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GET SCHOOLED A guide to Central ohio’s education options A number of private, independent schools call Central Ohio home. This alphabetical list includes many of the area’s most noteworthy institutions. (Enrollment and cost data are for the 2017–18 school year.)
photo: ben simon
BY JILLIAN SPAN HOFBAUER
Columbus School for Girls
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Columbus Jewish dAy sChool The Columbus Jewish Day School in New Albany opened in 1998 in response to the community’s need for a full-time educational option for Jewish families. The school set out to create a curriculum centered around an excellent secular and a thorough Jewish education for students—a mission that continues today. Residing on a 7-acre site, educational areas extend to the outdoors with natural classrooms open all year and a student-tended garden that provides produce for community members in need. Columbus Jewish Day School is dedicated to a philosophy that integrates secular and Jewish learning so students can more fully understand the world around them. 150 E. Granville Rd., New Albany; 614-939-5311; cjds.org Grades: K through 6 Enrollment: 60 Average student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Tuition: $16,900 Columbus sChool for Girls Fostering a culture of opportunity for girls since its founding in 1898, Columbus School for Girls has a long history of advanced academic tradition. The Bexley-area school’s forward-thinking approach to education encourages students to become confident learners, critical thinkers, self-starters and collaborative team players as they pursue knowledge. “Every day at Columbus School for Girls, we see what the research shows: Girls
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Columbus Academy
Gahanna Christian Academy
do better in an environment created specifically for them,” says head of school Jennifer Ciccarelli. By leading classroom discussions, exercising leadership roles and getting involved in activities, students learn that their voices matter. “It’s not just about filling vessels with lots of content knowledge; it’s about helping girls to take that content knowledge and do something important with it,” says Ciccarelli. 65 S. Drexel Ave., Columbus; 614-252-0781; columbusschoolforgirls.org Grades: Pre-K through 12 Enrollment: 557 Average student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Tuition: $13,345–$25,730 GAhAnnA ChristiAn ACAdemy With a focus on faith and student passions, Gahanna Christian Academy aims to empower students through college-ready academics
and hands-on exploration. “We believe every student has the power to change the world and that following Christ is life’s greatest adventure,” says principal Anitra Simmons. “Our student-centered approach is grounded in design thinking, research and state standards so that every student has a personal experience and masters skills at their own pace.” The school offers a number of artistic opportunities, from choir and band to visual arts and theater productions, and upper school students have the opportunity to participate in passion-driven electives, athletics, mission trips and service opportunities. 817 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna; 614-471-9270; gahannachristianacademy.com Grades: Pre-K through 12 Enrollment: 325 Average student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Tuition: $5,463–$6,476
photos: top, Wayne Calabrese; bottom, Courtesy Gahanna Christian aCademy
Columbus ACAdemy Located on a sprawling 231 acres in Gahanna, Columbus Academy’s campus flourishes with creative learning spaces both indoors and out. The coeducational college preparatory school, founded in 1911, offers a multifaceted curriculum that combines arts, humanities and advanced STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) classes that challenge and enrich student education. Access to state-ofthe-art resources gives students many opportunities to engage in their learning experience, says head of school Melissa Soderberg. “With newly renovated makerspaces, a greenhouse, an outdoor learning center, an art gallery, interactive hallways and Youth Participatory Action Research projects, we hope to set young minds on a path to joyful learning,” she adds. The school’s emphasis on the importance of diversity, inclusion, equity and justice helps prepare students for a diverse world. 4300 Cherry Bottom Rd., Gahanna; 614-475-2311; columbusacademy.org Grades: Pre-K through 12 Enrollment: 1,080 Average student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Tuition: $11,300–$26,550
You instill it. We develop it. They realize it.
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st. ChArles PrePArAtory sChool Situated on a 23-acre campus near Bexley, St. Charles Preparatory School is the only all-boys Catholic high school in Central Ohio. Since its founding in 1923, the college preparatory school has upheld a rigorous liberal arts curriculum in a faith-focused environment. In addition to intensive course
studies, students are given the opportunity to get involved in a variety of extracurriculars, including several varsity sports, band, theater and more. “Our student body is made up of young men from many different neighborhoods and backgrounds,” says principal James Lower. “Our mission is, and has been, devoted to providing these young men with
Soar to new heights. At Village Academy, we offer the most flexible and customized approach to personal achievement. By focusing on a child’s unique skills and passions, our Advancement through Mastery philosophy has proven to help students achieve their highest dreams.
284 S. Liberty St. Powell, Ohio 43065 • VillageAcademy.org
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL TOUR | 614.841.0050 74
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photo: dan trittsChuh
mArburn ACAdemy Marburn Academy was founded in 1981 by a group of parents and civic leaders who recognized a community need for a school serving the educational needs of students with such learning differences as dyslexia, ADHD and executive function difficulties. Recently relocated to New Albany, the independent day school’s academic and cocurricular programs are designed to offer a supportive environment for students who may experience difficulty with traditional teaching methods. “We meet children where they are with a multisensory, hands-on approach,” says head of school Jamie Williamson, sharing the school’s commitment to empower students to awaken their potential, achieve success in school and life and impact positive change in their community. Cocurricular offerings in the arts, athletics and outdoor education are integrated into learning programs for a well-rounded experience. 9555 Johnstown Rd., New Albany; 614-433-0822; marburnacademy.org Grades: 2 through 12 Enrollment: 267 Average student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Tuition: $26,740–$28,120
Opportunities at every turn. There are many reasons why Columbus Academy is one of the leading independent schools in the nation. Among them, our 231-acre learning environment, designed for running, playing, thinking and growing.
Arrange a personal tour. Contact us at admissions@columbusacademy.org or 614-509-2220.
4300 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna, Ohio • PreK-12th grade, coeducational, independent • columbus academy.org
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What do you seek?
St. Charles Preparatory School
Columbus Catholic Schools
The h bold b ld pursuit of unlimited potential
Columbus School for Girls age 3 to grade 12 What if she was equipped to challenge systems, to claim space at the table, to create what doesn’t exist, and to live fully and comfortably in who she is? At Columbus School for Girls, we know that what the research shows is true: girls thrive in an environment created specifically for their learning. Your daughter deserves the tools, support, and every opportunity to boldly pursue her unlimited potential.
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a fundamentally sound preparation for adult life, specifically for their college and university years.” 2010 E. Broad St., Columbus; 614252-6714; stcharlesprep.org Grades: 9 through 12 Enrollment: 623 Average student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Tuition: Practicing Catholic, $9,865; nonpracticing, $10,195 ($700 discount for second son; third son free) st. JosePh montessori sChool Founded in 1968, St. Joseph Montessori School is a private, progressive school located in historic Italian Village. Its multi-sensory Montessori approach is designed to address different learning styles and enable children to explore their environments and participate in their own education. The student curriculum at each age includes language, mathematics and cultural subjects, as well as enrichment in art, music, physical health, foreign language, religion, technology and media. Students in grades four through eight may take part in extracurricular athletics, and a summer learning camp available to younger students offers age-appropriate programs for additional learning opportunities. 933 Hamlet St., Columbus; 614-291-8601; sjms.net Grades: Pre-K through 8 Enrollment: 243 Average student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Tuition: $10,300–$11,050 the wellinGton sChool The Wellington School, Columbus’s first coeducational independent school (founded in 1982), values out-of-the-box thinking and the importance of giving students the confidence to discover their potential and pursue their passions. With a focus on student engagement, the innovative curriculum is combined with a range of cocurricular activities in arts and athletics so students can deeply explore their talents. These unique learning opportunities lead to research in university labs, playwriting, state championship contests and much more, says head of school Robert Brisk. “There are no limits to the imagination
photo: louis J. Fabro
education.columbuscatholic.org
Seven years ago, when doctors diagnosed Andrew McCaffrey with a rare bone cancer, they told him he’d never play a contact sport again. Three years ago, he had his leg amputated at the knee. Last year — with intense physical therapy and even more intense determination — he strapped on a Pioneer football helmet and proved them wrong. At WRA, we encourage our students to work to overcome their challenges. Andrew’s story inspires us all.
