The Best Private Schools in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Camp Hill. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Harrisburg Academy
Independent School
Harrisburg Academy is one of Pennsylvania's oldest independent schools, serving students from preschool through grade 12. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program alongside Advanced Placement courses, providing a globally-focused education. The 30-acre campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, innovation spaces, athletic facilities, and performing arts centers. With small class sizes and a 7:1 student-teacher ratio, the Academy emphasizes critical thinking and leadership development. The school serves families throughout the Harrisburg metropolitan area, including Camp Hill residents.
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Good Shepherd School
Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
Good Shepherd School provides Catholic education for students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious education. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, a library media center, and gymnasium. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining strong academic standards. Extracurricular programs include robotics club, musical performances, and athletic teams. Good Shepherd serves as a feeder school for Trinity High School and maintains strong parent involvement and satisfaction ratings.
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Trinity High School
Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
Trinity High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. Established in 1968, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and a strong STEM program. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, Trinity emphasizes personalized education and character development. The school has a 100% college acceptance rate and offers numerous extracurricular activities including robotics, theater, and championship athletic programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, and what grade levels do they serve?
Camp Hill is centrally located to several well-regarded private institutions. Within the borough itself, Good Shepherd School is a private Catholic school serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Just across the Susquehanna River in Wormleysburg, Harrisburg Academy offers a rigorous, independent Pre-K through 12th grade education on a single campus. A short drive away in Camp Hill, Trinity High School provides a Catholic, co-educational experience for grades 9-12. This proximity gives Camp Hill families access to a continuum of private education from early childhood through high school graduation without having to look far beyond the West Shore area.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Camp Hill, PA, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Camp Hill area varies by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, ranges are approximately $8,000-$12,000 for elementary grades at schools like Good Shepherd and $25,000-$30,000 for upper schools at Harrisburg Academy. Trinity High School's tuition is typically in the $10,000-$15,000 range. Pennsylvania offers significant financial aid opportunities through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. Many local private schools participate, providing need-based scholarships to eligible families. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific tuition, endowed scholarships, and assistance with applying for state tax credit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Camp Hill region that leverage local resources?
Private schools in the Camp Hill area often utilize their proximity to the state capital and regional cultural hubs. Harrisburg Academy emphasizes global citizenship and entrepreneurship, with partnerships for internships in Harrisburg's government and business sectors. Trinity High School offers robust STEM initiatives and a distinctive "Shamrock Showcase" that connects student projects with the local community. Furthermore, schools leverage the nearby Appalachian Trail, Susquehanna River, and state parks for environmental science and outdoor education programs. This access to governmental, cultural, and natural resources provides an enriched, experiential layer to the standard curriculum that is specific to the Central PA region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Camp Hill, PA, and when should parents begin?
The enrollment process for Camp Hill-area private schools generally begins 12-18 months before the desired start date, especially for competitive entry grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade. Most schools host open houses in the fall (September-November). Application deadlines often fall between January and February for the following academic year, with admission decisions released in March. Key steps include: attending open houses, submitting an application with fees, providing transcripts and teacher recommendations, and completing a student assessment or shadow day. For schools like Trinity and Harrisburg Academy with rolling admissions after priority deadlines, it's still advisable to apply early. Contacting admissions offices in the fall prior to the year you wish to enroll is the standard recommendation.
For families considering both, what are the notable differences between the Camp Hill School District public schools and the local private school options?
The Camp Hill School District is highly rated, making the choice between public and private one of educational philosophy and specific needs. Key differences include: **Class Size:** Private schools like Good Shepherd and Harrisburg Academy often have smaller average class sizes than Camp Hill's public schools. **Curriculum Flexibility:** Private schools are not bound by Pennsylvania's public school curriculum mandates, allowing for specialized approaches like Harrisburg Academy's International Baccalaureate (IB) program or Trinity's integrated Catholic curriculum. **Cost:** Camp Hill public schools are funded by taxes, while private schools require tuition. **Community:** The private school communities are often self-selected and mission-driven (e.g., faith-based or independent), whereas the public schools reflect the entire residential community of the borough. Many families in Camp Hill choose the excellent public system, while others seek the specific religious affiliation, pedagogical approach, or specialized programs of the private options.
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