The Best Private Schools in Campbelltown, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Campbelltown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Milton Hershey School
Milton Hershey School
Milton Hershey School is a nationally recognized private, cost-free school for students from low-income families. Located just 15 minutes from Campbelltown in Hershey, this residential school provides comprehensive education from pre-K through 12th grade with exceptional academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school offers a unique home life program where students live in student homes with houseparents, creating a supportive family environment. With a strong focus on character development and college preparation, MHS boasts a 95% graduation rate and extensive post-secondary support programs.
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Palmyra Area Academy
Palmyra Area Academy
Located just 10 minutes from Campbelltown in neighboring Palmyra, Palmyra Area Academy is a highly-regarded private Montessori school serving students from infancy through elementary grades. The school emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on Montessori materials, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. With small class sizes and certified Montessori teachers, the academy provides a nurturing environment that fosters independence, critical thinking, and academic excellence. The school features modern classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and comprehensive enrichment programs including music, art, and physical education.
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Harrisburg Academy
Harrisburg Academy
Harrisburg Academy, located approximately 20 minutes from Campbelltown in Wormleysburg, is one of Pennsylvania's oldest independent schools with a distinguished history of academic excellence. The school offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate program from preschool through 12th grade, providing students with globally-recognized education. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the academy delivers personalized attention and strong college preparatory programs. The campus features modern science labs, technology centers, athletic facilities, and extensive arts programs. The school serves families throughout the Harrisburg metropolitan area, including Campbelltown residents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Campbelltown, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Campbelltown, Pennsylvania?
While Campbelltown itself is a small census-designated place, families have access to several highly-regarded private institutions in the surrounding Dauphin and Lebanon County area. The most prominent include the Milton Hershey School in Hershey (a private, cost-free residential school for pre-K through 12th-grade students from low-income families), Harrisburg Academy in Wormleysburg (a PreK-12 independent day school with an International Baccalaureate program), and Palmyra Area Academy in Palmyra (a private Christian school). Many Campbelltown residents also consider schools in the greater Harrisburg metropolitan area. It's important to note that availability is based on enrollment openings and, for Milton Hershey, strict eligibility requirements.
How does the tuition for private schools near Campbelltown, PA, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Campbelltown area varies dramatically based on the school model. Milton Hershey School is unique as a cost-free option for qualifying families. Harrisburg Academy, as a premier independent school, has tuition ranging from approximately $20,000 to $30,000+ per year. Palmyra Area Academy and other parochial schools typically have lower tuition, often in the $5,000-$10,000 range. Pennsylvania offers significant financial aid opportunities through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs provide scholarships to eligible students attending participating private schools, making private education more accessible for many Campbelltown families.
What unique academic or specialized programs are offered by private schools accessible from Campbelltown, PA?
The private schools near Campbelltown offer distinct specializations. Harrisburg Academy is notable for its International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for grades 11-12, providing a globally recognized curriculum. Milton Hershey School provides a comprehensive, cost-free education with a strong focus on career readiness, including agricultural, culinary, and technical programs on its expansive campus. Palmyra Area Academy integrates a Christian worldview throughout its curriculum. For Campbelltown families, proximity to the state capital also allows some schools to offer unique government and civics-related experiential learning opportunities not commonly found elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Campbelltown, PA, region?
Enrollment processes and timelines differ significantly. For Milton Hershey School, the process is extensive and year-round, involving a detailed application, home visit, and eligibility assessment based on family income and social need—planning years in advance is advised. For day schools like Harrisburg Academy and Palmyra Area Academy, the traditional timeline begins with fall open houses, with applications due in January or February for the following academic year. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces are available. Given the competitive nature for spots, especially in the lower grades, Campbelltown parents are encouraged to initiate inquiries 12-18 months before desired enrollment.
How do the private school options near Campbelltown compare to the highly-rated public schools in the Palmyra Area School District?
This is a key consideration for Campbelltown families, as the area is served by the well-regarded Palmyra Area School District. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and specific needs. Private options like Harrisburg Academy offer smaller class sizes, the IB curriculum, and a different peer environment. Milton Hershey offers a unique residential model and unparalleled resources for qualifying students. Palmyra Area Academy provides religious education integrated with academics. The public district offers robust AP courses, strong athletics, and arts programs at no direct cost. Many families in Campbelltown weigh the cost of private tuition against the free, high-quality public option, making the EITC/OSTC scholarship programs a critical factor in the decision.
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