The Best Private Schools in Elmhurst, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elmhurst. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Jesuit Schools Network
Scranton Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Jesuit college preparatory school serving the Scranton metropolitan area, including Elmhurst. Founded in 1944, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The 26-acre campus features modern science labs, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence through its Jesuit educational philosophy.
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All Saints Academy
Diocese of Scranton
All Saints Academy is a premier Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade in the Scranton area, including Elmhurst families. The school provides a comprehensive education rooted in Catholic values while offering advanced academic programs in STEM, language arts, and technology. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and has earned recognition for academic excellence and strong community involvement.
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Fell Charter School
Fell Charter School Organization
Fell Charter School is a highly-rated charter school serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade in the Scranton region, including Elmhurst. Located approximately 15 minutes from Elmhurst, the school offers a comprehensive educational program with strong emphasis on technology integration and individualized learning. The school features modern facilities, dedicated STEM labs, and extensive extracurricular programs. With a focus on academic achievement and character development, Fell Charter has established itself as a top educational choice in the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elmhurst, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options serving families in Elmhurst, Pennsylvania, and are they located within the borough itself?
Elmhurst is a small borough, so most of the prominent private schools are located in the surrounding Scranton area but actively serve Elmhurst families. The top options include Scranton Preparatory School (a Jesuit, co-educational college preparatory school in Scranton), All Saints Academy (a private, independent Catholic school in Scranton), and Fell Charter School (a public charter school in Simpson, which functions like a tuition-free private option). There are limited private schools physically within Elmhurst's borders, so transportation to neighboring communities is a common consideration for local parents.
How does Pennsylvania's tax credit scholarship program, like EITC and OSTC, help with private school tuition for Elmhurst residents?
Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs are vital for many Elmhurst families. These programs allow businesses to divert tax dollars to scholarship organizations, which then provide need-based scholarships to students attending private schools. Families at schools like Scranton Prep or All Saints Academy often apply for these scholarships through the school's financial aid office. Eligibility depends on household income and residency in Pennsylvania, making these programs a key financial consideration when evaluating tuition costs in the Elmhurst area.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Elmhurst, PA, that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Elmhurst vicinity often offer specialized programs not always available in the public district. For example, Scranton Preparatory School provides a rigorous classical Jesuit curriculum with required theology and philosophy courses, along with extensive service-learning projects. All Saints Academy offers a faith-based education with a strong focus on individual student development in a smaller classroom setting. Fell Charter School emphasizes environmental science and sustainability in its curriculum. These distinct educational philosophies and program specializations are a major draw for Elmhurst parents seeking alternatives to the public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Scranton Preparatory School for an Elmhurst student?
For Elmhurst students targeting Scranton Prep, the process begins in the fall of 7th or 8th grade. Prospective students must take the High School Placement Test (HSPT), usually offered in November or December. Applications, including transcripts, recommendations, and a personal essay, are typically due in early winter. Admissions decisions are released in February. It's crucial for Elmhurst families to note that this timeline is much earlier than public school registration, and attending open houses in the fall is highly recommended. Financial aid applications (like the FACTS application) run concurrently with admissions.
For an Elmhurst resident, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation to these area private schools?
Transportation is a significant logistical factor. The Lackawanna Trail School District, which includes Elmhurst, may provide transportation to private schools within a certain radius (typically 10 miles) as required by Pennsylvania law. It's essential to confirm this directly with the district and the private school. For schools like Fell Charter, which is outside the district, families are generally responsible for transportation. Carpooling with other Elmhurst families is common. When evaluating schools, parents should factor in commute time on routes like I-81 or the Casey Highway to Scranton, especially during Northeastern Pennsylvania's winter weather.
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