The Best Private Schools in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elizabeth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Shady Side Academy
Shady Side Academy
Shady Side Academy is a highly respected independent day and boarding school serving the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, including Elizabeth. With over 130 years of educational excellence, the academy offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Students benefit from a comprehensive STEM program, extensive arts education, and competitive athletic teams. The academy maintains a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and has a strong track record of college placements at top universities nationwide.
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Winchester Thurston School
Winchester Thurston School
Winchester Thurston School is a premier independent school serving students from Elizabeth and throughout the Pittsburgh region. The school is renowned for its innovative "City as Our Campus" program that integrates Pittsburgh's resources into the curriculum. WT offers a challenging academic program with Advanced Placement courses, robust arts education, and competitive athletics. The school emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and community engagement. Facilities include modern science labs, technology centers, art studios, and athletic facilities. WT graduates consistently gain admission to selective colleges and universities.
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The Ellis School
The Ellis School
The Ellis School is a distinguished independent day school for girls serving the greater Pittsburgh area, including Elizabeth families. As Pittsburgh's only age 3 through grade 12 independent school for girls, Ellis provides a research-based educational environment that empowers young women in STEM fields, leadership, and the arts. The school features advanced science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Ellis offers a comprehensive curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and rich arts programs. The school is known for its strong college counseling and 100% college acceptance rate to four-year institutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, and are they located within the borough itself?
While Elizabeth, PA, is a smaller borough, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the broader Pittsburgh metropolitan area, though none are physically located within Elizabeth's immediate boundaries. The schools often considered include Shady Side Academy (with campuses in Fox Chapel and Point Breeze), Winchester Thurston School (in Shadyside and the North Hills), and The Ellis School (in Shadyside). For Elizabeth residents, this means commuting into Pittsburgh is typically required. Many families also consider faith-based options, such as those in neighboring districts or within the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Transportation is a key logistical factor for Elizabeth-based families.
How does Pennsylvania's tuition assistance landscape, like the EITC and OSTC programs, benefit families in Elizabeth considering private schools?
Pennsylvania offers significant financial aid mechanisms that are crucial for Elizabeth families. The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs allow businesses to direct tax dollars to scholarship organizations, which then provide need-based scholarships to students. This is particularly relevant for Elizabeth Area School District families, as the OSTC program can provide scholarships for students residing within the boundaries of a low-achieving school (as defined by the state). Most major private schools in the area, including Shady Side, Winchester Thurston, and Ellis, participate in these scholarship programs. Additionally, individual schools offer substantial need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the top private schools accessible from Elizabeth, PA, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools like Shady Side Academy, Winchester Thurston, and The Ellis School offer specialized programs that may not be available in the Elizabeth Area School District due to scale and funding. These include globally-focused curricula (Shady Side's Global Studies certificate), city-as-campus learning (Winchester Thurston's WT Connect), and renowned STEM/arts institutes. The Ellis School provides a dedicated all-girls environment with leadership programming. Furthermore, these schools often feature smaller class sizes, extensive college counseling networks, and facilities like state-of-the-art labs, theaters, and athletics complexes that rival small colleges. For Elizabeth students interested in specific, intensive tracks, these programs are a major draw.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Pittsburgh area, and how should Elizabeth families prepare?
The timeline for schools like Shady Side, Winchester Thurston, and Ellis is rigorous and begins over a year in advance. The process typically starts in the fall (September-October) with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are often in January for the following academic year. Key steps include standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), student interviews, teacher recommendations, and school transcripts. Elizabeth families should note that many schools offer bus transportation from designated stops that may include areas near the borough, but routes should be confirmed early. It is highly advised to start research and visits in the spring or summer before applying to understand the commute and community fit.
For a family living in Elizabeth, what are the practical considerations when comparing the local Elizabeth Area School District to a private school in Pittsburgh?
The comparison hinges on logistics, cost, and educational philosophy. Practically, attending a Pittsburgh private school from Elizabeth involves a significant daily commute (20-45+ minutes), which impacts family schedules and extracurricular participation. Financially, private school tuition (ranging from $25,000 to $35,000+) plus transportation costs contrasts with no tuition for the public district. Academically, Elizabeth Area School District offers a traditional public education, while the private options provide more individualized attention, specialized programs, and often different student-to-teacher ratios. Families must weigh the value of the private school's specific offerings against the convenience, community integration, and cost savings of the local public schools. Visiting both types is essential.
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