org
Grades: 9–12
Enrollment: 505
Tuition: $12,925–$13,625
Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
The Wellington School Wellington’s philosophy encourages students to delve into the independent coed school’s research-based curriculum. The individualized passion projects and deep-dive electives students take on in the lower and middle schools culminate in the upper school’s “Wonderlab,” a program that pulls this prior experience into a personalized research project. Co-curricular activities are also important; around 75 percent of students participate in athletics, and 100 percent participate in visual or performing arts. “We’re a school that really focuses on an educational model that is authentic and relevant, that helps every student feel like they are known and that their voice matters,” says head of school Jeff Terwin. 3650 Reed Road, Columbus; 614457-7883; wellington.org
Grades: Preschool–12
Enrollment: 718
Tuition: $13,700–$28,600
Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Peter Tonguette contributed to this story.
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PHOTO: COURTESY THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL
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The Wellington School
