The Best Private Schools in Buckingham, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Buckingham. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Buckingham Friends School
Friends Council on Education
Buckingham Friends School is a premier Quaker independent school located just minutes from Buckingham, offering Pre-K through 8th grade education. Founded in 1959, the school emphasizes academic excellence within a values-based framework that promotes peace, community, and social responsibility. The 44-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school's curriculum integrates advanced STEAM programs with character development, small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the outdoor education program utilizes the natural campus environment for hands-on learning. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong academic preparation.
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New Hope Academy
Independent
Located just 10 minutes from Buckingham in historic New Hope, New Hope Academy serves students from preschool through high school with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The school is known for its International Baccalaureate program and strong arts integration across all grade levels. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, the school provides individualized attention and has an excellent track record of college placements. The school emphasizes global citizenship and offers extensive extracurricular programs including robotics, theater, and community service initiatives.
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George School
Friends Council on Education
George School is a highly respected Quaker boarding and day school located approximately 15 minutes from Buckingham in Newtown. Serving grades 9-12, the school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement curricula, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The 240-acre campus features outstanding facilities including modern academic buildings, athletic complexes, arts centers, and residential facilities. With a diverse student body representing over 30 countries, the school emphasizes global perspective and community engagement. The college counseling program is exceptional, with graduates attending top universities worldwide. The school's commitment to Quaker values creates a supportive, inclusive environment that prepares students for leadership and service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Buckingham, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available specifically in Buckingham, PA, and what are their educational philosophies?
Buckingham, PA, is home to several notable private schools, each with a distinct approach. The Buckingham Friends School (Pre-K through 8th) is a Quaker institution emphasizing community, peaceful conflict resolution, and experiential learning rooted in Quaker values. The George School (9-12) is a prestigious Quaker boarding and day school known for its rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs, along with a strong commitment to global citizenship and service. While New Hope Academy is located in the nearby borough of New Hope, it serves the broader Buckingham area and offers a college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on individual student development. These schools provide a range of options from progressive, values-based education to globally-focused college prep.
How does tuition for private schools in the Buckingham, PA, area compare, and what financial aid options are available under Pennsylvania state programs?
Tuition in the Buckingham area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Buckingham Friends School tuition ranges approximately from $25,000 for lower grades to $30,000 for middle school. The George School, as a boarding institution, has a higher comprehensive fee, with day student tuition around $45,000 and boarding tuition near $70,000. Pennsylvania offers specific financial aid avenues to help families. The most notable is 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. All major private schools in the area have robust financial aid offices and actively help families apply for these state programs and institutional aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Buckingham that leverage the local environment or community?
Buckingham's private schools utilize their Bucks County setting to create unique programs. The George School leverages its 240-acre campus for extensive sustainability initiatives, including a working farm that supplies its dining hall and an eco-literacy curriculum. Its proximity to New Hope and Philadelphia allows for rich arts partnerships and internship opportunities. Buckingham Friends School deeply integrates its rural setting, with outdoor classrooms, environmental science projects in local watersheds, and a strong emphasis on agriculture in its curriculum. Both Quaker schools also emphasize community engagement through local service partnerships with Bucks County organizations, providing students with hands-on learning that connects directly to the surrounding community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Buckingham, PA, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for Buckingham-area private schools generally begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, and completing student assessments and interviews. Admission competitiveness varies: Buckingham Friends School has a selective process with a focus on finding mission-appropriate families, while The George School, drawing applicants nationally and internationally, is highly competitive, especially for boarding spots. It is crucial to apply early, as spaces, particularly in specific grades, can be limited. Most schools also host "shadow days" where prospective students visit a classroom. We recommend contacting admissions offices in the summer or early fall to plan your timeline.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between the Central Bucks School District public schools and private schools in Buckingham, PA?
The choice involves several key distinctions. Academically, Central Bucks School District (CBSD) is a large, highly-rated public district offering a broad standard curriculum with AP courses and diverse electives. Buckingham's private schools offer more specialized approaches: the IB diploma at George School or a progressive, values-based continuum at Buckingham Friends. Environmentally, private schools typically have much smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students) and closer student-teacher relationships. Culturally, the Quaker schools explicitly center community, silence, and social justice in their ethos, which differs from a public school environment. Extracurriculars in CBSD are vast due to its size, while private schools may offer more niche or globally-focused opportunities. Financially, CBSD is tax-funded, while private schools require tuition but offer financial aid. The decision often hinges on seeking a specific educational philosophy versus a comprehensive, tuition-free public system.
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