The Best Private Schools in Atglen, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Atglen. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Upland Country Day School
Independent
Upland Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the Chester County region, including Atglen families. Established in 1948, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 9th grade education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and hands-on learning. The 30-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The school's outdoor education program and strong STEAM curriculum are particularly notable, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and strong sense of community.
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The Chester County Montessori School
American Montessori Society
Located in West Chester and serving families throughout Chester County including Atglen, The Chester County Montessori School has been providing exceptional Montessori education since 1983. The school offers programs for children from 18 months through 12 years, featuring authentic Montessori methodology combined with modern educational practices. The campus includes beautifully prepared classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and specialized spaces for art, music, and physical education. The school is known for its individualized learning approach, strong community values, and excellent teacher-student ratios that foster independent thinking and academic achievement.
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The New School of Lancaster
Independent
Serving families throughout Lancaster County and surrounding areas including Atglen, The New School of Lancaster offers a progressive, project-based education for students from preschool through 8th grade. Founded in 2003, the school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and community engagement through its innovative curriculum. The campus features modern classrooms, art studios, science labs, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school's approach integrates traditional academic rigor with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and the development of well-rounded, confident students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Atglen, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options serving families in Atglen, PA, and what are their educational approaches?
Atglen itself is a small borough, so families typically look to highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Chester and Lancaster County area. The top options include Upland Country Day School (in Kennett Square, PA), which offers a progressive, project-based Pre-K through 9th grade education with a strong outdoor program. The Chester County Montessori School (in West Chester, PA) provides authentic Montessori education for children ages 18 months through 12 years. For older students, The New School of Lancaster (in Lancaster, PA) is a notable college-preparatory school for grades 6-12 with a focus on interdisciplinary learning and community engagement. Transportation from Atglen to these schools is an important consideration for parents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Atglen, PA, area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, approximate ranges are: Upland Country Day School (approx. $20,000-$30,000), The Chester County Montessori School (approx. $12,000-$20,000), and The New School of Lancaster (approx. $25,000-$30,000). Pennsylvania offers several financial aid avenues. Most schools have their own need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs provide tuition assistance to eligible families through scholarship organizations, which these schools typically participate in. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early in the admissions process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Atglen, PA, offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the rich agricultural, historical, and cultural resources of Chester and Lancaster Counties. Upland Country Day School is distinguished by its 23-acre campus with a farm, stream, and woods, incorporating environmental science and sustainability into daily learning. The New School of Lancaster utilizes downtown Lancaster's museums, theaters, and businesses for its innovative "City as Campus" program. Many schools also emphasize Quaker values or community service tied to the area's history. This connection to a unique local environment—blending rural landscapes with access to cultural hubs—is a hallmark of education here.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Atglen, PA, families?
The process is competitive and begins early. For most schools, the main admission cycle opens in September, with application deadlines between January and February for the following fall. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (often in fall), 2) Submitting an application with fees, 3) Providing school records and teacher recommendations, 4) Student visits and assessments (varies by grade), and 5) Financial aid applications (due early). Given Atglen's location, scheduling visits and considering commute times are essential parts of the process. Rolling admissions may be available if spaces remain, but popular grades fill quickly. Sibling and legacy preferences are common.
For an Atglen, PA resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school (Octorara Area School District) with area private schools?
The Octorara Area School District serves Atglen and is a consolidated rural-suburban district. Key considerations include: **Class Size:** Private schools typically offer much smaller class sizes (e.g., 12-15 students) for personalized attention. **Educational Approach:** Octorara provides a standard public curriculum, while private options offer specific pedagogies (Montessori, progressive, college-prep). **Resources:** Public schools have broader state-funded resources for special education and facilities, while private schools often have newer technology and specialized programs funded by tuition. **Community:** Octorara offers a centralized local community, whereas private schools provide a regionally drawn community, which may require more effort to build local connections for an Atglen family. The decision often hinges on pedagogical fit, budget, and the value placed on a specific educational philosophy.
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