Jordan EllisI used to think that my parents were kind of mean for sending my siblings and me to a private school in Columbus. I mean, do you have any idea how competitive it can get? And I’m not just talking about the students; their folks are into it too.
One kid takes advanced classes, and suddenly, everybody else is signing their children up for three extracurriculars and summer programs. It was pretty intense, and the constant pressure could be overwhelming at times.
But I guess it was worth it in the end. The exposure to different resources and opportunities made it easier for me to decide what I wanted after graduation.
With that, here’s a closer look at some of the top-rated institutions in the city.
How much does it cost to enroll in a private school in Columbus?
Enrolling in private schools in Columbus costs from around $8,000 to $40,000. However, the final cost depends on the grade level, financial aid, and the institution’s standards.
1. Columbus Academy
Address: 4300 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna
Phone: +16144752311
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–4:30 PM
Columbus Academy is ranked as the #2 Best Private School in Ohio and regularly snatches the #1 spot in the city. Founded in 1911, the institution is best known for its rigorous college-prep courses.
But it’s not a place that would box students into a single path. In fact, many parents appreciate that the kids can pursue various programs (athletics, journalism, robotics, etc.) at once without the pressure to specialize too early.
Don’t get us wrong, they still have a strict “academics first” standard, especially when you reach the upper grade level, where advanced and honors courses will be offered.
They also connect older students with internships and mentorship programs to help them gain real-world experience.
If we talk about the cost, Columbus Academy is definitely one of the most expensive private schools in the city. Tuition fees range from $17,000 to $40,000, which covers lunch, essential learning materials, and routine diagnostic testing.
They do offer various financial assistance. This includes scholarships, tuition remissions, and flexible payment plans through third-party systems.
Always reliable
“Columbus Academy was academically challenging, while also offering a community where a wide range of students, administrators and faculty could thrive. The tight-knit community was always reliable.”
- Alum, Niche
Great school
“Great school with a low teacher-to-student ratio in the classroom and strong academics. So many opportunities for students outside the classroom as well.”
- Parent, Niche
2. Wellington School
Address: 3650 Reed Rd.
Phone: +16144577883
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–3:30 PM
The Wellington School is a trimester-based institution that’s known for its progressive education. It was voted as the Top K-12 private school in Central Ohio during the ColumBEST Awards.
The school also offers a challenging college-prep curriculum with a more modern approach. Classes are kept small so instructors can provide balanced attention and build closer relationships with students.
It provides its own “Beyond AP” courses that include core subjects, special classes, arts, and more. These advanced programs actually resulted in them regularly outperforming national AP testing averages.
What we like most here is the opportunity they provide for graduating students. We are talking about international exchange programs and internships at The Ohio State University.
The annual tuition at Wellington ranges from $22,000 to $33,000. It’s still quite high, but many parents appreciate the school’s efforts to make the costs more accessible.
There’s tuition assistance, merit scholarships, and remission programs. Approximately $3.8 million in aid is distributed to 40% of the students annually.
Financial aid is available for all grade levels, which is more generous compared to other private schools that limit it to upper-grade students.
Strong academics and expansive extracurricular activities
“I attended The Wellington School from kindergarten to twelfth grade. The small class size, family-focused atmosphere, strong academics, and expansive extracurricular activities prepared me for college and beyond. Now that I have moved out of the area and have a family, I constantly look for a Wellington-like experience for my own family. The way Wellington has continued to evolve, expand, and maintain the highest standards has continued to impress me.”
- Alum, Niche
We are forever grateful
“On top of the amazing experience my child is having, our entire family has been welcomed with open arms. Parents are able to get involved in so many ways. We couldn’t in our wildest dreams have imagined the opportunities, friendships, and growth that have occurred. We are forever grateful and looking forward to our future here.”
- Parent, Niche
3. Columbus School for Girls (CSG)
Address: 65 S Drexel Ave.
Phone: +16142520781
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM–2:30 PM
Columbus School for Girls was founded in 1898 and serves students from preschool through 12th grade. It consistently ranks highly among private schools in the city, particularly for STEM education and academics.
