Private (Non-public) Schools – School Choice Ohio

Chartered, Non-Public schools are private schools that hold a valid charter issued by the Ohio Department of Education. Chartered, Non-Public schools must maintain compliance with the Operating Standards for Ohio’s Schools. Chartered, non-public schools are not directly supported by local or state tax dollars and require families to pay tuition. Students who attend a participating chartered, non-public scholarship provider may be eligible for Ohio’s various scholarship programs to assist with the cost of tuition or educational services.

Non-Chartered, Non-Tax Supported schools are schools that, because of truly held religious belies, choose to not be chartered by the State Board of Education. Each NCNT school must certify annually in a report to parents that the school meets the Ohio Operating Standards.

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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