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.
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