2024 Best Private Schools in Columbus

• Gahanna, OH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  48 reviews

Other: I have a child at this school, and I'm blown away by the opportunities she has - from classroom teachers to staff members in athletics (particularly Middle School athletics), she has been challenged, cared for, supported, and mentored. Her class is diverse in terms of where students come from, their racial and religious backgrounds, and the things that interest them. As a parent, I like that she is around students with all kinds of viewpoints, many that challenge her own ways of thinking. During the high school years, there has been a nice balance between her academics and extracurriculars. It's not an overwhelming push to simply achieve "good results" in terms of college admissions, but the appropriate emphasis on preparation and expertise in this area that are the hallmarks of the Columbus Academy experience.... Read 48 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,085

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Columbus, OH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  54 reviews

Senior: I transferred here sophomore year from Thomas Worthington High School, it has been an uphill climb to get where I am now. Starting here as a new student is really hard, as a Pre K - 12 private school it has very defined groups of people that are hard to infiltrate. Overall it has been amazing, the variety in art classes has been my favorite thing ever, I am taking 3 art classes this trimester and senior year is going quite smoothly.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 712

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Columbus, OH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  69 reviews

Alum: Columbus School for Girls has the most elite collection of teachers whose education ranges from great experience and even to doctoral degrees. Your education and the environment of talented students invokes the desire to learn. My only advice is a reconsideration on an administration level. Rather than hear from your head of school that your education is a “business transaction” or that social issues involving harmful language is to be solved by sitting in a room with the offender where they are allowed to tell the victim how they are wrong, I think careful thought and consideration could be put in to better solve these remarks or dilemmas. Regardless, you cannot find better teachers than the ones at CSG anywhere else. They genuinely care about students and make learning feel like an opportunity rather than a burden.... Read 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 509

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Columbus, OH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  247 reviews

Senior: My experience at Bishop Hartley has been close to the best! While there have been the occasional difficult assignments and over-loaded work, I have grown as a student and more importantly as a student. Bishop Hartley ensures that the entire person is formed throughout their high school journey. Formation in morals, faith life, academics, and culture, I feel prepared to conquer the world and confident with the skills I have gained through the school. Bishop Hartley's commitment to honoring legacy, defending traditions, and creating the leaders of tomorrow has been one of my favorite parts of being a student. Seeing the success of alumni and the fruits they are bearing in their lives as a result of receiving an education from the same school I attend is truly inspiring. It motivates me to get out into the world and do good, representing how Bishop Hartley prepared me as an individual to make a difference.... Read 247 reviews

• grade A

• Students 706

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Columbus, OH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  142 reviews

Senior: I have had a great experience at St. Francis DeSales High School. I am incredibly grateful to attend an academic institution where Christ is at the center of our school’s mission. The athletic programs are skilled and diligent, the teachers genuinely care about their students, and administration is open to hearing about ways the environment can be improved, and the majority of the students are loving and well-behaved. I am so thankful for the DeSales community and the ways I have been blessed to grow over the past four years. I find myself too often taking this school for granted, but it is setting me up for success in all areas of life. The memories and friends I have made here will last a lifetime. I will be forever grateful for the faith-filled formation I have received.... Read 142 reviews

• grade A

• Students 876

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Columbus, OH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  82 reviews

Alum: I am aware of no program that goes so far to promote actual thought among its students by means of its curriculum, philosophy, and faith as the one at St Charles. Though we finished our time there in 1985, I remain in touch with several of my classmates. I believe I speak for all of us when I send my thanks to all of the staff and faculty who blessed our years there, taught us to think and to succeed, not just academically, but in life: Gratias ago tibi, quia benedixisti nobis (Thank you for Blessing us).... Read 82 reviews

• grade A

• Students 579

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Columbus, OH•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  11 reviews

Alum: I am an Army Brat. I went to a few different schools growing up. And CTA was my favorite! The community. The atmosphere. The nature. The friends. The teachers. Even the drama. I have very fond memories, and appreciate everyone there who was a part of them.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 223

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Columbus, OH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  71 reviews

