The Best Private Schools in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elkins Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Cheltenham Friends School
Friends Council on Education
Cheltenham Friends School is a highly-regarded independent Quaker school located directly in Elkins Park. The school serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a progressive, child-centered approach to education. Founded on Quaker principles of peace, integrity, and community, the school emphasizes social-emotional development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern classrooms, dedicated art and music spaces, and extensive outdoor learning areas. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty who create personalized learning experiences. The curriculum integrates STEAM education with project-based learning and community service opportunities.
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Abington Friends School
Friends Council on Education
Located just minutes from Elkins Park in adjacent Jenkintown, Abington Friends School is one of the oldest and most prestigious independent schools in the Philadelphia region. Serving students from preschool through 12th grade, AFS offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum grounded in Quaker values. The 50-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic facilities, and extensive libraries. The school is known for its exceptional faculty, with over 70% holding advanced degrees. Students benefit from a robust arts program, competitive athletics, and extensive community engagement opportunities. The upper school offers Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions.
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The Crefeld School
Independent
The Crefeld School, located in nearby Chestnut Hill just 3 miles from Elkins Park, serves students in grades 7-12 with a progressive, individualized approach to education. Founded in 1970, the school specializes in supporting diverse learners through small class sizes (average 8:1 student-teacher ratio) and personalized attention. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, critical thinking, and real-world application. Students participate in weekly community service and internships, developing practical skills alongside academic knowledge. The school features modern science labs, art studios, and technology-enhanced classrooms. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's ability to engage students who may not thrive in traditional educational settings, while maintaining strong college preparation outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options within or directly adjacent to Elkins Park, PA, and what are their educational philosophies?
Elkins Park, PA, is home to several distinguished private schools, each with a unique approach. Within the neighborhood, you'll find Cheltenham Friends School (Pre-K to 6), which emphasizes Quaker values like community, simplicity, and peaceful conflict resolution. Just across the border in Jenkintown is the highly regarded Abington Friends School (Pre-K to 12), offering a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum deeply rooted in Quaker principles. Nearby in Chestnut Hill is The Crefeld School (7-12), known for its progressive, student-centered education that supports diverse learners through experiential and project-based learning. This concentration of schools offers parents in Elkins Park a choice between traditional Quaker education and innovative progressive models.
How does tuition for private schools in the Elkins Park, PA, area compare, and what financial aid options are available under Pennsylvania state programs?
Tuition in the Elkins Park area varies significantly by grade level and school. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $20,000-$25,000 for lower schools like Cheltenham Friends to over $40,000 for upper schools like Abington Friends. Pennsylvania offers important financial aid avenues to help families. The most significant is the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) and Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) programs, which provide need-based scholarships for students attending non-public schools. Many Elkins Park area schools actively partner with these programs. Additionally, each school offers its own substantial need-based financial aid, and it's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission to maximize potential support.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Elkins Park, PA, region that leverage local resources?
Schools in the Elkins Park area leverage their proximity to Philadelphia's rich cultural and academic institutions. Abington Friends School, for instance, has a renowned Center for Experiential Learning that facilitates internships across Philadelphia. The Crefeld School utilizes its urban-proximate location for frequent "City as Classroom" excursions. Furthermore, the region's schools often emphasize social justice and community engagement, reflecting the area's diverse and historically significant character. Programs in sustainability and environmental science are also common, taking advantage of local parks like the Briar Bush Nature Center. Arts partnerships with institutions in nearby Philadelphia provide exceptional opportunities not always available in more isolated suburban settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Elkins Park, PA, and how competitive is admission?
The admission timeline for Elkins Park area private schools is consistent with national independent school norms but requires early planning. The process typically begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student visits and assessments (January-February), and receiving decisions in March for the following academic year. Admission competitiveness varies; Abington Friends School is highly selective, particularly for entry points like 9th grade, while Cheltenham Friends and The Crefeld School, though still selective, may have different entry points and seek mission-appropriate students. Sibling and legacy preferences exist, so applying early is strongly advised.
For families in Elkins Park, what are the key considerations when choosing between the high-performing Cheltenham Township public schools and local private options?
This is a central decision for Elkins Park families. The Cheltenham School District, which serves Elkins Park, is known for its strong, diverse public schools like Cheltenham High School. Choosing a private option often comes down to educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Private schools like Abington Friends or Crefeld offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students vs. 25+ in public), distinct value-based communities (Quaker, progressive), and more tailored approaches to learning differences. The trade-off is, of course, cost. Families must weigh the financial investment against the desire for a specific type of community, a particular religious or ethical framework, or a learning environment that might better suit a child who needs an alternative to a larger, more traditional public school setting.
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