Mars Hill Academy

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Mars Hill Academy Photo #1 - The Mars Hill Academy staff consists of exemplary Christian men and women who love their students and are passionate about teaching.
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Mars Hill Academy Photo #1 - The Mars Hill Academy staff consists of exemplary Christian men and women who love their students and are passionate about teaching.
Mars Hill Academy Photo #2 - Mars Hill Academy is Cincinnati's only independent PreK-12 classical and Christian school. Accredited by the Association of Classical and Christian Schools, MHA ranks #1 in the nation by the Classic Learning Test, an ACT/SAT competitor providing a highly accurate and rigorous measure of reasoning, aptitude, and academic formation.
Mars Hill Academy Photo #3 - The Little Highlanders Pre-K program at Mars Hill Academy nurtures academic, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth in a small, personal setting to prepare children for kindergarten success.
Mars Hill Academy Photo #4 - At Mars Hill Academy, you'll discover a vibrant community of families, a true partnership between parents and teachers, a celebration of Christian faith and a joyful, engaging environment. Come "Discover the Difference" for yourself!
Mars Hill Academy Photo #5 - Mars Hill Academy offers a variety of athletic teams and clubs for boys and girls including soccer, volleyball, track, cross country, basketball, and jump rope.
Mars Hill Academy Photo #6 - Mars Hill students participate in an integrated classical and Christian education program including academics, arts, athletics and service. We aim to graduate young men and women who possess a deep understanding of their world; the ability to discern truth, beauty, and goodness; and the tools to think, learn, and influence the world for the glory of God.
Mars Hill Academy Photo #7 - Mars Hill Academy students study science in grades 3-12, with high school courses in conceptual physics, chemistry, biology, physics, and astronomy. Hands-on experiments and experiential learning in the lab bring science to life.
Mars Hill Academy Photo #8 - Mars Hill Academy students are each assigned to a "Highlander clan" and enjoy community in teams for service projects and competitions. During the annual Highlander Heart serve-a-thon students and staff package meals for underserved area children.
Mars Hill Academy Photo #9 - Theater at Mars Hill Academy perfectly complements our students' study of rhetoric, art, music, and the humanities. Younger students present short plays throughout the year, and older students stage one fall and one spring drama. Mars Hill Academy has developed a local reputation for excellence in theater.
Mars Hill Academy Photo #10 - Mars Hill Academy offers a string orchestra program for students interested in violin, viola, cello and bass. Younger students also learn to play choir chimes, hand bells, and the recorder. Students in grades K-12 may participate in a variety of choirs including the men's and women's chorus, and Chamber Singers.
In an ever-changing world, kids need a firm foundation.
Mars Hill Academy equips students with skills that last a lifetime - critical thinking, logical reasoning, persuasive writing and powerful speaking.
From the first morning of Pre-Kindergarten to graduation day, MHA students build a foundation that stands the test of time.
It's time you learned more about Mars Hill Academy, Cincinnati's only PK-12 indepedent classical and Christian school!

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 294 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $12,300
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1996
Awards
 Blue Ribbon School - Selected in n/a

Student Body

Total Students
294 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
2%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade
Mars Hill Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
68%
Average Class Size
16 students
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1330
Average ACT score
28
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Skirts/jumpers with blouses, polo shirts and sweaters for girls. Blue or khaki dress pants with jackets and ties, sweaters or polos shirts for boys.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition ranges from $3,844 - $13,330 from PK-12. For more information see www.marshill.edu/admissions
Admissions Director
Mrs. Patsy Hall

Sports

Total Sports Offered
5 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Highlander Council, Jump Rope Team, Lego Club, Wordview Summit Leadership Team

Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Singers, Choir, Drama, String Orchestra

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Youth Developmental Athletic Programs

