The Best Private Schools in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Allentown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Swain School
Independent
The Swain School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Founded in 1929, the school emphasizes academic excellence through small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. Swain's curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking skills while offering robust arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs. The school maintains a strong sense of community and emphasizes character education alongside academic achievement.
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Moravian Academy
Independent
Moravian Academy is one of the oldest independent schools in the nation, serving the Allentown-Bethlehem area with three distinct campuses. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education from preschool through 12th grade, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. With exceptional faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, Moravian provides a rigorous academic environment complemented by extensive arts, athletics, and service learning opportunities. The school consistently achieves high college placement rates and maintains a diverse, inclusive community.
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Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School
Charter School
While technically a charter school, Lehigh Valley Academy operates as a tuition-free IB World School serving the Allentown metropolitan area. The school offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum from elementary through high school, providing a globally-focused education with rigorous academic standards. Located just minutes from Allentown, LVA features modern facilities, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and international-mindedness. The school maintains strong parent satisfaction and consistently produces graduates who excel in college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Allentown, Pennsylvania
What are the main types of private school options available to families in Allentown, PA, and how do they differ?
Allentown offers a diverse range of private school models. You'll find traditional independent day schools like The Swain School and Moravian Academy, which offer comprehensive, college-preparatory curricula from preschool through high school. There are also faith-based schools (Catholic, Lutheran, etc.) integrated into the community. Notably, Pennsylvania has regional charter schools like Lehigh Valley Academy, which are tuition-free public charter schools but operate with independent curricula and often have a private-school-like feel with competitive admissions. This mix allows parents to choose based on educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and tuition structure.
How does the cost of private school tuition in Allentown, PA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition for Allentown's premier independent schools like Moravian Academy and The Swain School typically ranges from approximately $20,000 to $30,000+ annually for upper grades, which is competitive with or slightly below the average for similar Pennsylvania schools in major metro areas. Importantly, Pennsylvania offers several state-specific financial aid programs. The most significant is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide need-based scholarships funded by business donations. Most Allentown private schools actively participate, and families are encouraged to apply early. Additionally, individual schools offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Allentown area that leverage local resources?
Allentown private schools often integrate the resources of the Lehigh Valley into their programs. For example, several schools have robust STEM partnerships with local institutions like Lehigh University and companies in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Moravian Academy emphasizes global studies with tailored travel programs. The Swain School is known for its integrated arts curriculum. Furthermore, schools leverage the region's history (e.g., the Liberty Bell was hidden in Allentown) and natural environment, with outdoor education at local parks and the Lehigh River. Many also offer distinctive language immersion or engineering tracks that align with the valley's economic landscape.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Allentown, PA?
The timeline for Allentown's most sought-after private schools is similar to national independent school norms but with key local dates. The process often begins 12-18 months before desired entry, with open houses in the fall (September-November). Application deadlines are typically in January or February for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application, student assessments or classroom visits, parent interviews, and providing teacher recommendations. For schools like Moravian Academy, which have multiple campuses, it's crucial to apply to the correct campus for your child's grade level. We strongly recommend connecting with admissions offices by early fall, as some grades, especially pre-K, kindergarten, and 9th grade, have limited space and can fill quickly.
For families considering both sectors, what are the primary considerations when comparing the Allentown School District public schools to private options in the city?
The decision hinges on several Allentown-specific factors. The Allentown School District (ASD) is a large, diverse public district facing significant funding and performance challenges, with many schools receiving state support for improvement. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, and often more resources per student. A major practical consideration is transportation; while ASD provides it, private school families often must arrange their own or pay for busing. Private schools may also offer more consistency in programming from K-12 without the need for magnet or lottery systems. For families valuing a specific religious education or a particular pedagogical approach (e.g., Montessori, progressive), private schools in Allentown provide those focused options, which the public district does not.
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