SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Private Schools By Peter Tonguette
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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 data are current as of December 2023.
Columbus Academy This 112-year-old independent coeducational preparatory school has a storied history that continues with its individualized approach to incoming students, whose gifts and interests are nurtured and allowed to flourish. “This is not a place where we’re making widgets,” says director of admissions and tuition assistant John Wuorinen. “This is a very human, relational place.” The campus stretches over 231 acres, where students can use a variety of means to develop their curiosity and enhance their learning, including outdoor areas that are used for classes as well as athletics. 4300 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna; 614-509-2220; columbusacademy.org Grades: Age 3– grade 12 Enrollment: 1,168 Average student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Tuition: $14,700–$33,900 Columbus Jewish Day School Located on 7 acres that incorporate woods, meadows and several bodies of water, this school stresses handson 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. “Our students are supported, challenged and nurtured as they embark on their Jewish journey,” says admissions director and academic dean Sheri Gittins. “Each child is given the opportunity to discover and cultivate their unique gifts and talents in order to become the best possible learner and citizen.” 150 E. Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany; 614-939-5311; cjds.org Grades: K–5 Enrollment: 60 Average student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Tuition: $18,000 Columbus School for Girls Since its founding in 1898, Columbus School for Girls has been committed to the education and empowerment of girls and young women. That commitment plays out in the classroom, on the stage and on the athletic field across
its three-campus learning environment, leaders say. Under the direction of 14th head of school Camille Seals, the robust curriculum includes computer science, visual and performing arts, leadership programming and global studies opportunities. Sports, including basketball, field hockey, lacrosse and tennis, are pursued on a more than 70-acre athletics campus. 65 S. Drexel Ave., Columbus; 614-252-0781; columbusschoolforgirls.org Grades: Pre-K–12 Enrollment: 508 Average student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Tuition: $12,300–$31,900 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 FEBRUARY 2024 COLUMBUS MONTHLY
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