The Best Private Schools in Farrell, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Farrell. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of Sharon
American Montessori Society
The Montessori School of Sharon serves children from toddler through elementary ages from Farrell and surrounding communities. As an American Montessori Society accredited school, it offers authentic Montessori education with individualized learning plans, hands-on materials, and mixed-age classrooms. The school emphasizes whole-child development, independence, and academic excellence in a nurturing environment. Facilities include purpose-built Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and specialized learning materials. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and has earned strong parent satisfaction for its educational approach and community atmosphere.
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Oakland Catholic High School
Diocese of Pittsburgh
While located in Pittsburgh, Oakland Catholic High School serves students from across western Pennsylvania, including transportation options for Farrell-area families. As an all-girls Catholic college-preparatory school, it offers a challenging academic environment with 18 Advanced Placement courses, specialized academies in STEM and global studies, and comprehensive leadership development programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous merit scholarship recipients, Oakland Catholic provides robust transportation and community support for regional students.
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Kennedy Catholic High School
Diocese of Erie
Kennedy Catholic High School is a comprehensive Catholic college-preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12 from across Mercer County, including Farrell. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 14 Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM offerings, and comprehensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics and fine arts programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Kennedy Catholic provides personalized attention and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology integration, and athletic complexes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Farrell, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Farrell, Pennsylvania?
While Farrell itself is a smaller city, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the immediate Mercer County area. The most prominent is Kennedy Catholic High School, a diocesan Catholic school in Hermitage that serves grades 9-12 and draws students from Farrell and surrounding communities. For younger students, The Montessori School of Sharon offers a private, alternative educational model from preschool through elementary. It's important to note that Oakland Catholic High School is located in Pittsburgh, PA, and is not a practical daily option for Farrell residents. Many Farrell families also consider private schools in neighboring Sharon, Hermitage, and sometimes transfer to diocesan schools in Youngstown, Ohio, due to proximity.
How does tuition for private schools in the Farrell, PA, area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Farrell area varies by school and religious affiliation. Kennedy Catholic High School, for the 2023-2024 year, had a tuition of approximately $8,500 for parishioners and around $10,500 for non-parishioners. The Montessori School of Sharon typically has tuition ranges that are competitive with local daycare and preschool costs for younger grades. 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. Additionally, many schools have their own endowed scholarship funds and offer multi-child discounts. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school as deadlines are often early in the calendar year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Farrell, PA, offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools in the Farrell area often provide specialized programs that leverage their specific missions. Kennedy Catholic High School offers a strong college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on faith formation, along with notable athletic programs that compete at the state level. The Montessori School of Sharon provides a child-centered, hands-on learning environment distinct from traditional public school models, emphasizing individual pacing and practical life skills. A key differentiator for families in Farrell is often smaller class sizes and a perceived more structured environment compared to the Farrell Area School District. Some programs may also offer more consistent access to arts, languages, and advanced placement courses due to their focused student populations.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Farrell, Pennsylvania families?
The process and timeline are school-specific but generally follow a regional pattern. For Kennedy Catholic High School, the application process for incoming freshmen often begins in the fall of 8th grade, with placement tests held in the winter. Open houses are typically scheduled in October and November. For schools like The Montessori School of Sharon, enrollment can be more rolling, but spaces, especially in primary classrooms, fill up quickly, so applications are encouraged in the early spring for the following fall. A common requirement across most schools is a records release from the current school, and some may require interviews or student visitation days. Given the limited seats, especially in popular grades, initiating contact by January is highly advisable.
For a family living in Farrell, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
Families in Farrell weigh several local factors. Academically, private schools often report higher standardized test scores and college acceptance rates, which can be a draw. The environment is another major consideration; private schools typically offer smaller, more controlled settings, which some parents prefer. However, cost is the most significant barrier, as tuition is an added expense versus the tax-funded public system. Logistically, while Farrell Area School District provides neighborhood schooling, private options require transportation, which is not typically provided by the district for private school students. For high school, some families value the broader regional community and network at a school like Kennedy Catholic versus the more localized experience at Farrell High School. Ultimately, it involves balancing financial resources, educational philosophy, and personal values regarding school culture and community.
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