The Best Private Schools in Clairton, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clairton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh
Private Catholic School
Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh is a private Catholic school in Gibsonia, serving families from Clairton and surrounding areas with a classical education model from kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 1996, it emphasizes a rigorous curriculum rooted in the liberal arts, including Latin, literature, and philosophy, aimed at developing critical thinking and moral character. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and facilities that support a well-rounded education, such as science labs and art studios. Extracurriculars include robotics, sports, and music, contributing to high parent satisfaction and strong academic outcomes. Its commitment to tradition and excellence makes it a top choice in the region.
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Oakland Catholic High School
Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools
Oakland Catholic High School is a highly regarded all-girls Catholic secondary school located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, serving students from Clairton and the broader Allegheny County. Founded in 1989, it emphasizes academic excellence with a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, including numerous Advanced Placement courses and robust STEM programs. The school features modern facilities, such as science labs and technology-integrated classrooms, and offers extensive extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and community service. Parent and student satisfaction is high, with praise for dedicated teachers and a supportive environment that fosters leadership and personal growth.
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Seton-La Salle Catholic High School
Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools
Seton-La Salle Catholic High School, located in the Mt. Lebanon area near Pittsburgh, is a co-educational institution serving Clairton and the South Hills region. Established in 1983, it offers a comprehensive college-preparatory education with a focus on academic rigor, supported by Advanced Placement courses and a strong emphasis on faith-based learning. The school boasts excellent facilities, including a state-of-the-art gymnasium, auditorium, and science labs, along with a wide range of extracurriculars like competitive sports, music, and drama. High parent satisfaction stems from its committed faculty, safe environment, and proven track record of student success in college admissions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clairton, Pennsylvania
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Clairton, Pennsylvania, given that the top-named schools are not in Clairton itself?
While Clairton itself has very few, if any, standalone private K-12 schools, families in Clairton commonly look to neighboring communities and the greater Pittsburgh area. The schools often considered include Oakland Catholic High School (in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood), Seton-La Salle Catholic High School (in Mt. Lebanon), and Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh (in Gibsonia). These require a commute, which is a significant local consideration. Additionally, families may explore parochial elementary schools in nearby boroughs like West Mifflin or Brentwood that feed into these high schools. Transportation is typically the family's responsibility.
How does the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program benefit Clairton families considering private schools?
The Pennsylvania EITC and OSTC (Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit) programs are crucial financial tools for Clairton families. These programs provide tax credits to businesses that donate to scholarship organizations, which in turn award need-based scholarships to students residing in low-achieving school districts (which includes Clairton City School District). This can significantly reduce tuition costs at participating private schools like Seton-La Salle or Oakland Catholic. It's essential to apply early through approved scholarship organizations, as funds are limited and in high demand in the region.
Are there private school options in the Clairton area that specialize in STEM or college preparatory programs?
Yes, the private schools accessible to Clairton residents offer strong college-prep curricula. Oakland Catholic High School has a dedicated STEM Institute for women. Seton-La Salle offers a robust Advanced Placement (AP) program and engineering coursework. Aquinas Academy, while smaller, provides a classical liberal arts education with a strong foundation for college. For specialized STEM focus, some families also consider charter schools or magnet programs in Pittsburgh, but the named private schools have established reputations for high college acceptance rates, which is a key draw for Clairton parents seeking rigorous academic pathways.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a Clairton student applying to a Pittsburgh-area Catholic high school like Seton-La Salle or Oakland Catholic?
The process is centralized and highly structured. For most Diocesan high schools, families must register for and take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) in the fall of the student's 8th grade year. Applications are usually due in the winter, with acceptance and financial aid notifications in the spring. It is critical for Clairton families to note that many of these schools give priority to students from their affiliated Catholic elementary schools ("feeder schools"). As Clairton lacks these feeders, applying early and ensuring strong academic records and recommendations is vital to secure a spot.
From a Clairton parent's perspective, what are the primary factors when comparing the local public school district to private school options in the area?
The comparison often centers on academic performance, extracurricular opportunities, and school environment. The Clairton City School District faces significant financial and academic challenges, which leads many families to seek alternatives. Private schools like those in Pittsburgh offer smaller class sizes, higher standardized test scores, and extensive extracurricular activities (arts, sports, clubs). The trade-offs are substantial: tuition cost, daily commute time (30+ minutes each way to most options), and separation from the immediate community. The decision frequently hinges on the availability of EITC scholarships and the family's capacity to manage transportation logistics.
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