The Best Private Schools in Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clearfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
DuBois Central Catholic
Diocese of Erie
DuBois Central Catholic is a premier private school serving the Clearfield area with a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade program. Established in 1980, the school boasts a strong academic reputation, offering Advanced Placement courses, STEM initiatives, and a faith-based curriculum. With a focus on individualized learning, the school features experienced educators, state-of-the-art facilities including science labs and athletic fields, and a wide range of extracurriculars like robotics, theater, and sports teams. Parent reviews highlight high satisfaction with student outcomes, community involvement, and a supportive environment that fosters intellectual and moral growth.
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Nittany Christian School
Independent Christian School
Nittany Christian School, founded in 1973, is a respected private school that serves families in Clearfield and the broader Central Pennsylvania region. Offering a K-12 education rooted in Christian values, the school integrates biblical principles with a rigorous academic curriculum, including college preparatory courses, fine arts, and technology programs. Features include small class sizes, certified teachers, and facilities such as a gym, art rooms, and outdoor play areas. Extracurricular activities encompass sports, music, and clubs, promoting holistic development. The school is praised for its committed staff, safe environment, and high parent satisfaction, making it a top choice for private education in the area.
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Clearfield Area Catholic School
Diocese of Erie
Clearfield Area Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade. Founded in 1975, the school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a robust curriculum that includes religion, mathematics, science, and language arts. The school offers extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and community service programs, and is known for its strong parent-teacher collaboration and safe, nurturing atmosphere. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and gymnasium, supporting a well-rounded education focused on character development and college preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clearfield, Pennsylvania
What are the main private school options available for families in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, and what are their core educational models?
In Clearfield, PA, and the immediate surrounding area, the primary private school options are faith-based institutions. The Clearfield Area Catholic School offers a Pre-K through 8th-grade education rooted in Catholic values and curriculum. For high school, many families look to DuBois Central Catholic in nearby DuBois, which provides a comprehensive 9-12 program. Another local option is Nittany Christian School, which offers a Protestant, Christ-centered education. The selection is limited compared to larger metros, so understanding each school's religious affiliation and grade range is a key first step for Clearfield parents.
How does tuition at Clearfield, PA private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Clearfield-area private schools is generally below the statewide average for Pennsylvania, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 year, tuition for elementary grades often ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 annually, while high school can be higher. All the major schools offer need-based financial aid, and Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs are crucial. These programs provide scholarships to eligible students, and local businesses' participation directly funds aid for families in Clearfield and across Clearfield County.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Clearfield area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Clearfield area leverage their smaller size and specific missions to offer distinctive programs. DuBois Central Catholic, for instance, has strong college-prep tracks and partnerships with local colleges for dual enrollment. Clearfield Area Catholic School integrates faith and service learning into its core curriculum, with local community projects. Nittany Christian School emphasizes a biblical worldview across all subjects. In terms of extracurriculars, these schools often compete in the Allegheny Mountain League (AML) for sports, providing a close-knit athletic experience, and may offer specialized clubs like robotics or music that leverage dedicated parent and community involvement.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Clearfield Area Catholic School?
The enrollment process for Clearfield-area private schools usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall. For Clearfield Area Catholic School, the process typically involves: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a tour (often held January-February), 2) Submitting an application by a spring deadline (March-April), 3) Providing academic records and possibly teacher recommendations, and 4) A family interview or meeting. Some schools have rolling admission if space allows. It's highly recommended to initiate contact by January, as some grades, particularly early elementary, can have limited seats. Sibling and parish member priorities often apply.
For families considering both sectors, what are the practical considerations when comparing private and public schools in Clearfield, Pennsylvania?
The key considerations for Clearfield families include logistics, cost, and educational approach. The Clearfield Area School District provides a tuition-free, comprehensive K-12 system with extensive extracurriculars and specialized programs. Private options involve tuition but offer smaller class sizes, specific religious instruction, and a particular community environment. Transportation is a major practical factor; while the district may provide busing for private school students under state law, routes and availability can be limited in rural parts of Clearfield County. Academically, parents must decide if they prioritize the standardized curriculum and resources of the public system or the mission-driven, often college-focused environment of the local private schools.
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