The Best Private Schools in Denver, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Denver. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lancaster Country Day School
Independent School
Lancaster Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the broader Lancaster County area, including Denver. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory education for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Known for its exceptional academic programs, LCDS features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Linden Hall
Independent School
Linden Hall is the oldest independent boarding and day school for girls in the United States, located in nearby Lititz and serving students from Denver and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. Notable features include their renowned equestrian program, state-of-the-art athletic facilities, comprehensive arts programs, and advanced STEM offerings. Linden Hall provides both boarding and day options and is known for developing confident, accomplished young women prepared for top colleges and universities.
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Lancaster Mennonite School
Mennonite Education Agency
Lancaster Mennonite School is a comprehensive Christian school with multiple campuses serving the Denver area and broader Lancaster County. The school offers a Christ-centered education from preschool through 12th grade, featuring both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs. LMS is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse student body, and commitment to service learning. The school maintains modern facilities, competitive athletic programs, and extensive arts offerings while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Denver, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options for families living in Denver, Pennsylvania, and are they located directly in the town?
While Denver itself is a smaller borough, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Lancaster County area. The most prominent include Lancaster Country Day School (in Lancaster), Lancaster Mennonite School (with multiple campuses, the closest being in Lancaster), and Linden Hall (in Lititz). These schools typically provide transportation or have established carpool networks for Denver-area students. There are also smaller parochial and independent schools closer to Denver, but the listed institutions represent the major college-preparatory and specialized options that Denver parents frequently consider.
How does the tuition for private schools near Denver, PA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are specifically available?
Tuition for the top private schools in the Denver area is generally on par with or slightly above the Pennsylvania private school average due to their strong reputations and programs. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $20,000 to $30,000+ for day schools. However, Pennsylvania offers unique financial avenues. The most significant is the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which fund need-based scholarships through business donations. Additionally, all major schools near Denver offer substantial institutional financial aid. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited and these state tax credit scholarships are in high demand.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Denver, PA, that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in the Denver area leverage their independence to offer distinctive programs. Lancaster Country Day School emphasizes a global curriculum with advanced STEM and humanities tracks, plus extensive arts. Lancaster Mennonite School offers a unique Peace and Conflict Studies curriculum alongside strong vocational-tech pathways, reflecting its Anabaptist heritage. Linden Hall, the oldest all-girls boarding/day school in the U.S., provides a specialized girls' leadership program, elite equestrian facilities, and a robust boarding program that brings a diverse student body to the region. These specialized focuses, often with smaller class sizes than Denver's public Cocalico School District, provide tailored educational experiences not typically available in the public system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Denver, PA, and when should we start?
The admission process for competitive schools near Denver is structured and often begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. The standard timeline involves: initial inquiries and tours in the fall (Sept-Nov), submission of applications by January or February deadlines, student testing/interviews in winter, and decision notifications in March. For grades with limited seats, like kindergarten, pre-K, and 9th grade, starting early is critical. Many schools also host open houses in the fall. Given that Denver families are often considering the same cluster of schools, it's advisable to apply to more than one to keep options open. Sibling and legacy applicant deadlines may be earlier.
For a family in Denver, what are the key considerations when choosing between the Cocalico public school district and a private school in Lancaster County?
The decision hinges on several Denver-specific factors. Academically, Cocalico School District is well-regarded, so the choice often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and specialized programs. Private schools offer distinct values-based education (e.g., Mennonite, non-sectarian independent) and more niche programs (e.g., all-girls, intensive arts). Logistically, consider the daily commute to Lancaster or Lititz versus a short bus ride to a local public school. Financially, weigh the tuition cost against potential tax-funded scholarship programs (EITC). Culturally, private schools draw from a wider geographic area, potentially offering more socioeconomic and geographic diversity than the primarily local Cocalico district. Visiting both types is essential to feel the difference in environment.
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