Senior: The best parts about being at Cristo Rey was having a sense of confidence with being able to reach out to people and have resources to help me through all my stress whenever I needed help with homework or college applications. The worst parts were just feeling stuck at times if this school was a fit for me or do I fit in the school in the sense of not feeling academically fitting into what Cristo Rey is looking for but later on, the school did overall help me realize that I do belong here as a student and that I can get through any stress with all the support that the teacher provides. Along with support, what I want to change is that the teachers/admin advocates for the students a little bit more and listens to their requests because I feel like that's what made a lot of students leave or not feel like this school is for them because of the lack of listening to the students there are so I hope in the future, admin and the teachers take the students into better and clear consideration.... Read 71 reviews

• grade A

• Students 431

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Worthington, OH•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  108 reviews

Senior: I've only attended this school for two years, but many have been at Worthington since elementary. Since my junior year, my worst experience was when I first arrived. I felt unwelcome and secluded from everyone because it was such a tight-knit community that had known each other for years. In addition, while few physical altercations exist, students have resorted to spreading hate and gossip on social media. This has resulted in them getting in trouble and sometimes, earning suspensions. My favorite part of school is the opportunities they give us to push ourselves by taking CCP classes and familiarizing us with that mindset. Also, they implement a biblical worldview into everything they are teaching, from an actual Bible class to working at the cafe, strengthening student's faith. I would like to see the no-phone policy change to a more realistic system. I would also like to see more opportunities for middle schoolers and high schoolers to connect, inspire, and influence each other.... Read 108 reviews

• grade A

• Students 916

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Columbus, OH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  75 reviews

Sophomore: Tree of Life has character. While it is a small school, it has big hearts. People who go here can change the world. They prepare us for college while preparing us for the world. Anything bad about ToL is due to immature students and the fact that it’s an old building.... Read 75 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 932

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Westerville, OH•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  9 reviews

Junior: Overall, my experience with Oakstone Academy Middle and High School has gone well. What I like about the school is the community, and being able to connect with the other students I have known since I was in elementary school. I also like the staff, who have helped me with my social skills, as well as the swim team program that I participate in during the winter months; it's very fun! However, one of the only drawbacks I have with the school is that there are some kids who can be pretty annoying, and even then, most of their annoying habits are beyond their control.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 238

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Westerville, OH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  12 reviews

Parent: This is a terrific school that continues to grow and flourish. Students are definitely ready for college when they get out, and ready to face life. They pull together as a community, with families helping each other, and teachers always willing to help. My only hope is that they continue to try and grow band and orchestra opportunities, actively working to help parents and students of the importance of a musical education. Sports are a bit better off, with the school joining the OHSAA this year, but music is equally important. Highly recommend this school.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 636

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Columbus, OH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  141 reviews

Senior: The academic side of Watterson is very challenging. We have many papers and presentations in our English classes. We also have exams that are 20% of our overall grade for the year. Along with this, everyday we have to wear uniforms. The uniforms are very helpful for not having to pick out clothes to wear every single morning. Everyone has the same outfit and no one also gets jealous or put down by what others have to wear. Some negatives are having more rules to follow. We are not allowed to have our phones out. There is a twenty dollar fine if you have your phone out. Along with this, we cannot chew gum, or it is a ten dollar fine. Also we cannot carry our backpack around. We have to only carry the books we need for that class period. Which can be very inconvenient if you just want to carry all your books in your backpack to have with you at all times. We also have to eat lunch in twenty minutes in our cafeteria. We are not allowed to eat at other places for lunch near campus.... Read 141 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 947

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Columbus, OH•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  132 reviews

Alum: Bishop Ready has shaped me into the person I am today and has helped me succeed so far in college. So glad I had the opportunity to attend.... Read 132 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 442

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Westerville, OH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  18 reviews

Junior: The teachers are amazing! I just wish there were classes for advanced placement. I cam from a public school where I took all honors courses so the schoolwork is too easy for me here.... Read 18 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 219

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Plain City, OH•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: We have had 3 children enroll at Shekinah. One has graduated. The academic program certainly prepared him for college, so much so, that his college speech class was easier than his high school speech class. One of our other children is planning on majoring in engineering and the math and science program at Shekinah has definitely prepared him. By the time he graduates he will have had classes in Calculus, Trig, Physics, & Chemistry. The small school environment provides my children with individualized instruction. The teachers care and motivate students to do their best.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 158

