The Best Private Schools in Felton, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Felton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lancaster Country Day School
Lancaster Country Day School
Lancaster Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from across southcentral Pennsylvania, including Felton residents. As an International Baccalaureate World School, LCDS offers both the IB Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement courses. The school features exceptional facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a focus on global education and character development, LCDS provides a comprehensive educational experience from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school maintains a diverse student body and emphasizes community service and leadership development.
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York Country Day School
York Country Day School
York Country Day School is a premier independent school serving the greater York County area, including Felton. Founded in 1949, this college preparatory school offers a rigorous academic program from preschool through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, advanced STEM laboratories, comprehensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. Known for its personalized learning approach and strong community values, YCDS consistently sends graduates to top-tier colleges and universities. The campus includes modern facilities with state-of-the-art technology integration throughout all academic programs.
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Red Lion Christian Academy
Red Lion Christian Academy
Red Lion Christian Academy is a respected private Christian school located just minutes from Felton, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Founded in 1999, RLCA combines rigorous academics with Christian values in a supportive learning environment. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and vibrant fine arts opportunities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, computer labs, and athletic fields. RLCA is known for its strong sense of community, dedicated faculty, and commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Felton, Pennsylvania
Are there any private schools actually located within Felton, PA, or will we need to commute to neighboring towns?
There are no major private school campuses physically located within the borough limits of Felton itself. Families in Felton typically commute to well-regarded institutions in the surrounding York and Lancaster County areas. The schools often cited as top options, like York Country Day School (in York), Lancaster Country Day School (in Lancaster), and Red Lion Christian Academy (in Red Lion), are all within a 20-30 minute drive. This commute is a standard consideration for Felton residents seeking private education, and many schools offer transportation zones or carpool networks that include the Felton area.
How does Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program affect private school tuition for Felton families?
Pennsylvania's EITC and OSTC (Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit) programs are crucial financial tools for Felton families. These programs provide tax credits to businesses that donate to scholarship organizations, which in turn award need-based scholarships to eligible students. Many of the private schools in the York and Lancaster areas that Felton students attend, including those listed, actively partner with these organizations. Eligibility depends on household income and, for the OSTC, sometimes the performance of your resident public school district (South Eastern School District). It's essential to apply for these scholarships early, as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Felton, PA, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible from Felton often specialize in distinct educational models. For example, York Country Day School emphasizes a college-preparatory, project-based learning environment with a strong focus on global citizenship. Lancaster Country Day School offers a rigorous, traditional liberal arts curriculum coupled with extensive arts and advanced STEM facilities. Red Lion Christian Academy provides a comprehensive education rooted in Christian values, with integrated biblical worldview classes and chapel services. These specialized focuses—progressive college-prep, classical liberal arts, and faith-based education—offer choices that differ from the broader curriculum of the South Eastern School District public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Felton, PA, community?
For the competitive private schools in the York and Lancaster region that Felton families consider, the process often begins a full year in advance. Initial inquiries and open houses typically occur in the fall (September-November). Application deadlines are usually between January and February for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student visit or assessment day. Given the limited seats and the number of applicants from across the region, including Felton, it is highly advisable to begin the process early. Some schools may have rolling admissions after priority deadlines, but waiting lists are common.
As a Felton resident, how do I navigate the choice between the South Eastern School District public schools and commuting to a private school?
This is a fundamental decision for Felton parents. The South Eastern School District operates well-regarded public schools like South Eastern Middle School East and Kennard-Dale High School, which offer proximity, no tuition, and robust extracurriculars. The choice to commute to a private school often hinges on seeking a specific educational philosophy (e.g., religious, progressive, or classical), smaller class sizes, or a particular community environment. Considerations include the daily commute time (20-30+ minutes each way), annual tuition ($15,000 - $30,000+), and the potential use of PA tax-credit scholarships. Many families visit both their local public school and several private options to compare culture, academic offerings, and fit for their child's needs.
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