The Best Private Schools in Coplay, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Coplay. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Swain School
The Swain School
The Swain School is a highly-regarded independent school located just minutes from Coplay in Allentown. Founded in 1946, this coeducational day school serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing academic excellence, character development, and individualized attention. The school features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. Known for its strong community atmosphere and low student-teacher ratio, Swain offers robust programs in STEM, visual and performing arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and rigorous academic preparation for high school.
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Moravian Academy
Moravian Academy
Moravian Academy is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious independent schools, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade across three campuses in the Lehigh Valley. Located in nearby Bethlehem, the school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement curricula alongside extensive arts, athletics, and global education programs. With a history dating to 1742, Moravian combines tradition with innovative teaching methods in state-of-the-art facilities. The school is known for its rigorous academic standards, exceptional college placement record, and beautiful 120-acre upper school campus. Families from Coplay appreciate the school's comprehensive transportation system and strong sense of community across all grade levels.
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Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School
Lehigh Valley Academy
Lehigh Valley Academy is a highly-rated International Baccalaureate World School serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including families from Coplay. As a public charter school with private school-level academic rigor, LVA offers the complete IB continuum from elementary through high school. The school emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and college preparation with state-of-the-art facilities in Bethlehem. With strong STEM programs, extensive extracurricular offerings, and a diverse student body, LVA provides a challenging educational environment that consistently produces high academic achievement and college acceptance rates. The school serves the entire Lehigh Valley region with transportation options available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Coplay, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Coplay, PA, and are they located within the borough itself?
While Coplay is a smaller borough, it is part of the broader Lehigh Valley, which offers several highly-regarded private school options nearby. The schools you mentioned, such as The Swain School (in Allentown), Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School (in Bethlehem), and Moravian Academy (campuses in Bethlehem and Lower Merion), are all within a reasonable commuting distance. There are few, if any, private schools physically located within Coplay's borders, so families should expect to look at institutions in surrounding communities like Allentown, Bethlehem, and Whitehall. Transportation is typically the family's responsibility.
How does Pennsylvania's educational tax credit programs, like EITC and OSTC, help with private school tuition for Coplay residents?
Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs are crucial for many families in Coplay considering private school. These programs allow businesses to divert state tax dollars to scholarship organizations, which then provide need-based scholarships to eligible students. Many local private schools, including those in the Lehigh Valley, participate with these scholarship organizations. Eligibility often depends on household income and, for OSTC, residing within the boundaries of a low-achieving public school as defined by the state. It's essential to check with your chosen school's financial aid office about application processes and deadlines for these state-sponsored scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Lehigh Valley private schools near Coplay offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Lehigh Valley accessible to Coplay families often offer specialized programs that may be less available in public districts. For example, Moravian Academy offers a renowned global education program with extensive language studies and travel opportunities. The Swain School emphasizes a progressive, hands-on "Swain Experience" with a strong focus on community and environmental stewardship. Lehigh Valley Academy, as a charter school, follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years and Middle Years Programs, providing a globally-focused curriculum framework. These distinct educational philosophies and programmatic specializations are a key draw for parents seeking alternatives to the Coplay or Whitehall-Coplay public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Lehigh Valley, and how far in advance should Coplay parents apply?
For the most sought-after private day schools near Coplay, such as Moravian Academy and The Swain School, the admissions process is competitive and often begins well over a year in advance. The standard timeline involves starting inquiries in the fall (September-October), completing applications by January or February for the following academic year, and participating in student assessments and family interviews during the winter. Admissions decisions are typically released in March. For kindergarten and other primary entry points, it is not uncommon for families to apply two years ahead. Coplay parents are advised to begin researching and visiting schools at least 18 months before their child's intended start date.
For a family in Coplay, what are the practical considerations when comparing the local Whitehall-Coplay School District to nearby private schools?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. The Whitehall-Coplay School District provides a no-tuition, neighborhood-based education with extensive transportation. In contrast, private schools require tuition (often $20,000+), necessitate a daily commute to Allentown or Bethlehem, and involve personal transportation costs. Academically, the comparison may come down to class size, individualized attention, and specialized programs versus the resources of a larger public district. For extracurriculars, large public high schools like Whitehall High may offer more extensive sports leagues, while private schools might offer unique clubs or arts programs. The community feel is also different; private schools often create a close-knit community drawn from across the Lehigh Valley, whereas public schools center on the local Coplay and Whitehall community.
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