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Groveport, OH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  81 reviews

Works Here: I have had a chance to be a part of the Madison Christian School community for several years now. I love working with staff members who love the Lord and desire to see students grow in their relationship with Christ!... Read 81 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 513

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Pataskala, OH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  32 reviews

Senior: The best part about this school is the teachers. They truly care about you and pour into you. That said, the academics is lacking. CCP courses prepared me more for college than my school ever did. Math was especially weak and I struggled despite being an all A+ student.... Read 32 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 696

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Canal Winchester, OH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  40 reviews

Senior: I had an outstanding time at Harvest Prepatory School all around. 2020 saw my initial enrollment during the Covid-19 pandemic. Harvest Prep made the transfer relatively smooth, even though it was a difficult time. My first year in school, I had no idea what to anticipate. Although I knew the school had excellent athletics, I wasn't sure about its academic standing. I was motivated by Harvest Prep to work hard in school and earn my diploma. I appreciate the dedication and hard work of the faculty.... Read 40 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 800

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Granville, OH•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  64 reviews

Freshman: I started attending GCA at the age of 7 in the second grade. I immediately made a friend; she is still my very close friend. Many students in my class have been there since kindergarten, but unfortunately, some people have left, over time. I like the way my school teaches everything through the worldview of Christianity. I also think that the chapels at our school are great because of all the different things I've learned from sitting in the chapels. I love my school, but I also cant wait to graduate from my school.... Read 64 reviews

• grade B

• Students 235

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Dublin, OH•

• Private School•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Alum: The rigor of the academics prepared me for public high school and college. It was very difficult but I'm forever grateful.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B

• Students 56

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Circleville, OH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  7 reviews

Senior: I have been going to New Hope since I was in preschool. The school itself isn't bad. Most people think k-12, you have to wear uniforms? They are really pretty simple and easy to get used to. I used to hate them but now I'm just like who cares. The school could change some of its leaders; I believe that some of the administrators aren't always doing what is best for everyone.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B

• Students 328

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Grove City, OH•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  100 reviews

Senior: My experience at Grove City Christian has been full of good and a few off-putting experiences. The teachers are very involved and care about the quality of one's work. Not only do they teach and reinforce topics they also build relationships that make classes more enjoyable. The guidance office has been incredibly helpful and informative in the journey of choosing a college and applying for scholarships. I have been given so many opportunities to serve in my school and obtain leadership positions to help better my peers. My only bad experience is the disappointment in how the administration handles issues and student conflicts. In cases of racism and discrimination, they have done little to correct the students at fault. It would be beneficial to see that aspect change.... Read 100 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 833

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Delaware, OH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  48 reviews

Alum: Overall, I had a decent experience at DCS. I attended for five years and really grew as a person during those years. People here are very athletics oriented. If do not play sports in middle school and high school, fitting in may be a serious struggle and you may not really ever be a part of the "DCS Family". One of my friends was an outcast and was bullied until he joined the basketball team - then he was accepted. This aspect was frustrating to me. Most of the staff are amazing and are genuine in their love for Jesus and their faith! Many of the students are the opposite of that, unfortunately. This makes life frustrating for students who are serious about kindness to others and their faith. This is not DCS fault in anyway. Overall, pray about whether or not your child should go here. God will guide you to what is best for your family.... Read 48 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 418

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Lancaster, OH•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  87 reviews

Parent: Both my sons are graduates who went on to fulfill their dreams. Both received college scholarships and graduated college, debt free, making nearly 6 digit incomes right from their career beginnings. Both fulfilled PreK-12 to Grad at FCA from the finest faculty, staff, & leadership. The letters of recommendations and additional efforts FCA faculty made is evident. Each son's journey is different & staff were willing to help. Their colleges listed them with Merit upon completion reaching undeniable achievements. They both had a good (not without difficult experiences, they learned from) high school journey. This is a school that challenges internal & external discipline to free their growth to influence our culture for Godly principles. I dare say the undisciplined do not like it because it encourages self-discipline, early. Although not perfect, as it has humanity walking the halls, it sets a mark to strive toward, demonstrates excellent role models and encourages struggling survivers.... Read 87 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 446

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1