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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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