The Best Private Schools in Biglerville, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Biglerville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
York Country Day School
Independent
York Country Day School is an independent college preparatory school offering International Baccalaureate programs from preschool through grade 12. Located approximately 30 minutes from Biglerville, the school serves families throughout south-central Pennsylvania. YCDS features small class sizes, personalized learning, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced STEM courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and innovative learning spaces designed to foster academic excellence and student development.
Programs:
Delone Catholic High School
Diocese of Harrisburg
Delone Catholic High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12 from Adams County and surrounding areas. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Delone Catholic emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The school boasts modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
Programs:
St. Francis Xavier Catholic School
Diocese of Harrisburg
St. Francis Xavier Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from Biglerville and throughout Adams County. The school provides a faith-based education with strong emphasis on core academics, character development, and community service. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, library, and gymnasium. The school offers comprehensive programs in music, art, physical education, and technology integration, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Biglerville, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Biglerville, Pennsylvania?
While Biglerville itself is a smaller borough, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Adams and York County area. The most prominent options include Delone Catholic High School (9-12) in McSherrystown, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School (PreK-8) in Gettysburg, and York Country Day School (PreK-12) in York. For Biglerville residents, these schools typically involve a commute, but they represent the core of private education in the region, offering Catholic, independent, and college-preparatory frameworks. It's also worth exploring smaller local Christian academies and the possibility of private schools in nearby Hanover or Chambersburg.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Biglerville, PA area compare, and are there Pennsylvania-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Biglerville area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Delone Catholic High School tuition is approximately $9,000-$10,000, while elementary tuition at St. Francis Xavier is lower. York Country Day School, as an independent school, has a higher tuition, often exceeding $20,000 for upper grades. Pennsylvania offers two key financial aid programs for eligible families: the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These provide scholarships through approved organizations, and all the mentioned schools typically participate. Additionally, many schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active Catholic families at diocesan schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Biglerville students?
Private schools in the region leverage their specific missions to offer distinctive programs. Delone Catholic High School emphasizes its STEM Academy and extensive faith-based service requirements, integrating the local agricultural and historical context of Adams County into its curriculum. St. Francis Xavier provides a strong foundational Catholic education with a focus on community in the historic Gettysburg area. York Country Day School, with a longer commute, offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum, advanced placement courses, and unique electives that may not be available in smaller public districts like Biglerville's Upper Adams School District, such as specialized arts or global studies programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Delone Catholic or St. Francis Xavier for a family from Biglerville?
The enrollment process for these schools generally begins in the fall or winter for the following academic year. For example, Delone Catholic and St. Francis Xavier (diocesan schools) often have open houses starting in October, with application deadlines in early spring. York Country Day School may have a more rolling admissions policy but encourages early application. Key steps include attending an open house, submitting an application (often with a fee), providing academic records and teacher recommendations, and possibly a student assessment or interview. For Biglerville families, it's crucial to inquire about transportation options, as most do not provide district busing, making carpooling a common consideration.
For a family in Biglerville, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision often centers on educational philosophy, cost, and logistics. The Upper Adams School District serves Biglerville with a no-tuition public education. Choosing a private school like those mentioned involves a financial investment but offers alternatives such as specific religious formation (Catholic), potentially smaller class sizes, and different curricular approaches. A major practical consideration for Biglerville is transportation, as parents are responsible for daily commutes to McSherrystown, Gettysburg, or York. Additionally, private schools may offer more consistent academic programming unaffected by local school board budget votes, but they lack the immediate community integration of a neighborhood school. Evaluating the child's needs against each school's specific strengths—faith-based environment, college prep intensity, or specialized programs—is key.
Private Education Insights
Exploring Private Boarding Schools: A Biglerville Parent's Guide to Finding the Right Fit
For families in Biglerville, Pennsylvania, the decision to explore private education often begins with our excellent local day schools, like Delone Catholic High School, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, or the broader regional option of York Country Day School. These institutions provide a strong, values-based foundation right here in Adams County. However, as your child grows and their academic or extracurricular passions become more defined, you may find your family considering an educational path less traveled in our immediate area: private boarding schools. This option, while requiring a significant commitment, can offer unique opportunities that are worth understanding, especially for families rooted in our close-knit, agricultural community.
The concept of a private boarding school might initially seem distant from life in Biglerville, known for its orchards and small-town charm. Yet, the fundamental values often align surprisingly well. Many boarding schools emphasize community, personal responsibility, and character development—principles that resonate deeply with families here. The difference lies in the immersive, 24/7 learning environment. A boarding school isn't just a place for classes; it's a structured community where students learn independence, time management, and collaboration in a way that day schools, by their nature, cannot fully replicate. For a student passionate about a specialized field like advanced STEM, classical arts, or a particular sport, a boarding school can provide facilities, faculty, and peer groups dedicated to that pursuit at a nationally competitive level.
Practically speaking, families in Biglerville considering this route should think about fit and logistics. The good news is that Pennsylvania is home to some of the nation's most prestigious boarding schools, located in areas like the Poconos or southeastern PA, making weekend visits or holiday returns manageable compared to cross-country travel. The financial investment is substantial, but most schools offer robust need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It’s crucial to involve your child in the exploration process; a successful boarding experience hinges on their buy-in and excitement about the opportunities presented. Visiting campuses together is essential to gauge the community feel and see if it aligns with your family's values.
Ultimately, the choice between our wonderful local private day schools and a boarding school comes down to your child’s individual needs and your family’s educational vision. The local options provide exceptional continuity and community connection. A private boarding school offers a transformative, immersive journey that prepares students not just for college, but for global citizenship and self-reliance. For some Biglerville families, the ideal path may even involve starting at a St. Francis Xavier or Delone Catholic and later transitioning to a boarding school for high school, leveraging the strong local foundation for future growth. The landscape of private education is rich with possibilities, and understanding the full spectrum, from our hometown gems to distant campuses, empowers you to make the most informed decision for your child’s unique journey.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities