The Best Private Schools in Enola, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Enola. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Good Shepherd School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
Good Shepherd School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Enola and Hershey areas. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith-based learning, academic excellence, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated faculty and offers extensive extracurricular programs including music, sports, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong academic preparation.
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Harrisburg Academy
Independent School
Harrisburg Academy is one of Pennsylvania's oldest and most prestigious independent schools, serving students from Enola and the greater Harrisburg area. The school offers International Baccalaureate programs from preschool through 12th grade, providing a globally-focused education. The 17-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The academy boasts a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities. The school emphasizes critical thinking, leadership development, and personalized attention with an 8:1 student-teacher ratio.
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St. Joseph School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
St. Joseph School in Mechanicsburg serves families from Enola and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade Catholic education. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum enhanced by technology integration, including 1:1 iPad program for middle school students. The campus includes modern classrooms, computer labs, library, gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence, offering strong programs in mathematics, reading, and science. Extracurricular activities include sports teams, choir, band, and various clubs. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's community atmosphere and academic outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Enola, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Enola, Pennsylvania, and what are their key characteristics?
Enola itself is a smaller borough, so many families look to nearby schools in the greater Harrisburg area. The most prominent options include Good Shepherd School (Enola), a Catholic elementary school offering a faith-based education from Pre-K to 8th grade. Just across the Susquehanna River, you'll find Harrisburg Academy (Wormleysburg), a prestigious, independent Pre-K through 12th-grade school known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum and International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Also nearby is St. Joseph School (Middletown), another Catholic K-8 option. Many Enola families also consider private schools in Camp Hill and Mechanicsburg, which are a short commute away.
How does tuition for private schools in the Enola, PA, area typically compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Enola area varies significantly by school type. Parish-based Catholic schools like Good Shepherd and St. Joseph generally have lower tuition, often ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually, with reduced rates for parish members. Independent schools like Harrisburg Academy have a higher tuition, often exceeding $25,000 for upper grades, reflecting their extensive facilities and programs. Pennsylvania offers several financial aid avenues, including the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide need-based scholarships. Most schools also have their own financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Enola, PA, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Enola/Harrisburg region offer specialized programs not always available in public districts. Harrisburg Academy is the only school in the area offering the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, providing a globally-focused education. Many private schools, including Good Shepherd and St. Joseph, emphasize world languages (like Spanish) starting in elementary grades. Furthermore, schools like Harrisburg Academy often have smaller average class sizes, robust arts programs, and distinctive extracurriculars such as robotics, Model UN, and unique athletic partnerships that allow students to compete in leagues they couldn't in a smaller public school.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Enola, Pennsylvania, families?
The enrollment process for Enola-area private schools generally begins in the fall or winter for the following academic year. For sought-after schools like Harrisburg Academy, applications are due by January or February, with admission decisions released in March. Catholic schools like Good Shepherd and St. Joseph may have rolling admissions but encourage early application to secure a spot. Key steps usually include a campus tour, submission of an application with fees, student records, teacher recommendations, and an entrance assessment or shadow day. We highly recommend contacting your school(s) of interest by October or November to understand their specific deadlines and requirements.
For Enola residents, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation to and from these private schools?
Transportation is a key logistical factor for Enola families. The West Shore School District, where Enola is located, may provide busing to private schools within a certain radius (typically 10 miles) as required by Pennsylvania law. This often covers schools like Good Shepherd and St. Joseph. However, for schools farther away or across district/county lines, such as Harrisburg Academy in Wormleysburg, district-provided transportation may not be available. In these cases, families must arrange for carpooling or private transportation. Many schools facilitate carpool lists for enrolled families. It's essential to confirm transportation policies directly with both the private school and the West Shore School District transportation office.
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