School Notes

Background
  • Mars Hill Academy, Cincinnati's only independent PK-12 classical and Christian school, has been serving families since 1996. MHA is accredited by the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (www.accsedu.org).
  • Nearly 300 students are enrolled at Mars Hill Academy's beautiful 13-acre campus. Our staff consists of exemplary Christian men and women who love their students andare passionate about teaching. MHA students participate in an integrated classical and Christian education program including academics, arts, athletics, and service.
Classical
  • Mars Hill Academy utilizes the proven classical model of education developed by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Refined through the ages and reintroduced in the United States, this method produces true scholars: students who love to learn, think clearly, listen carefully, reason and write persuasively, and speak precisely.
Christian
  • Mars Hill Academy promotes a distinctly Christian worldview. We present all subjects as defined by Christian truth, and lead students to evaluate all human knowledge and experience in light of the Scriptures. Our graduates possess a deep understanding of their world; the ability to discern truth, beauty, and goodness; and the tools to influence the world for God`s glory.
Independent
  • As an independent school, Mars Hill Academy does not accept funding from local, state or federal governments, or religious denominations. Our independence permits us to provide a true classical and Christian educational experience that is pure in mission, vision and result, and free from outside oversight or influence.
Integrated
  • At Mars Hill Academy, we integrate subjects and teach all things as part of a greater whole defined by Christian truth. Students are taught logic in mathematics, science in the light of history, and literature alongside rhetoric.Bible is not just a separate subject, but part of everything we do and teach. This integrated approach, unique among schools in greater Cincinnati, produces extraordinary results.
Results
  • MHA students regularly score well above average on national standardized tests. Our graduates average an SAT Composite Score of 1309 (91st percentile) and an ACT Composite Score of 29 (93rd percentile). On average 20% of MHA seniors arerecognized by the National Merit Scholar scholarship program.MHA graduates are well-prepared for any future endeavor and mosthave gone on to college, majoring in fields such as mathematics, literature, engineering, biochemistry, nursing, and business. Mars Hill Academy alumni have pursued graduate and doctoral studies in physics, theology, English, mathematics, music, and medicine.
Community
  • At Mars Hill Academy, you'll discover a vibrant community of families, a true partnership between parents and teachers to develop life-long learners; a celebration of Christian faith; and a joyful, engaging environment.
Come discover the MHA difference for yourself!
  • Find moreinformation and register for a school tour or Open House todayat www.marshill.edu.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Mars Hill Academy cost?
Mars Hill Academy's tuition is approximately $12,300 for private students.
What sports does Mars Hill Academy offer?
Mars Hill Academy offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for Mars Hill Academy?
The application deadline for Mars Hill Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (11 reviews)
5  
The more I talk to friends who have kids in all kinds of schools-public, private, Christian, hybrid-the more I grow in my appreciation for Mars Hill. The school was founded on a commitment to glorifying God in all aspects of life, and that continues to permeate every class and every activity. The school is committed to truth, to thinking clearly, to reasoning soundly, and to cultivating a lifelong love of learning about the world God made. We can't say enough about the teachers in particular. They take genuine pleasure in their subject matter; they demonstrate sincere devotion to God; and they love and enjoy our children. Each teacher our kids have had has helped us grow in our understanding of our children's character, both in areas of gifting and in areas that need growth and correction. The standards for discipline are high (one of our children has been deservedly suspended), but this helps create an atmosphere of respectful joy that I have not seen in any other school.
- Posted by
5  
Mars Hill Academy's curriculum is delivered from a Christian worldview deeply rooted in God's Word. The academics are excellent, the teachers truly care for the students, and the family community loves and supports each other. Opportunities for athletics, arts, science, and math abound here for everyone. After partnering with Mars Hill for over 10 years, I highly recommend this school.
- Posted by
5  
I could speak for hours about the teachers and staff at Mars Hill, as well as the incredible community. My kids love school and we are so blessed to be a part of it. The development of their Godly character, hearts, and minds is like so other places and I am so thankful! God is truly in everything they do all day, and I have so much peace of mind in the education they are receiving and all they are learning.
- Posted by
5  
I am the parent of a kindergartener at MHA and have thus far really enjoyed our experience at this school. Even almost 2 years in, when I walk into the school I think, "I can`t believe this school gets to be in my area". Plenty of parents have made sacrifices and intentional commitments to be a part of this place. The staff and teachers are exceptionally kind and helpful. The teacher's communication with parents is top-notch. I am confident when I drop my son off that he is not only safe but cherished and cared for by his teacher and many, many others. What drew us to MHA was the academic rigor and unique curriculum but we`ve realized we needed more than that now that we are engaged in the supportive community of parents, students, and staff. I believe they want what is best for the students and that they are on a mission together to educate children about what`s true, beautiful, and good. I`m pretty honest that this is not the best fit for every family. The expectation at MHA is that the school comes alongside the family in educating the student. As such, parents are a valued part of the process of their child`s education. While in no way is this a homeschool co-op, there is an ongoing trust between teacher and parent that you are brainstorming and troubleshooting anything that comes up in the process of educating. Additionally, MHA is not the place for a family that is looking for dozens and dozens of unique extracurricular options. They truly focus on doing a few things very well. For my family, this was intrinsically attractive. We, like many other younger millennial families, don`t fully see the benefit of over-structured schedules for students (especially young ones). MHA is the right fit for a family that wants to instill the love of learning in their student, values Christian truth and goodness, and appreciates smaller class sizes/teacher support. We have been delighted to meet other families that are seeking to raise their children similarly and carry loads of grace with loads of excitement for what education CAN be.
- Posted by
5  
As the father of three sons who attend Mars Hill, I can't recommend it highly enough. Mars Hill is a school where young men are encouraged in biblical manhood, Christian responsibility, and doing all things well for the glory of Christ. The faculty and administration are men and women who are not only accomplished in their field but also dedicated to the growth of each and every one of their students. Not only are our sons receiving a first-rate education at MHA, but they are being formed into lifelong learners.
- Posted by
5  
Mars Hill is a great classical school. Teachers are stellar people. You can see Jesus in them all. Bible is woven into every subject. If you are looking for a school that has great academics, strong focus on character building, and Christian men and women leading and guiding your child or young person in their walk with Jesus, you would be missing a grand opportunity if you did not check out Mars Hill.
- Posted by
5  
Mars Hill has been an outstanding place for our children - going on five + years now and three kids in, we see the regular benefits of the distinctive classical and Christian education at MHA - the only one of its kind in Greater Cincinnati. We are grateful for the commitment of the dedicated teachers, administrators and volunteers to deliver a comprehensive, time-tested education.
- Posted by
5  
I can think of no other school that prepares the students more for the future. Academics are excellent, teachers genuinely want the best for their students, and families are dedicated and highly involved. The focus on high morals and virtues is incomparable. My children are thriving at Mars Hill Academy.
- Posted by
5  
Mars Hill is an excellent school. The students thrive in this beautiful, orderly environment where the faculty, staff, and families put God first in all studies. The classical model of teaching is both ideal and relevant for learning in the classroom and beyond. Not only are academics of upmost importance, but character-building for each student is stressed in everyday situations. I see a marked difference in Mars Hill students alongside their peers from other schools--Mars Hill students excel in every area of their lives and will continue to do so as they grow.
- Posted by
5  
Mars Hill Academy has been such a blessing to our family! After homeschooling for a few years and they trying another private Christian school, we are so thankful to have found MHA. Our kids are thriving. The teachers are wonderful and have really taken the time to get to know our boys personally. Our kids were welcomed by their classmates and have made great friends. The classical education model is amazing. We can't believe how much our kids are learning, and they're getting great things they never would at other schools. But the most important thing to us is the Christian environment. Everything is taught from a Christian worldview, not just Bible class. If you're looking for a true Christian school with top-notch academics, we would strongly recommend Mars Hill Academy!
- Posted by
5  
Our daughters attend Mars Hill, and they are thriving. They were in public schools and were miserable – bored and unchallenged. I had never heard of the classical education model until I visited MHA, but one visit was all I needed. The teachers are passionate about their students and God, and Christian ideals rule in the classroom. They are so knowledgeable about the subjects they teach, they make learning enjoyable. There are no VCRs in these classrooms – the teachers actually teach! While it is challenging, it is not a school for the gifted. As one teacher said to me, 'We raise the bar of learning, and they meet it!' And every subject is taught through the lens of God's greatness. We are convinced our investment in this schools is one of the wisest decisions we have made!
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 294 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $12,300
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Ohio is $7,359 for elementary schools and $10,939 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Ohio is 89% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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