What’s even more impressive is the school’s high college acceptance rate. In 2024, 100% of the graduates were accepted to four-year colleges and universities. This is likely due to their strong academic program, which includes AP classes and hands-on science introduced as early as age 3.
Some parents do worry that the all-girls setup can feel isolating at times. Even so, many families still choose it because they value how the environment fosters leadership and confidence in young women.
Tuition at CSG ranges from $20,000 to $35,000, placing it on the premium side, though financial aid is available. In fact, about 44% of students receive assistance each year.
Everyone still graduates with skills
“CSG offers an excellent academic education. Teachers know the ins and outs of the subjects they are teaching and are always available to talk to. Students have plenty of resources both on and off campus. The all-girls environment is excellent for young girls (eg. Elementary School) in developing critical thinking skills and confidence. Particularly for High Schoolers, CSG can at times feel isolating, however everyone still graduates with skills to succeed post-High School.”
- Senior, Niche
Expert teachers
“I attended CSG from 8th grade through senior year. I cannot imagine my life without this academic experience that was filled with expert teachers, engaged peers, and ample opportunities to pursue my interests. I’m so thankful for the preparation for college and lifelong friends!”
- Alum, Niche
4. Worthington Christian School (WC)
Address: 6675 Worthington Galena Rd, Worthington
Phone: +16144318215
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
Worthington Christian School was founded over 50 years ago and is ranked the #1 faith-based school in Central Ohio for academics, student life, and college readiness.
Academically, the school is rigorous, combining standard coursework with Bible instruction and service learning. It also offers subjects like music, art, and theology alongside college-prep classes.
Their extracurricular activities are a major plus as well. Students can participate in chapel services, sports tournaments, and even international trips.
If we talk about tuition, WC’s is somewhat lower compared to some of the elite schools in the city, ranging from $6,000 to $15,000. They also offer several forms of financial assistance, including payment plans and EdChoice Scholarship programs.
However, some students have expressed frustration with the administration’s strict monitoring, which can extend into their lives outside school hours.
Wonderful school
“Worthington Christian is a wonderful school; it is academically rigorous, has a wonderful sports and arts program, and is Biblically centered. The teachers genuinely love and care for the students while preparing them to be successful as adults.”
- Parent, Niche
Best choice we have ever made
“My son went to school happy every day through the years. He made lifelong friends from day one. My son was well prepared academically and won awards and scholarships. International school trips were phenomenal. Teachers consistently invested gently in student character development. We couldn’t have been happier! Enrolling our high school student in WC is the best choice we have ever made!”
- Parent, Niche
5. Columbus Torah Academy (CTA)
Address: 181 Noe Bixby Rd.
Phone: +16148640299
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–4:30 PM
Within Ohio, Columbus Torah Academy is consistently recognized as one of the top Jewish schools. It provides both secular college-prep academics and Judaic studies for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The school is also doing well academically, especially with standardized test performance. It has an average SAT score of around 1240 and a high college enrollment rate among graduates (around 98% to 100%).
But compared to other private schools, CTA is relatively smaller, so some alumni feel that resources and extracurricular opportunities can occasionally be limited.
However, both the school’s academics and religious integration are strong. Many families shared that graduates went on to attend universities while continuing to stay active in Jewish life afterward.
While there are no public listings of their tuition fee, the school distributes approximately $1 million in tuition assistance every year. This includes scholarships and need-based assistance.
All my children went on to graduate programs and are successful in their careers
“All five of our children attended Columbus Torah Academy from elementary school through high school graduation. They received excellent secular and Judaic educations and were able to excel at the top Yeshivas and selective universities. They all went on to graduate programs and are successful in their careers. Most importantly, they all have wonderful families and send all our grandchildren to Jewish Day Schools. We are proud to have several grandchildren attending CTA and are confident in their outstanding education.”
- Parent, Niche
Superior education
“CTA truly teaches each child according to their way. Students at CTA thrive in a loving and intellectually stimulating environment. When we moved away two years ago, all we heard from our children was how much they missed CTA, and that superior education is a big reason we have moved back!”
- Parent, Niche