ANDREW PIONEERED A NEW DEFINITION OF COURAGE. WHAT WILL YOU PIONEER?
See for yourself why WRA ranks among the nation’s top boarding and day schools. Schedule a visit at 330.650.9717 or admission@WRA.net.
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The Wellington School
of eager learners, just as there are no limits to where a Wellington graduate may go in life,” he adds. 3650 Reed Rd., Columbus; 614457-7883; wellington.org Grades: Pre-K through 12 Enrollment: 651 Average student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Tuition: $12,000–$23,550
Open House February 27, 2018
Tours begin at 6:00pm, 6:20pm and 6:40pm
Grove City Christian School
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western reserve ACAdemy Western Reserve Academy was founded in 1826 and resides on a 190-acre campus near Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Hudson. The liberal arts college preparatory day school and boarding school focuses on an independent curriculum that moves beyond Advanced Placement courses, with college-level classes for greater depth, rigor and flexibility, explains alumnus and head of
photo: Courtesy the WellinGton sChool
Join us for an
welsh hills sChool Located in Granville, Welsh Hills School has a long history of education rooted in the Montessori tradition. Through a philosophy that emphasizes hands-on learning, students are able to gain independence, develop practical life skills and accept personal responsibility, all while building a strong sense of community. Its global education program and school-wide continent study project teach students to embrace the unfamiliar and appreciate differences. “Above all else, Welsh Hills School embraces the idea that children should be encouraged to explore many different educational paths and embrace many different educational experiences, all with the goal of helping them to unlock and fulfill their human potential,” says head of school Michelle Lerner. 2610 Newark-Granville Rd., Granville; 740-5222020; welshhills.org Grades: Infant through 11 Enrollment: 105 Average student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Tuition: $8,625
In the beginning, there was kindergarten.
The story of your child’s creation is just beginning. It’s a story we’d love to help write. CJDS is the only progressive Jewish day school in central Ohio that provides K-6 youth and their families with a robust, whole-child, integrated education that combines Jewish and general learning daily, under one roof. cjds.org 150 East Granville Road New Albany 614.939.5311
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10465 Sawmill Rd. | Powell, OH 43065 (614) 761-2020 www.dublinmontessoriacademy.com
“We serve the future by protecting the present. The more fully the needs of one period are met, the greater will be the success of the next.� -M. Montessori
Educating infants through grade 12
Rooted in the Montessori tradition. Focused on the whole child.
740.522.2020 welshhills.org
€ ‚ | ƒ | „ Accredited by ISACS
Independent School Association of the Central States
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Western Reserve Academy
school Christopher Burner. Exclusive opportunities outside of the traditional classroom include study abroad, career exploration and exchange programs, as well as a variety of athletics and arts programs. The school aims to cultivate curiosity and support the dreams and aspirations of its students. “Our Wang Innovation Center is a 6,000-square-foot dream space unrivaled nationally that allows students to take any project from concept to completion,� adds Burner. 115 College St., Hudson; 330-650-4400; wra.net Grades: 9 through 12 Enrollment: 405 Average student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Tuition: $36,750–$56,000 villAGe ACAdemy Originally part of the Learning Unlimited International Schools System founded in 1976, Village Academy moved to its current location in Powell in 1990. The school’s progressive approach is centered around giving students opportunities to pursue their passions and interests in an engaging and challenging environment. “Embedded throughout the curriculum, independent thinking, risk taking and entrepreneurial approaches afford our students real-world experiences in preparation for college,� says head of school Tres Marangoni. “For example, our economics students don’t just learn about economics; they manage a rental property to include all facets of business.� In addition, a number of arts and athletics programs give students an opportunity to enhance their academic experience, and diploma endorsements demonstrate students’ aptitude in specific areas of interest. 284 S. Liberty St., Powell; 614-841-0050; villageacademy.org Grades: Pre-K through 12 Enrollment: 301 Average student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Tuition: $7,750–$23,860
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photo: Courtesy Western reserVe aCademy
Licking County’s Only Independent School