The Best Private Schools in Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clifton Heights. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Crefeld School
Independent Progressive School
The Crefeld School provides a progressive education for grades 7-12, focusing on experiential learning, student-centered approaches, and social justice. With small class sizes, a supportive community, and strong academic and extracurricular programs—including arts, technology, and outdoor education—it fosters critical thinking and individuality. The school attracts students from Clifton Heights and the greater Philadelphia region, with high parent satisfaction due to its inclusive environment and personalized attention.
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Delaware Valley Friends School
Quaker School
Delaware Valley Friends School is a Quaker-based institution specializing in educating students with learning differences, such as dyslexia and ADHD. Offering grades 5-12, it provides a nurturing environment with individualized instruction, multisensory teaching methods, and a college preparatory curriculum. Known for its high parent satisfaction, the school features small classes, dedicated staff, and robust extracurriculars, serving families from Clifton Heights and across the Philadelphia metro area with a focus on academic and personal growth.
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The Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
The Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private school offering a comprehensive education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Known for its strong academic programs, including STEM and arts, the school emphasizes character development and spiritual growth within a Christian framework. With modern facilities, dedicated faculty, and a range of extracurricular activities like sports and clubs, it serves students from Clifton Heights and surrounding Delaware County areas. Parent satisfaction is high due to its nurturing environment and college preparatory focus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options serving families in Clifton Heights, PA, and what are their educational philosophies?
Clifton Heights itself is a small borough, so many families look to nearby schools in Delaware County and the greater Philadelphia area. Notable options include The Christian Academy (in Brookhaven, PA), which offers a biblically-based, college-preparatory education from a Protestant perspective; The Crefeld School (in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia), which is a progressive, experiential school for grades 7-12 focusing on individual student growth; and the Delaware Valley Friends School (in Bryn Mawr, PA), a nationally recognized school for students with learning differences like dyslexia and ADHD, grounded in Quaker principles. Transportation to these schools is a key consideration for Clifton Heights residents.
How does Pennsylvania's tuition assistance landscape, like the EITC/OSTC programs, affect affordability for private schools near Clifton Heights?
Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs are crucial for many families. These programs provide scholarships to eligible students, often based on household income, to attend participating private schools. Most of the top schools near Clifton Heights, including The Christian Academy and Delaware Valley Friends School, participate in these programs. It's essential to apply early, as funds are limited. Additionally, each school offers its own need-based financial aid. The state's support mechanisms can significantly reduce the net tuition cost for qualifying Clifton Heights families.
For a child with diagnosed learning differences, what specialized private school programs are accessible from Clifton Heights, PA?
Clifton Heights is uniquely positioned near some of the region's top schools for specialized learning. The Delaware Valley Friends School is a premier choice, offering a comprehensive program specifically for bright students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and executive function challenges. Their approach is multi-sensory and strengths-based. Additionally, The Crefeld School's progressive, individualized model can be an excellent fit for students who thrive in a non-traditional setting. When considering these options from Clifton Heights, parents should carefully evaluate each school's specific therapeutic supports, teacher training, and the daily commute involved.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Delaware County area accessible from Clifton Heights?
The timeline for schools like The Christian Academy, Crefeld, and Delaware Valley Friends School generally begins in the fall, about a year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, completing student visits/interviews and assessments, and receiving decisions in March. For schools with rolling admission, applying early is still advantageous. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, Clifton Heights families are advised to start research early, as some schools may have waitlists, especially for specific grades like kindergarten, 6th, or 9th.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Clifton Heights compare to the local public school district (Upper Darby)?
This is a key differentiator. The Upper Darby School District, which serves Clifton Heights, is one of the largest and most diverse in Pennsylvania, with average class sizes typically larger than those in nearby private institutions. Schools like The Christian Academy and The Crefeld School often maintain student-to-teacher ratios of 10:1 or lower, allowing for highly personalized attention. The community environments also differ: The Christian Academy fosters a close-knit, faith-based community; Crefeld emphasizes a collaborative, project-based democratic community; and Delaware Valley Friends builds a supportive community around students with similar learning profiles. This contrast in scale and mission is a major factor for Clifton Heights parents.
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