Open Door Christian Schools (ODCS) are co-educational preschool through grade twelve, college preparatory schools serving Christian families.
Governed by a Board of Directors, ODCS is a non-profit, non-denominational institution which was founded in 1976.
Our aim is to function as an extension of the home, and to nurture each student in his/her development as a whole person: spiritually, mentally, physically and socially-providing the opportunity to educate for eternity. In partnership with the family and the local church, our mission is the salvation, the discipleship, and the education for life and service of the students entrusted to our care.
ODCS is the largest Christian school from Cleveland to Toledo and is 1 of only 4 schools in Ohio to be chartered by the State of Ohio, an accredited member of ASCI and AdvancED.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked OH School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 556 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Open Door Christian Schools-add S ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
speech language
Year Founded
1976
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
556 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
8%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
30%
Number of AP Courses
10 courses
List of Courses Offered
Average ACT score
23
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
casual campus wear
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Please contact the school as tuition varies per grade and discounts may apply.
% on Financial Aid
23%
Admissions Director
Bronwyn Tucker
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
28 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
8th Grade Trip, Art Fairs, Choir and Chorus, Concert Band, Educational International Travel, Elementary Bands, elementary sports, Elementary-High Schools plays and musicals, Great Debate, Handbells, Honors Courses, Junior Statesman Club, Key Club, Marching Band, Math Olympics, National Honor Society, Physics Project Contests, School Newspaper, Science Fairs, Senior Class Trip, Spanish Club, Speech Meets, Top Ten of the Class Banquet, Yearbook, Young Authors
Club or Organization:
Ohio Mock Trial, Patriot Service Club, Talent Show
Club or Organization:
Ohio Mock Trial, Patriot Service Club, Talent Show
School Notes
- Please visit our school profile at www.odcs.org under the admissions tab for detailed information on academics, sports, the arts and more. Open Door Christian Schools: Challenge the Mind, Strenghten the Body, Guide the Soul.
- HIGHLIGHTS
- ODCS is the largest Christian school from Toledo to Cleveland with an enrollment of near500.
- 95% of graduates wenton to higher education and on average each graduate earned$65,000 in scholarships.
- Over 3,500 community service hours are performed yearly by high school students including missions trips.
- ODCS offers 10 Advanced Placement (AP) classes on campus and 10 different AP courses online.
- 23% of ODCS families receive need-based financial assistance for tuition.
- ODCS Patriot Theatre performs a yearly spring musical at Lorain County Community College Stocker Center and is the only high school using this venue.
- In addition to the popular Accelerated Reader program, ODCS also has Accelerated Math using the iPad2 platform.
- Gymnasium was renovated with a new floor, bleachers, and weight room.
- 95% of High School students are involved in extra-curricular activities.
- 45% of students grades 8-12 participate in band and/or choir.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Open Door Christian Schools-add S often compared to?
Open Door Christian Schools-add S is often viewed alongside schools like Elyria Catholic High School by visitors of our site.
What sports does Open Door Christian Schools-add S offer?
Open Door Christian Schools-add S offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Open Door Christian Schools-add S's ranking?
Open Door Christian Schools-add S ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Ohio for: Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Open Door Christian Schools-add S?
The application deadline for Open Door Christian Schools-add S is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Open Door Christian Schools-add S located?
Open Door Christian Schools-add S is located in the West End neighborhood of Elyria, OH.
School Reviews
5 12/27/2018
My son is in the 3-year-old preschool program at ODCS and he loves it! Every morning when I ask him if he wants to go to school, his face lights up and he exclaims, "Yes!" He was struggling with speech before starting preschool, but after just a couple weeks, we started to see significant improvements in his speech, social skills and academic milestones. We are so pleased that our son has been thriving as a result of the education and environment the school has provided.
