The Best Private Schools in Archbald, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Archbald. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Jesuit Schools Network
Scranton Prep is a highly-regarded Jesuit college preparatory school serving the greater Scranton area, including Archbald. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 21 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Known for its strong college placement record and character formation, the school features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Parent and student satisfaction is exceptionally high, with graduates consistently attending top-tier colleges and universities.
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All Saints Academy
Diocese of Scranton
All Saints Academy provides a comprehensive Catholic education serving families throughout Lackawanna County, including Archbald. The school offers a balanced curriculum with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Features include integrated technology, STEM enrichment programs, music and arts education, and competitive sports. The school maintains small class sizes and has modern facilities with recent upgrades. Parent reviews consistently praise the supportive community and quality education.
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The Fell Charter School
Charter School
The Fell Charter School serves students from multiple communities in the Archbald region with a comprehensive K-8 educational program. The school emphasizes STEM education, character development, and individualized learning approaches. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and technology resources. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with positive reviews highlighting the dedicated teaching staff and well-rounded educational experience. Extracurricular offerings include sports, clubs, and enrichment programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Archbald, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Archbald, Pennsylvania?
While Archbald itself is a smaller borough, families have access to several well-regarded private institutions in the immediate Northeastern Pennsylvania region. The most prominent include Scranton Preparatory School (a Jesuit, college-preparatory school in Scranton), All Saints Academy (a private, independent Catholic school in Scranton), and The Fell Charter School (a public charter school in Simpson, which functions as a tuition-free alternative to traditional public schools). It's important to note that these schools are located in neighboring communities, so transportation is a key consideration for Archbald residents. Many families also consider Catholic diocesan schools in nearby Carbondale or other Scranton-area independents.
How does tuition for private schools near Archbald, PA, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Archbald area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Scranton Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $16,000-$18,000, while All Saints Academy is generally in the $5,000-$8,000 range for elementary grades. Pennsylvania offers several state-supported financial aid programs that Archbald families can utilize. The most notable is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide need-based scholarships through approved organizations. Additionally, most private schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are often limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Archbald, PA, area offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Scranton/Archbald corridor often provide specialized programs that may be less available in the Valley View School District. Scranton Prep is renowned for its rigorous STEM curriculum, extensive AP course offerings, and distinctive Jesuit education model emphasizing ethics and service. All Saints Academy offers a faith-based education with a strong focus on character development. The Fell Charter School emphasizes an environmental science and outdoor education focus, leveraging its proximity to the Fell Township natural areas. These schools often have smaller class sizes, which can allow for more individualized attention and unique electives not feasible in larger public school settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Scranton Prep for an Archbald student?
For a sought-after school like Scranton Preparatory School, the process for Archbald students begins over a year in advance. Prospective families should attend open houses in the fall (often September-October) for entry the following academic year. The application deadline is usually in early winter (December/January), requiring standardized test scores (like the HSPT), transcripts, recommendations, and a personal essay. Admissions decisions are typically released in February or March. All Saints Academy and other local privates may have rolling admissions but prioritize applications received by early spring. We strongly recommend contacting admissions offices directly, as some schools may have specific feeder relationships or priority zones.
For an Archbald resident, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school outside the borough, such as transportation and community connection?
This is a critical factor for Archbald families. The Valley View School District is not obligated to provide transportation to private schools outside its boundaries, though it may offer limited services for a fee or to schools within a certain radius (often 10 miles). Parents must often arrange carpools or private transportation. Furthermore, attending a school in Scranton or Simpson means your child's peer group and extracurricular community will be geographically dispersed, which can impact social planning and involvement. It's wise to connect with other Archbald families at your target school to understand the real-world commute and community integration. The investment in time and travel is a significant part of the decision beyond academics and tuition.
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