The Best Private Schools in Claysburg, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Claysburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school located approximately 15 miles from Claysburg in Altoona. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Bishop Guilfoyle has a long-standing reputation for academic achievement and student success in the central Pennsylvania region.
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The Delta Program
State College Area School District
The Delta Program is an innovative public-private partnership school serving students from across central Pennsylvania, including the Claysburg area. Located approximately 35 miles away in State College, this school offers a unique project-based learning environment with individualized education plans. The program emphasizes student-directed learning, community engagement, and real-world applications. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention, and opportunities for internships and community partnerships. The school has earned strong parent satisfaction ratings for its supportive environment and innovative approach to education.
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Trinity Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Trinity Christian Academy is a respected private Christian school located approximately 12 miles from Claysburg in Martinsburg. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong college preparatory curriculum integrated with Christian values. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a gymnasium, and athletic fields. The academy emphasizes character development, academic rigor, and extracurricular involvement through sports, music, and community service programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Trinity Christian Academy has built a reputation for academic excellence and strong community support in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Claysburg, Pennsylvania
What are the main private school options available for families residing in or near Claysburg, Pennsylvania?
While Claysburg itself is a smaller borough, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader Blair County area. The most prominent options include Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School (grades 9-12) in Altoona, offering a college-preparatory curriculum with a faith-based foundation; The Delta Program (grades 6-12), a unique public charter school with a private-school-like, student-centered, project-based approach located in State College; and Trinity Christian Academy in State College, providing a Protestant Christian education from preschool through high school. Many Claysburg families also consider schools in Altoona, Hollidaysburg, and State College, which may involve a commute but offer diverse educational philosophies.
How does the tuition for private schools near Claysburg, PA, compare, and are there any Pennsylvania-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school's affiliation and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $9,000-$10,000, with active parishioner discounts. Trinity Christian Academy's tuition ranges from around $6,500 for elementary to over $10,000 for high school. The Delta Program, as a public charter, is tuition-free. Pennsylvania offers two key financial aid programs: the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These provide scholarships to eligible students attending participating private schools, and all the mentioned schools typically have families who utilize these funds. It's crucial to apply for these programs early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools in the Claysburg area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Claysburg offer distinct educational models. Bishop Guilfoyle provides a structured, faith-integrated curriculum with strong STEM and arts programs, and a notable 1:1 iPad initiative. The Delta Program, though a charter, operates like a progressive private school, emphasizing individualized learning plans, democratic governance, and interdisciplinary projects rather than traditional classes. Trinity Christian Academy integrates biblical worldview across all subjects and emphasizes classical education elements. These specialized approaches contrast with the more standardized curriculum of the Claysburg-Kimmel public school district, offering parents choices in educational philosophy, class size, and religious instruction that are not available in the public system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Bishop Guilfoyle serving the Claysburg community?
For schools like Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School, the enrollment process for incoming freshmen typically begins in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include attending an Open House (often in October-November), submitting an application by a priority deadline (usually in early winter), and providing records from the current school. Placement tests or shadow days for prospective students are common in January or February. Admissions decisions and financial aid/scholarship awards are typically communicated in the spring. For families in Claysburg, it's important to plan for transportation, as the school is about a 25-minute drive to Altoona. We recommend contacting the admissions office directly by September of your child's 8th-grade year to get specific dates.
For a family living in Claysburg, what are the practical considerations regarding commuting to these private school options?
Commuting is a major factor for Claysburg families. Bishop Guilfoyle in Altoona is about a 20-25 minute drive via I-99/Route 220. Trinity Christian Academy and The Delta Program in State College are a longer commute, approximately 45-60 minutes one-way. This requires careful consideration of transportation logistics, fuel costs, and the student's time. Some families form carpools with others from the Claysburg or Altoona area. Bishop Guilfoyle may offer limited bus service from designated areas, but it's not guaranteed for Claysburg. The Delta Program, as a charter, may provide transportation from a centralized location. Evaluating the daily commute's impact on family life and the student's ability to participate in after-school activities is a crucial part of the decision-making process for Claysburg residents.
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