The Best Private Schools in Bakerstown, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bakerstown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sewickley Academy
Independent School
Sewickley Academy is a prestigious independent school located in Sewickley, serving students from Bakerstown and the greater Pittsburgh region. As one of Pittsburgh's oldest and most respected private schools, it offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school is an International Baccalaureate World School and provides both IB and Advanced Placement courses. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and technology labs, extensive athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The academy emphasizes global citizenship, character education, and academic rigor, with nearly 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges and universities.
Programs:
The Ellis School
Independent School
The Ellis School is a highly-regarded independent day school for girls located in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood, serving students from Bakerstown and surrounding areas. Founded in 1916, Ellis offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional STEM programs, extensive arts education, and competitive athletics. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic centers. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Ellis provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The school serves girls from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 and has a reputation for academic excellence and leadership development.
Programs:
Shady Side Academy
Independent School
Shady Side Academy is a highly respected independent school with multiple campuses serving students from Bakerstown and surrounding communities. The Senior School campus in Fox Chapel offers a comprehensive college preparatory program for grades 9-12. The school features excellent academic facilities, competitive athletic programs, and robust arts offerings. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, Shady Side provides individualized attention and strong college counseling. The academy emphasizes character development, leadership skills, and community engagement. The beautiful 130-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts centers, providing a comprehensive educational environment for students.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bakerstown, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Bakerstown, Pennsylvania, and are they located within the town itself?
While Bakerstown itself is a smaller borough, it is situated in a region of Allegheny County known for its prestigious private schools. The top institutions that Bakerstown families commonly consider are The Ellis School (a pre-K-12 all-girls school in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood), Sewickley Academy (a pre-K-12 coed school in Sewickley), and Shady Side Academy (with junior and senior campuses in Fox Chapel and Point Breeze). It's important to note that these schools are not located within Bakerstown's immediate borders; they are within a 20-40 minute commute. This means transportation, often via private carpool or school-provided bus services for a fee, is a significant logistical consideration for Bakerstown residents.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Bakerstown, PA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for schools like Shady Side Academy, Sewickley Academy, and The Ellis School is significantly above the Pennsylvania private school average. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for these schools ranges from approximately $35,000 to $40,000+ for upper grades. Pennsylvania offers tax-advantaged programs that Bakerstown families can utilize, most notably the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs provide scholarships to eligible students, and all the mentioned schools actively participate. Additionally, each school offers its own substantial need-based financial aid. It is crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving the Bakerstown area offer that differentiate them from each other and from public options?
Each leading school has distinct specializations. The Ellis School is renowned for its rigorous STEM and humanities programs for girls, with a strong focus on leadership and women in science. Sewickley Academy emphasizes global studies and interdisciplinary learning, with a renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Shady Side Academy is noted for its strong college preparatory curriculum, exceptional athletics facilities, and distinctive "country day school" model on its senior campus. Compared to the Northern Allegheny public school districts (like Pine-Richland or Hampton), which are also highly rated, these private schools offer smaller class sizes, more specialized college counseling, and often more extensive language, arts, and independent study opportunities starting at younger grades.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for kindergarten or 9th-grade entry at schools like Sewickley Academy or Shady Side Academy for a family from Bakerstown?
The process is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. For kindergarten entry, applications typically open in the summer before the desired fall start, with fall/winter deadlines (often between December and February). The process includes a parent interview, child visit/assessment, and submission of records. For 9th-grade entry, the timeline is similar, with deadlines in January or February of 8th grade. Standardized testing (like the SSAT or ISEE) is usually required for middle and upper school admission. Given the competitive nature of these schools, Bakerstown families are advised to attend open houses in the fall, often a full year before desired enrollment, and to inquire about feeder relationships with local preschools for younger grades.
For a family moving to Bakerstown, what are the key lifestyle and community considerations when choosing between the excellent public schools and the nearby private academies?
This decision often hinges on community integration, cost, and educational philosophy. The public schools in the Pine-Richland or Hampton Township districts are top-rated, tuition-free, and central to the local community, with strong sports and neighborhood connections. Choosing a private school like those mentioned involves a significant financial investment and a daily commute, but offers a specific educational environment (single-sex, IB curriculum, etc.) and a network that extends across the Pittsburgh region. Bakerstown itself offers a more rural/suburban feel, so families must consider whether they prefer their child's primary community to be hyper-local (public) or regionally drawn from many suburbs (private). Many families in Bakerstown value the private school option for its consistent, mission-driven education from pre-K through 12th grade, unlike public schools which are subject to redistricting.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities