10 Best Boarding Schools in Ohio 2024 | How to Apply

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As a parent, sending your child to one of Ohio’s boarding schools is one of the best gifts you can give your child if you want him to receive the best education possible.

Yes, deciding to attend a boarding school is a difficult decision. However, given the high quality of school board resources, activities, and academics available in local school settings, as well as a variety of benefits and experiences, it is unlikely to be a bad idea.

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Generally, Unlike day schools, boarding schools provide classes to students who live on campus.

Traditionally, during the semester, students remained in school. You may be able to return home every weekend if your school allows it. Some are exclusively for males or girls, while others are co-ed.

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Let’s get down to knowing the best boarding schools in Ohio.

See Also: 10 Best Boarding Schools in Florida| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

Are there Boarding Schools in Ohio?

Some of the world’s most prestigious colleges, such as Ohio State University and others, are in Ohio. 

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Aside from renowned institutions, Ohio has a plethora of boarding schools that provide diverse lessons and activities for students of various ages and academic abilities.

The boarding schools include:

  • Gilmour Academy
  • Grand River Academy.
  • Marsh Foundation School
  • Maumee Valley Country Day School
  • Mount Vernon Academy,
  • Olney Friends School. 
  • Andrews-Osborne Academy
  • Western Reserve Academy.
  • Wilbraham & Monson Academy
  • Cranbrook Schools
  • Hershey Montessori School
  • SPIRE Institute and Academy
  • Lutheran Senior High School West
  • Columbus Girls Academy
  • Wellington School
  • Bishop Watterson High School

See More Boarding School: Best Boarding Schools In Oregon |

How Much Do Boarding Schools in Ohio Cost?

The average cost of boarding school is $38,850 per year. Some colleges charge as little as $10,000, and others as much as $60,000.

They usually include room and board in boarding school rates, but some aren’t — Make sure they cover your food and housing at the schools you’re considering.

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What are the Cheap Boarding Schools in Ohio?

Boarding schools can be costly because accommodation, feeding, and other necessities are added to the fees. 

However, there are boarding schools that can be considered cheaper than others after they add these necessary costs to the fee in Ohio. The schools include:

  • Lutheran High School West with an $11,650 tuition
  • Olney Friends School with a tuition of $36,600
  • Andrews Osborne Academy with tuition of $47,998

You Should Check Out: 8 Best Boarding Schools In Oregon| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

What are the Best Boarding Schools in Ohio?

After extensive research, reviews, rankings, and value offers, we have curated a list of the best boarding schools in Ohio.

Here are the boarding schools in Ohio proven to be the best in the state.

  • Grand River Academy
  • Hershey Montessori School
  • Olney Friends School
  • Spire Institute and Academy
  • Western Reserve Academy
  • Maumee Valley Country Day School
  • Andrews-Osborne Academy
  • Lutheran High School West
  • Gilmour Academy
  • Delphian School

1. Grand River Academy

Grand River Academy, founded in 1831, is an all-boys boarding school that gives each young man a transforming experience that allows him to develop and excel. 

The students come from all over the world to contribute to the enrichment of the GRA community and the development of a global attitude. 

Furthermore, teachers and students design techniques for students to learn best in supported and structured settings. They empower students to take charge of their education and future by concentrating on their talents. 

Note that the school’s mission is to encourage students to reach their full potential and acquire independence.

Here is some information on Grand River Academy.

  • Tuition: $49,000
  • Application fee: $100 
  • Average SAT: 1190
  • 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio
  • The average graduation rate is 100%.
  • Interview required: Yes

Visit School Here

See Also: 10 Best Boarding Schools in Florida| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

2. Hershey Montessori School

The Hershey Montessori School’s educational approach enables children to master the abilities they’ll need to adapt as the world changes, vocations alter, and the demand for human inventiveness shifts. 

Hershey students’ transformative outcomes, particularly during these exceptional times, illustrate why Hershey is regarded as a world leader in Montessori education.

In addition to Hershey’s strong academics, students learn about leadership, real life, business, culture, and critical societal challenges. 

Also, the Montessori method encourages pupils to learn rather than memorize, to excel academically, and to broaden their horizons. Hershey students are resilient, articulate, adaptable, and eager to take on new challenges.

