The Best Private Schools in Clinton, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clinton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sewickley Academy
Independent School
Sewickley Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving the greater Pittsburgh region, including Clinton area families. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, featuring both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement curricula. With exceptional faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, the academy emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and global citizenship. The campus includes modern science centers, performing arts spaces, athletic complexes, and innovative learning environments that support both academic and personal growth.
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The Ellis School
Independent School
The Ellis School provides an outstanding all-girls education for students from Clinton and the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. As Pittsburgh's only age 3 through grade 12 independent school for girls, Ellis offers a research-based curriculum that emphasizes STEM education, leadership development, and college preparation. The school features exceptional facilities including science and innovation labs, performing arts centers, and athletic spaces. With a strong focus on empowering young women through education, Ellis graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier colleges and universities nationwide.
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Quigley Catholic High School
Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools
Quigley Catholic High School serves students from Clinton and surrounding communities with a comprehensive college preparatory education grounded in Catholic values. The school offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM initiatives, and competitive athletic teams. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school focuses on individual student development and character formation. The campus features modern science labs, technology integration, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including theater, music, and community service programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clinton, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Clinton, Pennsylvania, and are they located directly in Clinton or in nearby communities?
Families in Clinton, PA, typically look to well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Beaver and Allegheny County areas, as Clinton itself is a small borough. The most prominent options include Quigley Catholic High School in Baden (a co-ed diocesan high school), Sewickley Academy in Sewickley (a prestigious Pre-K through 12 independent school), and The Ellis School in Pittsburgh (an all-girls independent day school). While not within Clinton's borders, these schools are within a commutable distance and serve many families from the region. Transportation is often a key consideration, with many families forming carpools or utilizing provided bus services from designated areas.
How does the tuition for private schools near Clinton, PA, compare, and what financial aid options are available through Pennsylvania state programs?
Tuition in the Clinton area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Quigley Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $10,000-$12,000, while Sewickley Academy and The Ellis School have tuitions that can exceed $30,000 for upper grades. Pennsylvania offers important financial aid programs that Clinton residents can access. The most notable is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide scholarships to eligible students through approved organizations. Additionally, all these schools offer their own need-based financial aid. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through the school and investigate EITC/OSTC scholarship foundations early in the application process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Clinton, PA, community that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible to Clinton families offer specialized programs that may not be available in smaller public school districts. Quigley Catholic provides a faith-based curriculum with college-prep academics and structured theology classes. Sewickley Academy is known for its global studies emphasis, extensive STEM facilities, and renowned arts programs. The Ellis School focuses on immersive, hands-on learning in STEM for girls, with initiatives like their "Ellis Early Engineers" program. All three schools typically have smaller class sizes than regional public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. Additionally, they often have more robust language offerings, advanced placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) options, and unique partnerships with Pittsburgh-area cultural and scientific institutions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Quigley Catholic that serve Clinton, Pennsylvania, students?
The enrollment process for private high schools in the Clinton area generally begins in the fall, a full year before the desired start date. For Quigley Catholic High School, the process typically involves an open house (often in October/November), submission of an application by a January/February deadline, a shadow day for the prospective student, and a review of academic records. Entrance exams are commonly required. Financial aid applications usually have a February deadline. It is highly advisable for Clinton families to initiate the process early in 8th grade for 9th-grade entry. Sewickley Academy and The Ellis School have similar, often highly selective, timelines with their own specific testing and interview requirements. Waiting lists are common, so early engagement is key.
For a family in Clinton, PA, considering the choice between the local public school district and a private school, what are the major practical and community factors to weigh?
Clinton residents are typically served by the Hopewell Area School District. Key factors to consider include: **Commute & Logistics:** Private schools require a daily commute to Baden, Sewickley, or Pittsburgh, impacting family schedules and transportation costs. **Cost vs. Investment:** Public school is tax-funded, while private tuition is a direct, significant expense, though financial aid may offset it. **Educational Environment:** Private schools often offer smaller classes, specific religious or pedagogical philosophies (like single-gender education at Ellis), and may have more resources for specialized academic tracks. **Extracurriculars:** Larger private schools may offer a wider variety of clubs, arts, and sports than a smaller public district, though Hopewell has its own strong programs. **Community Connection:** Attending Hopewell schools fosters local peer relationships, while private school connects students to a regional network. Ultimately, the decision hinges on prioritizing specific educational values, fit for the child, and the family's capacity for the financial and logistical commitment.
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