High-quality private education can be found right here in Northern Kentucky

If you’re considering sending your child to private school, you’re in luck—Northern Kentucky is full of options. NKY is home to more than 30 private schools, many of which are unique in the region. We spoke with three local private schools about the value of a private education and what they offer that you may not be able to fine anywhere else.

Covington Latin School

Covington Latin School, located in Covington at 21 E. 11th St., is a private, Catholic, grades five-through-12 school that is known for serving gifted students.

“Our mission is to provide gifted education to students to meet them where they are,” says Amy Darpel, director of Advancement. “And we allow for acceleration—they can skip a grade or two.”

Covington Latin provides its students with a classical education, which helps students develop the tools to think and read critically. “We’re teaching in a Socratic method so that kids are analyzing and discerning information,” says Darpel. Speech is a required class at the high school level for all four years, and middle school students are required to take a study skills class.

The classical model is paired with an acceleration program, enabling gifted children to learn at their own pace. Providing this has paid off for students—the school’s average ACT score is 30.2.

While the school is Catholic, only 60% of its students identify as such. Families of multiple faiths embrace the school’s accelerated classical model and its focus on developing the whole child.

“We’ve got a lot of scaffolding in place that will help with the social, emotional learning for the students,” says Darpel. “We have over 25 clubs that the kids can participate in. We have a no-cuts sports policy. We want student athletes, we want leadership roles, we promote service and servant leadership amongst our students.”

Notre Dame Academy

Notre Dame Academy, a Catholic college-preparatory private high school, is the only all-girls school in the Diocese of Covington and Northern Kentucky. Located at 1699 Hilton Drive in Villa Hills, the school empowers its students to “transcend traditional stereotypical roles and they quickly become fearless, curious and enthusiastic in their learning,” says Jane Kleier, chief communications officer for the school.

NDA does this by offering a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, innovation and real-world problem-solving. It also embraces its Catholic identity.

“We celebrate our Catholic identity every day by living the Gospel message of Jesus through kindness and generosity to others, respect for life, community service and striving to use our God-given gifts,” adds Kleier.

While private education may seem like a luxury, Kleier says that NDA works to make it affordable for any student who want to attend. “Through grants and scholarships and our unique work-study program, our financial assistance program offers options to families who have concerns about costs,” she says.

Villa Madonna Academy

Villa Madonna Academy, 2500 Amsterdam Road in Villa Hills, serves students through all stages of their pre-college academic career, from preschool through grade 12.

“Villa includes a Montessori school, an elementary school (grades K-6), and high school/junior high (grades 7-12). Founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Saint Walburg Monastery, Villa Madonna Academy is rooted in the Benedictine values of hospitality, scholarship, service and peace,” says Pamela McQueen, executive director and high school principal of Villa Madonna Academy.

The goal of the school is to have its students graduate as lifelong learners, engaged citizens and reflective disciples. The school does this though its nationally recognized STEM program, progressive World Language program, opportunities in the fine and performing arts, athletic program and a service program.

“Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, and inspired by our patrons St. Benedict and St. Scholastic, Villa students remain confident in relationships with diverse cultures and religions, committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and inspired by a sense of community and Benedictine purpose,” says McQueen.

PARTNER PROFILES

Covington Latin School
21 E. 11th St., Covington, KY 41011
859-291-7044
covingtonlatin.org
GRADES: 7-12
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic

Covington Latin School is a 7-12th grade school that’s mission is to educate bright and motivated students from across the Tristate area. Its classical and accelerated curriculum allows students to move at a pace and complexity that best fits their academic and social-emotional needs.

Notre Dame Academy
1699 Hilton Drive, Park Hills, KY 41011
859-292-1829
ndapandas.org
GRADES: 9-12
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic

Notre Dame Academy is Northern Kentucky’s only Catholic college-preparatory high school exclusively for young women. Sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame, NDA provides a premier education empowering young women to become intelligent and compassionate leaders who strive to make a difference in the world. NDA graduates are poised, confident, loving and intellectually competent young women prepared for a life of service to others centered in the Catholic faith.