The Best Private Schools in Cashtown, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cashtown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Delone Catholic High School
Diocese of Harrisburg Catholic Schools
Delone Catholic High School is a highly-regarded coeducational Catholic school serving students in grades 9-12 from Adams County and surrounding areas, including Cashtown. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with 14 Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes faith-based education with daily theology classes and community service requirements.
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St. Francis Xavier Catholic School
Diocese of Harrisburg Catholic Schools
St. Francis Xavier Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is conveniently located in nearby Gettysburg, serving families throughout Adams County including Cashtown. The school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive STEM education. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, computer labs, and extensive playground facilities. The school integrates Catholic values throughout its curriculum and offers robust extracurricular programs including music, art, and athletics.
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Gettysburg Montessori Charter School
Public Charter School (Private School Alternative)
While technically a public charter school, Gettysburg Montessori offers a private school alternative with its acclaimed Montessori approach to education. Serving students from preschool through 6th grade, the school attracts families from Cashtown and throughout Adams County seeking individualized, hands-on learning. The Montessori method emphasizes self-directed learning, mixed-age classrooms, and development of the whole child. The school features specialized Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and a strong community atmosphere with high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cashtown, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Cashtown, Pennsylvania, and what grade levels do they serve?
Cashtown itself is a small borough, so families typically look to nearby schools in the greater Adams County area. The primary options include Delone Catholic High School (grades 9-12) in McSherrystown, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School (Pre-K through 8) in Gettysburg, and the Gettysburg Montessori Charter School (K-6), which is a public charter school with a private-school-like approach. For a broader private selection, families in Cashtown often also consider schools in Hanover or York. It's important to note that transportation to these schools is generally the family's responsibility, a key logistical consideration for Cashtown residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Cashtown, PA, area compare, and are there Pennsylvania-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Delone Catholic High School tuition is approximately $9,000-$10,000 for parishioners, while St. Francis Xavier Catholic School is roughly $5,000-$6,000 for elementary grades. The Gettysburg Montessori Charter School is tuition-free as a public charter. Pennsylvania offers notable financial aid opportunities that benefit Cashtown families. The most significant is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide scholarships for students attending private schools, often based on income eligibility. Many local private schools have dedicated staff to help families navigate these applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Cashtown, PA, that leverage the local historical and cultural context?
Schools in this historically rich region often integrate local themes into their curricula. Delone Catholic High School, for instance, offers robust history and social studies programs that can include field studies and projects related to the Gettysburg Battlefield, which is just minutes from Cashtown. Some schools may partner with local institutions like the Gettysburg National Military Park or the Gettysburg College for special programs. Additionally, Delone Catholic provides a strong STEM program and a wide array of sports and clubs, which is notable for a smaller private high school in a rural area, giving Cashtown students access to comprehensive activities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Cashtown, Pennsylvania, and are there waitlists?
The timeline is crucial for planning. For schools like St. Francis Xavier and Delone Catholic, the main enrollment period for the following academic year typically opens in January or February, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active parishioners. Many families start inquiries in the fall. The Gettysburg Montessori Charter School, due to its popularity and charter status, holds an annual lottery in the spring for available spots. Given the limited number of private seats in Adams County, waitlists are common, especially for the lower grades and at the charter school. Cashtown parents are advised to contact schools directly by early winter to schedule tours and understand specific application requirements.
For a family in Cashtown, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school (Conewago Valley School District) and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several local factors. The Conewago Valley School District serves Cashtown and is a well-regarded public option. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific religious education (Catholic, in the case of Delone or St. Francis), a particular pedagogical approach like Montessori, or a smaller average class size. A major practical difference is transportation; the public district provides busing, while private schools usually require parent-provided transport, a significant daily consideration given Cashtown's rural setting. Financially, it involves weighing property taxes that fund public schools against private tuition, potentially offset by tax credit scholarships. The unique historical and community environment of the Cashtown/Gettysburg area is present in both sectors, but private schools may offer more direct integration of faith-based values or alternative teaching methods.
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