The Best Private Schools in Arcadia, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arcadia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop McCort Catholic High School
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Bishop McCort Catholic High School is a comprehensive college preparatory school serving students from multiple counties including Cambria County where Arcadia is located. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 16 Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM offerings, and competitive athletic programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Indiana Area Catholic School
Diocese of Pittsburgh
Indiana Area Catholic School serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade and draws families from surrounding communities including Arcadia. The school provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects integrated with Catholic values and traditions. Features include technology-integrated classrooms, science labs, music and art programs, and competitive sports. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and emphasizes individualized attention. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong academic preparation for high school.
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Oakridge Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Oakridge Christian Academy is a private Christian school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, drawing families from Indiana County and surrounding areas including Arcadia. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with dual enrollment opportunities through local colleges. Academic programs are complemented by strong fine arts, athletic teams, and spiritual development programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its family atmosphere and commitment to developing students academically, spiritually, and socially.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arcadia, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Arcadia, Pennsylvania?
Arcadia itself is a small borough, so families typically look to the broader Indiana County area for private education. The most prominent local options include Bishop McCort Catholic High School in nearby Johnstown (a diocesan high school), Indiana Area Catholic School (IACS) in Indiana, which serves grades K-8, and Oakridge Christian Academy, also in Indiana, offering a nondenominational Christian education. Due to Arcadia's rural setting, transportation logistics and commuting distance to these schools in Indiana (approx. 15-20 minutes) or Johnstown (approx. 30 minutes) are important practical considerations for parents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Arcadia, PA, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Indiana Area Catholic School's tuition is approximately $4,500-$5,000 for parishioners, while Oakridge Christian Academy's tuition is around $6,500. Bishop McCort High School's tuition is higher, typically near $9,000. Pennsylvania offers significant financial aid opportunities through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs provide need-based scholarships, and all the mentioned schools participate. Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and in-house financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Arcadia, PA, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in this region often emphasize specific value-based communities and specialized tracks. Bishop McCort is known for strong college-prep academics, competitive athletics in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference, and distinctive programs like its renowned "Riverhawks" robotics team. Indiana Area Catholic School provides a seamless K-8 faith-integrated curriculum with dedicated Spanish instruction. Oakridge Christian Academy offers a Biblically-centered curriculum with a focus on individualized learning and agricultural/science opportunities that connect to the region's landscape. These schools often have smaller class sizes than the public districts serving Arcadia, allowing for more personalized attention.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving the Arcadia community?
The process generally begins in the fall or winter prior to the desired school year. For schools like IACS and Oakridge Christian Academy, open houses are held between October and February. Key steps include submitting an application (often with a fee), providing academic records, and sometimes undergoing a placement assessment or family interview. For Bishop McCort, 8th-grade shadow days are highly encouraged. Deadlines for first-round admissions and financial aid applications are typically in early spring (March/April). Given the limited seats, especially in the lower grades, early inquiry is strongly recommended for Arcadia-area families.
For a family in rural Arcadia, what are the key factors when choosing between the local public school district (United School District) and a private school in Indiana or Johnstown?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The United School District provides a convenient, tuition-free K-12 education within the community. Choosing a private school involves a commute but offers alternatives centered on specific religious values (Catholic or nondenominational Christian), often with smaller, more close-knit student bodies. Academically, private options may offer a different curricular pace or focus. Financially, the commute cost and tuition must be weighed against the available tax credit scholarships. Ultimately, families from Arcadia must balance their educational priorities, values, and willingness to manage daily transportation against the benefits of their local public system.
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