The Best Private Schools in Bensalem, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bensalem. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Ghost Preparatory School
Holy Ghost Preparatory School
Holy Ghost Prep is a premier Catholic, college-preparatory school for boys in grades 9-12. Founded by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 21 Advanced Placement courses and a 100% college acceptance rate. The 47-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 9:1 student-teacher ratio and comprehensive college counseling program. The school emphasizes character development and leadership through its Spiritan tradition.
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Newtown Friends School
Newtown Friends School
Newtown Friends School is a Quaker independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, located approximately 10 miles from Bensalem. The school provides a challenging academic program within a nurturing, values-based environment. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, collaborative learning, and character development rooted in Quaker principles. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong sense of community. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Graduates consistently gain admission to top regional high schools with strong academic preparation.
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George School
George School
George School is a prestigious Quaker boarding and day school serving students in grades 9-12, located just 15 minutes from Bensalem. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program alongside Advanced Placement courses, providing exceptional college preparation. The 240-acre campus features modern academic buildings, arts facilities, and athletic centers. With students from over 30 countries, George School provides a diverse, global education experience. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and community service, with a strong commitment to Quaker values of peace, justice, and equality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bensalem, Pennsylvania
What are the primary types of private schools available to families in Bensalem, PA, and how do they differ?
Bensalem, PA, and its immediate surrounding Bucks County area offer a diverse range of private school options. The most prominent types include college-preparatory Catholic schools like Holy Ghost Preparatory School (all-boys), prestigious Quaker-based independent schools like the George School in nearby Newtown, and smaller, progressive institutions like Newtown Friends School. These differ significantly in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, campus size, and student body composition. While Holy Ghost offers a structured, faith-based curriculum, the George School emphasizes Quaker values, global engagement, and a robust arts program. Parents in Bensalem benefit from this variety but should note that some of the most renowned schools are located in adjacent towns, requiring consideration for daily commuting.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Bensalem, PA, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Bensalem area varies considerably and is a significant investment. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at Holy Ghost Preparatory School is approximately $25,000, while the George School's comprehensive tuition and fees approach $50,000 for day students. Newtown Friends School's tuition is in the mid-$20,000s for elementary grades. Pennsylvania offers several financial aid avenues to help families. All these schools have substantial need-based financial aid programs funded through their endowments. Additionally, Pennsylvania residents should explore the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide scholarships through approved organizations for students attending non-public schools, potentially covering a portion of costs for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Bensalem, PA, region that leverage local resources?
Private schools in the Bensalem area leverage their Bucks County location and institutional strengths to offer distinctive programs. Holy Ghost Prep emphasizes its Engineering and Applied Science program, which benefits from partnerships with local universities and industries. The George School is renowned for its Center for Peace, Equity, and Justice, its extensive sustainable agriculture program on its 240-acre campus, and its unique term-long immersive study programs, both domestically and abroad. Newtown Friends School, with its progressive approach, focuses on social-emotional learning and community engagement projects within the local area. Furthermore, schools often utilize Philadelphia's proximity for cultural, historical, and scientific enrichment through frequent field trips and internship opportunities not as readily available in a standard public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Bensalem, PA, area?
The enrollment process for top-tier private schools near Bensalem is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. The standard timeline involves initiating inquiries in the summer or early fall (12-15 months before desired entry), attending open houses from September to November, and completing applications by January deadlines for the following academic year. Key components almost always include standardized testing (like the SSAT or ISEE), school visits/interviews for both parents and the student, teacher recommendations, and a review of academic records. For schools like George School and Holy Ghost Prep, which draw from a wide regional pool, early application is strongly advised. Sibling and legacy applicant considerations are common, so communicating your interest clearly and meeting all deadlines is crucial for Bensalem-area families.
For a Bensalem resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district with area private schools?
Bensalem Township School District operates its own public schools, so the comparison is very direct. Key considerations include: **Class Size:** Bensalem public schools have larger average class sizes than the low student-to-teacher ratios at private schools like Holy Ghost or Newtown Friends. **Curriculum Flexibility:** Private schools offer specialized tracks (e.g., advanced STEM, Quaker curriculum, intensive arts) that a public district must generalize. **Transportation:** Pennsylvania law requires public school districts to provide transportation to private school students within certain distances; Bensalem Township provides this service, which is a major logistical and financial benefit. **Cost:** This is the most stark difference, with public schools being tax-funded. Parents must weigh the significant tuition investment against the perceived value of a private school's specific community, values, and programs versus the no-tuition, comprehensive offerings of the Bensalem public system.
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