Finally, Hershey’s education approach has supported the scientific process of child development for more than 40 years and supports kids from two months to twelfth grade.

More information on Hershey Montessori School:

  • Tuition: $50,090
  • Average SAT: 1360
  • Application fee: $0
  • Grades: Preschool–12
  • Yes, an interview is required.
  • 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio

Visit School Here

Read Also: Best Boarding Schools in North Carolina |

3. Olney Friends School

Olney Friends School, located in Barnesville, OH, is a top-rated, private, boarding, alternative Christian school. 

It is a friendly school in terms of religious affiliation. Students spend 9 hours in class each day during the academic school year, which lasts 180 calendar days. 

Every year, 100% of the graduating senior class attends a four-year college. There are 9.8 full-time equivalent instructors on staff to educate the 52 students in grades 9 through 12.

More information on Olney Friends School includes:

  • Tuition: $36,600 
  • Average SAT: 1120
  • Application fee: $0 
  • Grades: 9–12
  • Student to Teacher ratio-3:1 

Visit School Here

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4. Spire Institute and Academy

SPIRE Academy seeks to help people reach their greatest potential through athletics, academics, and service. A four-pillar approach to student development has been developed at SPIRE Academy.

Furthermore, its college preparatory academic program for students in grades 9 through 12 offers pupils the knowledge and rigor necessary to enter any college or institution in the country.

Also, trust, listening, teamwork, time management, work ethic, respect, relationships, understanding, failure, leadership, proactive vs. reactive, familial, ethnic, and socio-economic/cultural variations are included in their skill areas.

In addition, basketball, Esports, Lacrosse, swimming, soccer, track & field, and wrestling are the seven areas of passion offered as “majors” at SPIRE in 2022-2023.

Some more information on the school includes:

  • Tuition: $59,500 
  • Student-to-teacher ratio: 4:1
  • Yes, an interview is required.
  • The average graduation rate is 100%.

Visit School Here

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5. Western Reserve Academy

Western Reserve Academy is a private residential school in Ohio located in the Hudson area. Summit County has 44 private schools, including this one. 

The Western Reserve Academy is a nonsectarian institution in terms of religious affiliation. Students spend 8 hours in class each day during the academic school year, which lasts 188 calendar days. 

Every year, 100% of the graduating senior class attends a four-year college. There are 57.0 full-time equivalent teachers on staff to educate the 403 students in grades 9 through 12.

Information on Western Reserve Academy includes: 

  • Tuition: $63,275
  • Average SAT: 1380
  • Average ACT: 31
  • Application fee: $75
  • Average graduation rate: 100%
  • Yes, an interview is required
  • Student-to-teacher ratio: 6:1

Visit School Here

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6. Maumee Valley Country Day School

Students come from all walks of life, all over the country and the world to attend Maumee Valley Country Day School. Their unifying tie is their belief in the importance of having a top-notch education. 

Maumee Valley is Northwest Ohio’s and Southeast Michigan’s only accredited, co-educational, independent preschool through 12th-grade school.

Maumee Valley draws committed students with a variety of academic interests and experiences, as well as pupils whose families place a high priority on education.

Also, the demanding curriculum, student-centered school life, and supportive community inspire and equip students for a lifetime of learning.

More information on the school includes:

  • Tuition: $50,000
  • Application fee: $50
  • Yes, an interview is required.
  • Average SAT: 1360 Average
  • ACT: 30
  • Student-to-teacher ratio: 8:1
  • Grades: Preschool–12

Visit School Here

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7. Andrews-Osborne Academy

Andrews Osborne Academy is a coed, private college preparatory school that accepts students from pre-kindergarten (ages 3 and 4) through 12th grade. 

Every day, Andrews Osborne Academy works to live up to its vision of preparing students for higher education and empowering them to be successful leaders committed to serving in an international community.

Andrews Osborne Academy, founded in 2007 after the merger of two schools, is located on a 200-acre campus in Willoughby, Ohio, approximately east of Cleveland. With a student body of around 350 pupils, the school is quite modest. 

In addition, the curriculum focuses on college preparation, and every senior graduating class receives entrance to a four-year college or university.

Andrews Osborne Academy is noted for its outstanding arts education curriculum, which has expanded to include new cooperation with the Cleveland Ballet Youth Company and Orchestra. 

The school also boasts a strong athletic program. All students must participate in a local community service program and accomplish a minimum of 16 hours of service per year.

More information on the school includes:

  • Tuition: $47,998
  • The application fee is $100.
  • Yes, an interview is required.
  • SAT Average: 1290
  • ACT Average: 28
  • The student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1.
  • Grades: Preschool–12

Visit School Here

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8. Lutheran High School West

Lutheran High School West is a Rocky River, Ohio-based private co-educational high school. For over 60 years, Lutheran West has provided quality secondary education in a Christ-centered environment to young men and women.

In addition, Lutheran West has 500 students in grades 9–12, with grades 6–8 set to begin in the autumn of 2022. Honors/AP courses, a large range of electives, and The Senney Honors Academy are among the demanding academic programs available to students.

Lutheran West also has competitive athletic programs in 16 different sports. Fine art/studio art, graphic design, photography, vocal music, instrumental music, ceramics, drama, dance, and other arts programs are available.

Also, a STEM classroom, big science labs, turf fields, a weight training center, a performing arts center, and an art studio are among their facilities.

Finally, a strong feeling of community shared by students, staff, administration, and alumni distinguishes Lutheran West. Young kids can grow up in a loving, comfortable environment at school.

Additional information about the school includes:

  • Tuition: $11,650
  • The average SAT is 1200
  • The average ACT is 26
  • The average graduation rate is 100%
  • The student-to-teacher ratio is 15:1

Visit School Here

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9. Gilmour Academy

Gilmour is ideally positioned as an independent Catholic school to educate both the brains and the heart of each student.

This school intends to carry out its Holy Cross purpose by developing the ability to see and the courage to act to create a more humane and just society. 

Their Holy Cross legacy promotes whole-person development, focusing on a rigorous academic program matched by a moral imperative to foster faith, conscience, leadership, and a dedication to giving back. 

Additionally, students at Gilmour are known for being people on a spiritual journey, effective communicators, analytical and introspective thinkers, effective problem-solvers, self-directed and curious learners, collaborative team members, and, most importantly, ethically responsible individuals.

Also, students spend 7 hours in class each day during the academic school year, which lasts 180 calendar days. 34.5 full-time equivalent instructors are on staff to educate 645 students in grades PK-12.

More information about the school includes:

  • Tuition: $52,930 
  • Interview required Yes 
  • Average SAT: 1260 
  • Average ACT: 28
  • The average graduation rate is 100%.
  • The student-to-teacher ratio is 10:1.

Visit School Here

10. Delphian School

The Delphian School, located at the foot of the ocean, provides a welcoming and peaceful environment for students worldwide. The way the pupils engage with one another can’t be missed.

However, Delphian has two primary characteristics that make it stand out. The first is the application of study technology. This aids pupils’ learning and allows them to progress more quickly.

The second is Delphian School’s teaching technique and program offerings. These are its most important features. The Study Technology program, which they use, really helps pupils identify what they need.

  • Grades: (Boarding) 5-12
  • Students: 230 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $51,788
  • Acceptance rate: 53%
  • Average class size: 20 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 15 / Mar. 1

Visit School Here

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Basically, we have chosen to divide these schools into categories to aid your reading. Some of these schools and more are found in different cities in the state, and some also serve different purposes for being established. Here they are:

What are the Boarding Schools in Columbus, Ohio?

These boarding schools are located in the city of Columbus, Ohio. These boarding schools are only found in Columbus and nowhere else. 

They include:

  • Columbus Girls Academy
  • Wellington School
  • Bishop Watterson High School

What are the Boarding Schools in Cleveland, Ohio?

Cleveland is one of the big cities in Ohio. It is home to many schools, including boarding schools. 

These are boarding schools found in the city:

  • Western Reserve Academy.
  • Andrews-Osborne Academy
  • Gilmour Academy

What are the Boarding Schools in Cincinnati, Ohio?

Cincinnati City is not left out either, as one of the cities in Ohio to have boarding schools. Being one of the busy cities in Ohio, it can’t be hard to find a boarding school. 

The boarding schools found in this city include:

  • Oakdale Christian Academy
  • Cincinnati Waldorf School is
  • Linden Grove School
  • Mercy McAuley High School

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What are the Christian Boarding Schools in Ohio?

Are you a parent looking for a good Christian boarding school to send your kids to?

Search no further. Ohio has many good Christian boarding schools for your kids. These schools help to nurture students in the right spirit and a Christ-like nature. 

They include:

  • Oakdale Christian Academy
  • Gilmour Academy
  • Pine Mountain Academy.
  • Columbus Girls Academy
  • Olney Friends School.
  • Lutheran Senior High School west 

Are there Elementary Boarding Schools in Ohio?

We’ve compiled a list of boarding schools in Ohio for parents who want to enroll their child in a boarding school atmosphere for elementary (also known as primary or grammar) schools. 

It’s worth noting that most boarding schools in Ohio only offer day school to younger students and don’t allow boarding until 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade, depending on the school.

These boarding schools include:

  • Gilmour Academy
  • Marsh Foundation School
  • Andrew Osborne School
  • Western Reserve Academy.
  • Mount Vernon Academy,
  • Grand River Academy.

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Are there all-girls’ Boarding Schools in Ohio?

You might wonder if there are any all-girls boarding schools in Ohio. Of course, yes, there are boarding schools that admit only girls in Ohio, and they include:

  • The Linsly School
  • Shady Side School
  • Life Quest Girls Academy
  • Columbus Girls Academy
  • New Lifehouse Academy

Are there all Boys’ Boarding Schools in Ohio?

Just as there are boarding schools that admit only girls, there are also boarding schools that admit only boys in Ohio, and they include:

  • Grand River Academy.
  • Agape Boarding School
  • Heartland Boys Academy
  • Pine Mountain Academy.

What are the Military Boarding Schools in Ohio?

Do you have a child in your care that needs to attend a military boarding school? Military schools provide an organized and disciplined environment for kids who require a firm and consistent influence.

These military schools can be all-girls, all-boys, or co-educational. 

Here is a list of some of the military boarding schools in Ohio:

  • Oakdale Christian Academy
  • Safe Harbor Academy
  • Life Quest Girls Academy

Are there Therapeutic Boarding Schools in Ohio for Troubled Youths?

Teens’ problematic behavior can refer to a wide range of issues. Rebelliousness, scholastic failure or truancy, depression, alcohol or drug misuse, or even unlawful activities are all common indications of a disturbed youngster.

On the other hand, some teenagers require a higher level of professional counseling than is available locally.

Therefore, a boarding school for disturbed kids outside of Ohio can offer numerous benefits to such a teen. 

For starters, the boy or girl can be free of negative environmental influences.

These therapeutic schools include:

  • Ohio State School for the Blind
  • Agape Boarding School
  • Future Men
  • Heartland Boys Academy
  • Pine Mountain Academy.
  • Vision Boys Academy

Conclusion

Ohio boarding schools have a long history of academic distinction thanks to an educational program that includes a wide range of courses taught by highly qualified and highly motivated teachers in small classes that encourage meaningful engagement with students. 

Finally, this article will give you insight when choosing the right boarding school to attend as a student and the right one to send your kids to as a parent.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there good boarding schools in Ohio?

Ohio is home to some of the world’s most prominent boarding schools, which provide a variety of classes and activities for students of various ages and academic levels.

What is the youngest age for boarding school?

For students aged 18 or 19, many schools provide a post-graduate year. There are also junior boarding schools that begin as early as the fifth grade, or at 10 or 11 years old.

Why do people go to therapeutic boarding schools?

Therapeutic boarding schools (TBS) are residential schools designed to assist troubled teenagers in navigating their adolescent years. Emotional, social, and/or behavioral disorders plague many youths who attend therapeutic boarding schools.

Why do parents send their children to boarding schools?

A boarding school can provide stability and mental space for children to worry about their growth rather than their family members if there is a separation, divorce, or major illness in the family.

References

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