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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.

3
Private Schools
4.4
Average Rating
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Total Students
3
School Types

School Overview

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Religious Schools
3
Secular Schools
3
Different Types

Top-Rated Private Schools

Bishop McCort Catholic High School

Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown

4.5

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.

25 Osborne Street, Johnstown, PA 15905, Arcadia, Pennsylvania PA 15905
Grades: K-12
Founded 1957

Programs:

College Preparatory CurriculumAdvanced Placement CoursesSTEM Program+2 more

Indiana Area Catholic School

Diocese of Pittsburgh

4.4

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.

640 Church Street, Indiana, PA 15701, Arcadia, Pennsylvania PA 15701
Grades: K-12
Founded 1999

Programs:

Pre-K through 8th GradeFaith-Based EducationSTEM Curriculum+2 more

Oakridge Christian Academy

Independent Christian School

4.3

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.

225 Eagle School Road, Blairsville, PA 15717, Arcadia, Pennsylvania PA 15717
Grades: K-12
Founded 2006

Programs:

K-12 Christian EducationCollege PreparatoryDual Enrollment+2 more

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.

Private Education Insights

Discover the Best Private Pre-K Schools in Arcadia, Pennsylvania for Your Child

As a parent in Arcadia, Pennsylvania, beginning the search for “private pre k schools near me” marks an exciting and foundational step in your child’s educational journey. This early decision is about more than just finding a daycare; it’s about selecting an environment that will nurture your child’s curiosity, social skills, and love for learning from the very start. In our close-knit community, the options, while not overwhelmingly numerous, offer distinct philosophies and values that can align closely with your family’s priorities. Understanding the local landscape is key to making an informed choice that feels right for your little one and your family’s daily life in Indiana County.

When exploring private pre k schools near you, it’s important to consider the educational continuum many local institutions offer. For instance, while Bishop McCort Catholic High School in nearby Johnstown serves older students, its presence highlights the strong network of Catholic education in our region. This network often begins with early childhood programs. Many families in Arcadia look toward institutions like the Indiana Area Catholic School, which provides a structured, faith-based pre-kindergarten program. This option can be appealing if you envision a seamless educational path from pre-k through elementary school within a familiar, values-oriented community. The continuity and stability offered by such a pathway are significant benefits for young learners.

Another excellent local option to consider is Oakridge Christian Academy. Schools like this often provide a pre-k program that integrates developmental academics with Christian principles in a nurturing setting. When visiting potential schools, inquire about their approach to play-based learning versus more structured academics, their teacher-to-student ratios, and how they support social-emotional development. These factors are crucial in a pre-k environment. Given Arcadia’s semi-rural setting, also consider practicalities like transportation, school hours that match your commute to Indiana or beyond, and the sense of community the school fosters. A school that hosts family events or connects with local resources can help you build a supportive network right from the start.

Ultimately, your search for the best private pre k schools near you in Arcadia should involve personal visits. There is no substitute for seeing a classroom in action, observing the interactions between teachers and children, and feeling the overall atmosphere. Prepare a list of questions about daily routines, curriculum goals, and how they communicate with parents. Talk to other local families about their experiences; personal recommendations in a community like ours are invaluable. This investment of time will give you clarity and confidence. Choosing a pre-k is the first step in a long partnership in your child’s education, and finding a school that feels like an extension of your family’s values here in Pennsylvania’s beautiful countryside is a wonderful goal. Trust your instincts as you explore these early learning environments, knowing you are laying a strong, positive foundation for all the educational milestones to come.

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