The Best Private Schools in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ebensburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Trinity Catholic School
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Holy Trinity Catholic School in Altoona serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade and draws families from Ebensburg and surrounding communities. The school provides a comprehensive educational foundation with strong emphasis on academic excellence and Catholic values. Features include modern classrooms, computer labs, science facilities, library, and gymnasium. The curriculum incorporates technology integration, STEM education, and arts programs. Holy Trinity maintains small class sizes and offers before/after school care, making it accessible for working families. The school has excellent parent satisfaction ratings and prepares students well for high school transition.
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Bishop Carroll Catholic High School
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Bishop Carroll Catholic High School is the only private high school located directly in Ebensburg, serving students in grades 9-12 from throughout Cambria County. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with multiple Advanced Placement courses and a strong emphasis on faith-based education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a library, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and has a strong track record of college acceptance. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports teams, music programs, and various clubs.
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Bishop McCort Catholic High School
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Located in nearby Johnstown, Bishop McCort Catholic High School serves students from Ebensburg and throughout the region. The school offers a rigorous academic program with honors and advanced placement courses, plus specialized programs in STEM and performing arts. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, athletic complex, and performing arts spaces. With a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, the school emphasizes individualized attention and character development. Bishop McCort has a strong athletic tradition and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including robotics, theater, and community service programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available in Ebensburg, PA, and what are their educational philosophies?
Ebensburg, PA, is home to a cluster of Catholic private schools, reflecting the area's strong faith-based education community. The primary options are Bishop Carroll Catholic High School (grades 9-12), Bishop McCort Catholic High School (grades 9-12), and Holy Trinity Catholic School (pre-K through 8th grade). These schools share a commitment to integrating Catholic values with academic rigor. Bishop Carroll and Bishop McCort are both diocesan high schools offering college-preparatory curricula, while Holy Trinity provides the foundational education for younger students. The philosophy across these institutions emphasizes character formation, service, and a close-knit community environment, which is a hallmark of private education in Cambria County.
How does tuition for private schools in Ebensburg, PA, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Pennsylvania families?
Tuition for the private schools in Ebensburg varies. For the 2023-2024 academic year, high school tuition at Bishop Carroll and Bishop McCort typically ranges from $7,000 to $9,000 annually, while Holy Trinity's elementary tuition is lower. A key financial consideration specific to Pennsylvania is the **Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC)** and **Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)** programs. These programs provide scholarships to eligible students, often based on residency in a low-achieving school district or family income, making private school more accessible. Additionally, all three Ebensburg-area schools offer parish subsidies for active Catholic families, diocesan aid, and need-based financial assistance. It's essential to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current tuition rates and aid application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Ebensburg's private schools offer that leverage local resources or community partnerships?
Private schools in Ebensburg leverage their small size and community ties to offer distinctive programs. Bishop Carroll and Bishop McCort both have strong partnerships with local institutions like the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and Mount Aloysius College for dual-enrollment courses, allowing students to earn college credits. Given Ebensburg's location in Cambria County, several schools emphasize STEM initiatives connected to local industries and healthcare. Extracurricularly, athletics are a major focus, with intense rivalries and traditions in sports like football and basketball forming a core part of school identity. Bishop McCort, for instance, is widely known for its wrestling program. Holy Trinity integrates local history and service projects within the Ebensburg community into its curriculum, fostering early civic engagement.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Ebensburg, PA, and are there considerations for transferring from public schools?
The enrollment process for Ebensburg's private schools generally begins in the winter for the following fall semester, with open houses held between January and March. Application deadlines are often in the spring (March-April), but rolling admissions may be available depending on space. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. For students transferring from public schools in districts like Central Cambria or Penn Cambria, placement testing in core subjects is common to ensure proper academic alignment. A key local consideration is that many families plan for the transition from Holy Trinity (K-8) to one of the Catholic high schools, so applying early for incoming 9th graders is highly recommended due to competitive spots.
For families considering the choice, what are the notable differences between the public schools in the Central Cambria School District and the private schools in Ebensburg, PA?
The primary differences lie in educational approach, scale, and cost. The public Central Cambria School District (serving Ebensburg) offers a tuition-free, comprehensive K-12 education with a wide range of courses, special education services, and extracurriculars funded by taxpayers. In contrast, Ebensburg's private schools (Bishop Carroll, Bishop McCort, Holy Trinity) offer a faith-based education with typically smaller class sizes, a required religion curriculum, and a unified value system. The private high schools are college-preparatory by mission, whereas Central Cambria offers a broader spectrum including robust vocational-technical pathways through the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center. The choice often comes down to a family's priority for religious integration and specific community culture versus the program diversity and no-tuition model of the public district.
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