Chartered Nonpublic (Private) Schools

Ohio’s Chartered Nonpublic (CNP) schools are private schools that hold a valid state charter and provide families with educational options outside the public school system. CNP schools may be religious or nonreligious and offer a wide variety of educational philosophies, academic programs, school environments and specialized instruction. Families generally pay tuition; however, eligible students attending participating schools may be able to use one of Ohio’s scholarship programs to help pay tuition. Students attending CNP schools may also have access to publicly funded transportation, auxiliary services and other educational resources. Families apply directly to the school they choose, and admission is subject to each school’s policies and available space.

The Ohio Department of Education provides the following short description of both types of private schools:

Chartered non-public schools are private schools that have provided evidence of adherence to the Operating Standards for Ohio Schools and are therefore officially chartered by the State Board of Education. These schools can choose to offer a religious-based curriculum. Credits and diplomas from such schools must be recognized by other Ohio chartered schools (both public and nonpublic).

Non-chartered non-tax supported schools (NCNT) are those that, because of truly held religious beliefs, choose to not be chartered by the State Board of Education. Such schools are required to file a report with the Ohio Department of Education annually. A list of NCNT schools is available to review on our website at NCNT Information. The Ohio Department of Education does not have legal authority to regulate the curriculum taught in non-chartered schools.

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