The Best Private Schools in Boswell, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Boswell. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Somerset Christian School
Independent Christian School
Somerset Christian School provides a comprehensive Christian education serving Somerset County and surrounding communities including Boswell. The school offers a challenging academic program integrated with biblical principles, preparing students for college and beyond. Features include small class sizes, dedicated Christian faculty, technology integration, and diverse extracurricular activities including music, drama, and competitive sports. The school maintains strong community relationships and high parent satisfaction.
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Bishop McCort Catholic High School
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Bishop McCort Catholic High School is a highly-regarded college preparatory school serving the Greater Johnstown area, including Boswell. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities.
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United Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
United Christian Academy is a well-established private school serving the Somerset County region, including families from Boswell. The school offers a balanced approach to education with strong academic foundations, character development, and practical life skills. Programs include college preparatory courses, vocational training opportunities, and comprehensive athletic programs. The school features updated facilities, experienced faculty, and a supportive learning environment that emphasizes both academic achievement and spiritual growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Boswell, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Boswell, Pennsylvania?
Families in the Boswell area have a few primary private school options, all of which are faith-based due to the region's demographics. The most prominent is Bishop McCort Catholic High School in nearby Johnstown, serving grades 9-12. For K-12 Christian education, Somerset Christian School in Somerset is a common choice. United Christian Academy in nearby Hollsopple offers another Protestant Christian environment. It's important to note that there are no private elementary or high schools physically located within Boswell's borough limits; families typically commute to surrounding communities in Somerset or Cambria counties. Exploring these schools' specific missions and transportation options is a key first step.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Boswell, PA area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Boswell area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Bishop McCort Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $8,500-$9,000 for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Somerset Christian School and United Christian Academy generally have tuition ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 annually for elementary grades, often with multi-child discounts. Pennsylvania offers significant financial aid opportunities that Boswell families should leverage. The most impactful is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide need-based scholarships through organizations like the Bridge Educational Foundation. Additionally, all local schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Boswell, Pennsylvania offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Boswell often provide specialized programs rooted in their religious missions and smaller class sizes. Bishop McCort is known for its strong college-prep curriculum, robust STEM initiatives, and competitive athletic programs (notably football and wrestling) within the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference. Somerset Christian School emphasizes a biblical worldview integrated across all subjects and may offer programs like dual enrollment with Christian colleges. United Christian Academy highlights its family-like atmosphere and character development. A key differentiator for these schools is the ability to offer religious instruction and faith-based community service, which is not available in the public Northern Bedford County or Somerset Area school districts that serve Boswell residents.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Boswell, PA students?
The enrollment process for area private schools generally begins in the winter (January-February) for the following fall. Bishop McCort holds open houses and shadow days for prospective students in the fall and winter, with application deadlines often in early spring. Somerset Christian School and United Christian Academy typically have rolling admissions but encourage early application to secure placement, especially for limited seats in younger grades. The process universally includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For families in Boswell, an important logistical step is planning transportation, as none of these schools provide district-wide busing, though some may offer limited shuttle services from central locations.
For a family in Boswell considering the choice, what are the practical pros and cons of private versus public schools in this specific rural area?
For Boswell families, the decision involves distinct local factors. Pros of private schools include smaller class sizes for more individual attention, a consistent faith-based education aligned with family values, and often a wider range of advanced or specialized courses at the high school level than what might be available in a smaller rural public district. The cons are primarily financial (tuition costs) and logistical, as private schools require daily commuting to Johnstown, Somerset, or Hollsopple, whereas public school transportation is provided. Public schools in the Northern Bedford or Somerset Area districts offer no-cost education, extensive extracurriculars like FFA and music programs that reflect the agricultural community, and the convenience of neighborhood schools. The choice often hinges on how much a family prioritizes religious education and is willing to manage the commute and cost.
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