5 5/12/2017
Our daughters have been attending ODCS since preschool and kindergarten, and now they're in 4th and 6th grade. I remember what a hard transition it was as a mommy to send my babies "out into the world'. We were looking for a place where our daughters would get a competitive education, and we prayed to find a school that would partner with us to develop Christian values and character in our girls. We found both at ODCS. Anyone who has sent their little one off to kindergarten knows the worry, "who will be caring for and molding my child all day when they're away from me?" My worries were quickly calmed once I met the teachers and ODCS and developed relationships with them throughout the years. One of my favorite things about this school is the loving character, wisdom and dedication of our teachers. Even when trying to navigate through issues with ADHD in our daughter, their patience and personal investment into our children has been a blessing to our whole family. Beyond a great Christian education from caring, dedicated teachers, ODCS has provided our girls with so many extracurricular activities to help them develop and pursue their interests and passions. From sports and music to clubs, drama, camps and field trips, it has been a joy to watch our girls grow and flourish at ODCS. --Proud Mama-Proud Christian-Proud ODCS Patriot!
5 3/16/2017
I had home-schooled our kids for 3 years, but after adopting 2 year old twins, I just didn't have anything left to give. Our kids needed more, and quite frankly, I needed a break! What a joy it has been to watch each of our children thrive at ODCS, not just educationally, but in personal and spiritual maturity! I am beyond grateful for the staff at ODCS. The one on one attention my children receive in incredible and the investment the staff makes in the lives of the students is a gift! I thank the Lord for bringing our family to ODCS because I know without a doubt this is where my children are becoming more like Jesus.
5 2/6/2017
We have been involved with ODCS since 1989 in many capacities. Both of our children have graduated from ODCS and were extremely well prepared for their next step into college. ODCS has a great administration that sets the bar high for the faculty and staff. That is evidenced by the care that they take with each student. As another reviewer pointed out, the cost of a solid Christian education is always worth it when you see your kids thriving, maturing, and becoming young adults that serve their Lord and make their faith their own. Well done ODCS!
5 12/7/2016
We first became members of the Open Door family over 11 years when we enrolled our daughter in pre-school. Not once have we considered any other educational options for our children. The love the staff pours into each child, the commitment to excellent academics, and the spiritual growth seen first hand does not compare to any other school! ODCS is the only choice for us!!
5 11/25/2016
In 2007 when we moved to Ohio from New Jersey our little girl was going into kindergarten and we were looking for a safe and great learning environment for her to go to school. She was our first child going into school and we wanted to make sure she was going to a school where she would feel welcomed, safe and would have the best education. In our search we found out about Open Door Christian Schools and the opportunity of her attending not only a very good, safe school but it was also a Christian school. Not only is she still at the school but now her two siblings are as well. We are grateful for the opportunity they have of attending ODCS where they get a solid education, a great biblical foundation and the opportunity to get involved in multiple sports, drama, summer camps and service projects within the community. The staff has been very supportive in partnering with us on behalf of our children. #proud2baPatriot
5 5/12/2016
Open Door Christian School has met all of our expectations for our kids' education. A wide range of rigorous, relevant academics, a Christ-centered environment, a positive social environment, opportunities for sports, music, the arts, and extra-curriculars are all available at Open Door Christian Schools. This is a place where our high school aged kids thrive in body, mind, and spirit.
5 12/7/2015
We moved into the area from another state and we are so blessed that we found Open Door Christian Schools! The students and teachers were wonderfully welcoming to our children. Our kids get individualized instruction from Christian teachers. The are not only learning reading, writing, and arithmetic, but also about their Lord and Savior!
5 11/16/2015
Open Door Christian Schools offers an excellent academic and spiritual environment. My husband and I have 5 children who have attended the Open Door Christian Schools (four are graduates of Open Door and one is still attending). It has been well worth our money as the school was able to provide for each child what they needed. Some of our children qualified for tutoring services and some participated in the AP/accelerated courses. All of our children were involved in either sports or drama. We were blessed by coaches and staff that guided and encourage spiritual growth for each of our kids. We would highly recommend Open Door Christian Schools!
5 11/16/2015
The youngest of our seven children who attended ODCS is now a senior. Our family spans 22 years at this school. We transitioned to Open Door from homeschooling, which worked well. We have been impressed with the quality of Christian role models in the faculty and staff, as well as the caliber of the families here. We have made great friends through the years. Our children have received excellent college preparatory educations here and they have all been able to excel at extra-curricular activities, such as sports, music, and drama. Advisors and coaches invest in our children to develop their souls as well as their minds and bodies. A word about the cost- our attitude is that you pay now or you pay later. We have never regretted paying now for our children to have the privilege of attending Open Door Christian Schools.
Endorse Open Door Christian Schools-add S. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.