The Best Private Schools in Farmington, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Farmington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Small Wonders Preschool & Learning Center
Independent Private School
Small Wonders Preschool & Learning Center is a highly-rated early childhood education center serving the Farmington and greater Uniontown area. Specializing in preschool and kindergarten preparation for children ages 2-6, this institution has earned exceptional parent satisfaction ratings for its nurturing environment and strong academic foundation programs. The curriculum focuses on developing essential early literacy, numeracy, and social skills through play-based and structured learning activities. The center features modern, age-appropriate facilities, experienced early childhood educators, and a comprehensive approach to school readiness. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, clean and safe environment, and the noticeable academic and social growth they observe in their children. The school also offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families.
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St. John the Evangelist Regional Catholic School
Diocese of Greensburg Catholic Schools
St. John the Evangelist Regional Catholic School is a highly-regarded Pre-K through 8th grade institution serving the broader Farmington area. With over 60 years of educational excellence, the school provides a comprehensive Catholic education that integrates faith, academics, and character development. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in literacy and mathematics while incorporating modern STEM education and fine arts. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a safe, nurturing environment. Extracurricular activities include sports, choir, and various clubs. Parents consistently praise the school's strong community atmosphere, academic rigor, and values-based education that prepares students for high school and beyond.
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Connellsville Area Catholic School
Diocese of Greensburg Catholic Schools
Connellsville Area Catholic School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade and draws families from throughout Fayette County, including Farmington. The school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence with a curriculum that prepares students for success in high school and college. The institution features modern technology integration across all grade levels, comprehensive religious education, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including basketball, volleyball, and academic competitions. The school maintains small class sizes with individualized attention and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. Parents frequently highlight the dedicated faculty, strong parent-teacher communication, and the school's commitment to creating well-rounded students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Farmington, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families in Farmington, Pennsylvania, and what grade levels do they serve?
Farmington, PA, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily with a religious affiliation. St. John the Evangelist Regional Catholic School, located in nearby Uniontown, is a popular K-8 option for many Farmington families. For preschool and early childhood education, Small Wonders Preschool & Learning Center in Farmington itself provides a foundational private program. For high school, families often look to Connellsville Area Catholic School (serving grades 7-12) or other private academies in the broader Fayette County region. Due to the rural nature of the area, some commuting to neighboring towns is common for private school access.
How does tuition at Farmington-area private schools compare to the Pennsylvania state average, and what financial aid options are specific to PA?
Tuition for private schools in the Farmington region is generally below the state average for Pennsylvania, reflecting the area's cost of living. For example, area Catholic schools often have parish-subsidized rates for member families. Pennsylvania offers specific financial aid programs that Farmington residents can utilize, most notably the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs provide scholarships funded by business donations to eligible students, particularly those in low-performing school districts or from lower-income families. It's essential to inquire directly with schools like St. John the Evangelist or Connellsville Area Catholic about their participation in these state programs and any local parish or diocesan assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Farmington, PA, area offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Farmington area often integrate the region's rich natural and historical resources into their programs. Given the proximity to Laurel Highlands landmarks like Fallingwater and Fort Necessity, curricula may include specialized units on local history, architecture (Frank Lloyd Wright), and environmental science tied to the Appalachian ecosystem. Outdoor education is a notable component, with potential for nature-based learning activities. Furthermore, the strong community and religious values in the area translate into character education and service-learning programs that are deeply connected to local churches and community organizations, offering students a tight-knit, values-based educational experience distinct from larger urban centers.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. John the Evangelist that serve Farmington families?
The enrollment process for Farmington-area private schools typically begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. For St. John the Evangelist Regional Catholic School, priority is often given to active parishioners of supporting churches, siblings of current students, and then the general community. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), recent report cards, and possibly a student assessment or interview. Given the small size of these schools, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grade levels, so initiating contact by January or February is highly recommended. Open houses are commonly held in the fall and winter.
For a family in Farmington, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Uniontown Area School District) with available private options?
The key considerations involve educational approach, class size, cost, and convenience. The Uniontown Area School District provides a tuition-free, comprehensive K-12 education with broader extracurricular offerings, but often with larger class sizes. Private options like St. John the Evangelist offer smaller, more personalized learning environments with a specific values-based (e.g., Catholic) curriculum, but require tuition and likely a commute. For Farmington residents, transportation is a major factor; public schools provide busing, while private schools may not, placing the logistical responsibility on families. Academically, parents should compare standardized test scores, special education services, and specific program offerings. The decision often hinges on how much a family prioritizes religious education and small community feel versus the no-cost, consolidated resources of the public district.
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