The Best Private Schools in Damascus, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Damascus. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Jesuits East
Scranton Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Jesuit institution that serves students from Damascus and throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. The school offers an exceptional college-preparatory curriculum with 25+ Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM research opportunities, and comprehensive arts programs. Facilities include modern science research labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character formation through its Ignatian identity and requires significant community service involvement. Graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier universities nationwide.
Programs:
Stourbridge Primary Center
Western Wayne School District (Private Division)
Stourbridge Primary Center serves the Damascus region with a comprehensive elementary education program that emphasizes individualized learning and academic excellence. The school features modern STEM labs, dedicated art studios, and small class sizes that allow for personalized attention. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong community involvement. The curriculum integrates technology with traditional academic subjects while maintaining a focus on character development and social-emotional learning.
Programs:
The Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
The Christian Academy provides a rigorous college-preparatory education grounded in Christian values, serving students from Damascus and surrounding communities. The school features state-of-the-art science laboratories, comprehensive athletic facilities, and robust fine arts programs. Academic excellence is demonstrated through consistently high standardized test scores and college acceptance rates. The campus includes modern classrooms, technology integration throughout the curriculum, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports teams and performing arts.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Damascus, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Damascus, Pennsylvania?
While Damascus itself is a small borough, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Northeastern Pennsylvania region. The most prominent options include The Christian Academy, which offers a biblically-based education from preschool through 12th grade, and Scranton Preparatory School, a rigorous Jesuit college-preparatory school in nearby Scranton. Stourbridge Primary Center serves younger students in the Honesdale area. It's important to note that due to Damascus's rural setting, most private schooling will involve a commute to neighboring towns in Wayne or Lackawanna Counties, making transportation a key consideration.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Damascus, PA area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Damascus region varies significantly by school type and grade level. For example, parochial schools like The Christian Academy often have lower tuition rates, potentially ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 annually, while a prestigious institution like Scranton Prep may charge over $15,000. These figures are generally at or slightly below the Pennsylvania state average for similar private schools, partly reflecting the area's lower cost of living. Pennsylvania offers several state-specific aid programs, such as the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which many local private schools participate in. Additionally, most schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for member families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Damascus, PA offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Damascus area often integrate the region's natural and cultural assets into their programs. Given its location in the Pocono Mountains and proximity to the Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River, several schools incorporate robust environmental science and outdoor education programs. Scranton Prep emphasizes its strong STEM and humanities curricula with a service-learning component that engages with the local community. The Christian Academy may focus on agricultural or hands-on learning projects reflective of the rural setting. Furthermore, the proximity to New York State allows for unique field trip opportunities in history and the arts not always available in more isolated regions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Damascus, Pennsylvania families?
The enrollment process for schools like Scranton Prep and The Christian Academy often begins a full year in advance, with open houses in the fall (September-October) for admission the following academic year. Application deadlines are typically in early winter (December-January), with entrance exams for secondary schools scheduled shortly thereafter. Due to the limited seats and competitive nature, especially for schools drawing from a wide regional area, early inquiry is strongly advised. Many schools also have priority deadlines for siblings of current students and children of alumni. It's recommended to contact admissions offices directly, as some may offer rolling admissions for certain grades if space permits.
For a family in Damascus, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Wayne Highlands) and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several Damascus-specific factors. The Wayne Highlands School District provides a comprehensive, tuition-free education with the benefit of a close-knit community. Choosing a private school often involves a significant daily commute (20-45 minutes) to Scranton, Honesdale, or other towns, impacting family logistics. Parents may consider private options for specific religious education, a more rigorous college-prep curriculum (like Scranton Prep's), or smaller class sizes. Financially, it requires weighing tuition costs against potential savings on supplemental activities or tutoring. The unique value of Damascus's rural setting means some families prioritize the local public school for its community integration, while others seek the specialized programs and broader peer networks offered by regional private institutions.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities