The Best Private Schools in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clarks Summit. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Jesuit Schools Network
Scranton Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Jesuit college preparatory school serving the Clarks Summit area and greater Scranton region. Founded in 1944, this all-boys Catholic school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 22 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The school emphasizes character development through its Jesuit values and provides extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic programs, performing arts, and community service initiatives. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Scranton Prep consistently ranks among the top private schools in northeastern Pennsylvania.
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All Saints Academy
Diocese of Scranton
All Saints Academy is a Pre-K through 8th grade Catholic school serving families in Clarks Summit and the surrounding Scranton area. The school provides a comprehensive faith-based education with strong academic foundations in mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies. Features include modern technology integration, dedicated STEM programs, music and art education, and competitive athletic teams. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and emphasizes character development through Catholic values. All Saints Academy is known for its welcoming community and strong parent involvement.
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The Fell School
Independent
The Fell School is an independent private school located directly in Clarks Summit, offering education from preschool through elementary grades. Founded in 2009, the school focuses on individualized learning with small class sizes and personalized attention. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and character development. The school features modern facilities, extensive outdoor learning spaces, and a comprehensive enrichment program including arts, music, and physical education. The Fell School is particularly noted for its progressive educational approach and strong community atmosphere, making it a popular choice for families seeking alternative educational models in the Clarks Summit area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options serving families in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, and what are their educational philosophies?
Clarks Summit, PA, is served by several notable private institutions, each with a distinct character. **Scranton Preparatory School** (located in nearby Scranton) is a prominent Jesuit, college-preparatory high school known for its rigorous academics and emphasis on forming "men and women for others." **All Saints Academy**, a Pre-K through 8th-grade school in Scranton, provides a Catholic education rooted in faith and service. **The Fell School**, located in Clarks Summit itself, is an independent, non-sectarian school offering a progressive, project-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade, focusing on individualized learning and community engagement. This mix offers parents choices between faith-based and secular, traditional and progressive models.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Clarks Summit, PA, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Clarks Summit area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $8,000 to $20,000+ annually. The Fell School, as an independent day school, generally has a tuition structure comparable to other regional independents. Scranton Preparatory School's tuition is at the higher end, reflecting its comprehensive high school program. All three major schools offer need-based financial aid, and Pennsylvania state programs like the **Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)** and **Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC)** provide vital tuition assistance for qualifying families to use at participating schools. It's essential to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific tuition, fees, and detailed financial aid application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Clarks Summit offer that leverage the local Northeastern Pennsylvania environment?
Schools in the Clarks Summit area integrate the local region into their curricula in distinctive ways. **Scranton Prep** emphasizes its Jesuit identity with required service projects, many of which partner with local Scranton/Clarks Summit community organizations, and offers robust STEAM programs. **The Fell School** utilizes its location for place-based learning, with outdoor education, environmental studies in local parks like the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, and community partnerships central to its project-based approach. **All Saints Academy** incorporates Catholic social teaching into community service initiatives within the Diocese of Scranton. Additionally, many schools participate in local academic competitions, arts collaborations with nearby universities like the University of Scranton, and athletic leagues specific to Northeastern Pennsylvania.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Clarks Summit, and are there waitlists for popular grades?
The enrollment process for Clarks Summit-area private schools often begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Key steps usually include: attending open houses (typically September-November), submitting an application by January/February deadlines, and completing student assessments/interviews and parent meetings. **Scranton Prep** holds a competitive entrance exam for 8th graders. For schools like **The Fell School** with smaller class sizes, and for popular entry grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade at Prep), waitlists are common. It is highly advisable for Clarks Summit parents to start research and tours early, as spaces, especially in the immediate community, can be limited. Rolling admissions may be available if spots remain.
For families considering both options, what are some key differences between the Clarks Summit public school district (Abington Heights) and the local private schools?
The **Abington Heights School District** is a highly-rated public district serving Clarks Summit, offering a comprehensive, tuition-free education with extensive AP courses, sports, and arts. Key differences with private options include: **Class Size** (private schools like The Fell and All Saints typically have much smaller student-to-teacher ratios); **Educational Focus** (private schools offer specific missions—Jesuit, Catholic, or progressive—infused throughout the curriculum); **Tuition** (public is tax-funded); and **Governance** (private schools have more curricular flexibility). The choice often hinges on a family's priorities for religious education, pedagogical approach (traditional vs. project-based), and desired community size. Many families in Clarks Summit value having both a top-tier public district and distinctive private options to choose from.
Private Education Insights
Choosing the Right Private Middle School in Clarks Summit, PA: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, navigating the transition from elementary to the pivotal middle school years is a significant family decision. The search for a private middle school here is about more than just academics; it’s about finding a community that aligns with your values and provides a structured, nurturing environment during a time of tremendous growth for your child. Our local landscape offers distinct options, each with its own character, from the college-preparatory rigor of Scranton Preparatory School to the faith-based foundations at All Saints Academy and the personalized approach of The Fell School. Understanding these differences is key to finding the right fit for your family.
The middle school years are a critical bridge, and a Clarks Summit private middle school often excels at building that bridge with intention. Class sizes are notably smaller than in many public districts, allowing teachers in schools like All Saints Academy or The Fell School to know your child—not just their name, but their learning style, their strengths, and the areas where they need encouragement. This personalized attention can be transformative, fostering confidence and accountability before the high school years. The curriculum in these settings is typically accelerated and enriched, encouraging intellectual curiosity through hands-on science labs, robust writing programs, and the integration of technology as a tool for creation, not just consumption.
Beyond the classroom, the value of a cohesive community cannot be overstated. In a town like Clarks Summit, choosing a local private middle school often means your family becomes part of a tight-knit network. You’ll see familiar faces at school events, on the athletic fields for soccer or basketball games, and in collaborative service projects that benefit the wider Abington area. This sense of belonging provides a stable and supportive social framework for students at a time when peer relationships become increasingly important. Schools like Scranton Preparatory School emphasize the development of the whole person, integrating character education and leadership opportunities into the daily fabric of school life.
Financially, investing in a private middle school education is a significant consideration for Clarks Summit families. It’s important to have early conversations with admissions offices about tuition, payment plans, and the availability of financial aid or merit scholarships. Many local families find the investment aligns with their long-term educational goals, viewing these foundational middle school years as essential preparation for success in rigorous high school programs and beyond. When visiting schools, come prepared with questions about daily schedules, homework support, advisory programs, and how the school communicates with parents. Observe the culture: do students seem engaged and respectful? Does the environment feel challenging yet supportive?
Ultimately, the search for the right private middle school in Clarks Summit is a deeply personal journey. It’s about finding a place where your child will be known, challenged, and inspired to grow academically, socially, and ethically. By taking the time to explore the unique missions of our local institutions, you can make a confident choice that sets a strong foundation for your child’s future, right here in our community.
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