The Best Private Schools in Concord, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Concord. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Upland Country Day School
Independent
Upland Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the Concord area and surrounding communities. Founded in 1945, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from preschool through 9th grade with a strong emphasis on character development and academic excellence. The school features a 30-acre campus with modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Upland's curriculum balances rigorous academics with extensive arts, athletics, and outdoor education programs. The school is particularly known for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong sense of community, with many families from Concord and surrounding areas choosing Upland for its well-rounded educational approach.
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The School in Rose Valley
Independent
The School in Rose Valley is a prestigious progressive independent school that serves families from Concord and the broader Delaware County region. Founded in 1931, this school offers education from preschool through 6th grade with a child-centered, experiential approach to learning. The campus features historic buildings, extensive natural play areas, and modern learning spaces. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, environmental education, artistic expression, and social responsibility. With small class sizes and highly qualified teachers, the school creates a nurturing environment while maintaining high academic standards. Parents consistently praise the school's commitment to developing curious, creative, and compassionate learners.
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West Chester Friends School
Friends School
West Chester Friends School is one of the oldest and most respected independent schools in the region, serving Concord area families since 1839. This Quaker-affiliated school offers education from preschool through 5th grade, grounded in Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality. The school features a historic campus with modernized facilities including dedicated science and art rooms, a library, and outdoor learning spaces. The curriculum integrates strong academics with character education, community service, and innovative programs in STEAM education. With its long-standing reputation, experienced faculty, and commitment to whole-child development, West Chester Friends attracts families seeking a values-based education with excellent academic preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Concord, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families in Concord, Pennsylvania, and are they located directly within the township?
Concord Township itself is primarily residential, so most top-tier private schools are located in nearby communities within Delaware and Chester Counties, offering a short commute for Concord residents. Notable options include Upland Country Day School in Kennett Square (Pre-K-9), The School in Rose Valley in Moylan (Pre-K-6), and West Chester Friends School in West Chester (Pre-K-6). These schools are all within a 15-25 minute drive and represent a mix of Quaker, progressive, and traditional independent philosophies. Families in Concord, PA, often also consider schools in the wider Philadelphia suburban region.
How does the tuition for private schools near Concord, PA, compare, and what financial aid options are available through Pennsylvania state programs?
Tuition for the schools serving Concord, PA, families typically ranges from approximately $20,000 to $35,000 per year for lower school grades. Pennsylvania offers specific financial aid programs that can help eligible families. The most significant is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide scholarships through approved organizations. Many local private schools, including Upland Country Day and West Chester Friends, actively partner with these programs. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific tuition, endowed financial aid, and their process for applying for state-sponsored scholarship funds.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Concord, PA, area emphasize that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Concord, PA, often leverage their smaller size and independent curricula to offer distinctive programs. For example, Upland Country Day School emphasizes a strong outdoor and environmental education program on its 23-acre campus, including a working farm. The School in Rose Valley is renowned for its progressive, project-based learning and deep integration of the arts. West Chester Friends School centers its program on Quaker values like community, simplicity, and peaceful conflict resolution. These specialized focuses provide alternatives to the standard public school curriculum available in the Garnet Valley School District, which serves Concord.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Concord, Pennsylvania, families?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the Philadelphia suburbs, including those popular with Concord residents, operates on an annual cycle. Key steps generally begin in the fall (September-October) with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are often in January or February for the following academic year. Assessments, student visits, and family interviews typically occur in the winter months. Admission decisions and contracts are usually released in March. Given the limited seats and competitive nature, especially for entry grades like Pre-K and Kindergarten, it is highly recommended that Concord families begin their research and visits at least 12-18 months in advance.
For a family moving to Concord, PA, what are the main considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Garnet Valley public schools and nearby private options?
This is a common consideration, as Concord is part of the top-ranked Garnet Valley School District. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. Garnet Valley offers a large, comprehensive public school experience with extensive AP courses, sports, and facilities. Private options provide smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students), distinct pedagogical approaches (like Quaker values or progressive education), and potentially more individualized attention. Families might choose a private school for its specific community feel, religious or values-based foundation, or alternative teaching methods, even with the excellent public option available. The decision frequently involves campus visits to assess the "fit" for the child's personality and learning style.
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