The Best Private Schools in Beaver, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Beaver. 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 premier independent school located just 15 miles from Beaver, serving students from preschool through grade 12. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, providing exceptional college preparation. Facilities include state-of-the-art science centers, performing arts theaters, extensive athletic complexes, and technology-rich learning environments. The school emphasizes global citizenship, critical thinking, and leadership development through its comprehensive academic and extracurricular programs.
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The Ellis School
Independent School
The Ellis School is a distinguished all-girls independent school located in Pittsburgh, serving students from age 3 through grade 12. The school provides an exceptional college preparatory education with particular strengths in STEM fields, leadership development, and academic excellence. Ellis features advanced science laboratories, innovation spaces, performing arts centers, and competitive athletic programs. The school's location in Pittsburgh's educational corridor provides access to numerous cultural and academic resources while maintaining a supportive, empowering environment for young women.
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Quigley Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh
Quigley Catholic High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving Beaver County and surrounding areas. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive college counseling. Students benefit from a values-based education rooted in Catholic traditions, with strong emphasis on character development and community service. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities including gymnasium and sports fields.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Beaver, Pennsylvania
What are the main private school options available for families residing in Beaver, Pennsylvania, and are they located directly in the town?
While Beaver itself is a smaller borough, the most prominent private schools serving the area are located in nearby communities. The top-regarded options include Quigley Catholic High School in Baden (a grades 7-12 co-ed Catholic school), Sewickley Academy in Sewickley (a Pre-K through 12 independent school), and The Ellis School in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood (an all-girls Pre-K through 12 independent school). Families in Beaver, PA, typically commute 20-40 minutes to these institutions, which are considered the primary private choices for the broader region. There are also smaller parochial elementary schools in neighboring townships.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Beaver, PA, area compare, and what financial aid options are available under Pennsylvania state programs?
Tuition in the Beaver area varies significantly. Quigley Catholic, as a diocesan school, has a lower tuition range (approximately $10,000-$12,000 for 2024-25), while independent schools like Sewickley Academy and The Ellis School have tuitions that can exceed $30,000 annually. A critical Pennsylvania-specific financial consideration is the **Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC)** programs. These allow businesses to direct tax dollars to approved organizations, which then provide need-based scholarships to students. All mentioned schools participate in these programs. Additionally, each school offers its own need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Beaver, PA, offer that leverage the region's resources?
Schools in the region often design programs that connect to Pittsburgh's robust STEM, healthcare, and cultural landscape. Sewickley Academy emphasizes global studies and entrepreneurship, with partnerships in the city's innovation sector. Quigley Catholic offers strong college-prep academics with a focus on community service within the Beaver County area. The Ellis School, with its urban Pittsburgh location, provides deep immersion in sciences and technology, often utilizing nearby universities and museums. Additionally, many schools have competitive athletic programs that compete in the WPIAL (Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League), a major local conference.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private high schools like Quigley Catholic or Sewickley Academy for a student from Beaver?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year (e.g., Fall 2024 for the 2025-26 school year). Key steps include: 1) **Open Houses** (often held September-November), 2) **Application Submission** (deadlines typically between December and February), 3) **Standardized Testing** (such as the HSPT for Quigley Catholic or the ISEE for Sewickley Academy/Ellis), and 4) **Family Interviews**. Financial aid applications usually have a concurrent deadline. It's crucial to apply early, as spaces, especially in specific grades, can be limited. Contacting the admissions office the spring before you intend to apply is a wise strategy for Beaver families.
For a family living in Beaver, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in the region?
The decision hinges on several Beaver-specific factors. The **Central Valley School District**, formed from the merger of former Beaver and Center districts, is the public option and is highly regarded. Choosing private often involves a desire for a specific religious education (Quigley Catholic), a more intensive college-prep environment with smaller class sizes (Sewickley Academy), or a single-gender learning model (The Ellis School). The trade-off includes a significant financial investment and a daily commute to Allegheny County. Parents should consider the transportation logistics, the community environment they seek for their child, and whether the specialized programs of the private schools align with their child's needs beyond what the strong public district offers.
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