The Best Private Schools in Fredonia, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fredonia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kennedy Catholic Middle/High School
Kennedy Catholic School System
Kennedy Catholic serves as the premier private Catholic school system in Mercer County, drawing students from Fredonia and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with 14 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, personalized attention and academic excellence are hallmarks. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. John Paul II Elementary School
Diocese of Erie
St. John Paul II Elementary School serves Fredonia area families with a comprehensive Catholic education from kindergarten through 8th grade. The school features a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, dedicated STEM programming, and religious education. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention, while specialized instruction in music, art, and physical education provides well-rounded development. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement, with many graduates continuing to Kennedy Catholic High School.
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Notre Dame Elementary School
Notre Dame Schools
Notre Dame Elementary School provides quality Catholic education to students from Fredonia and the greater Hermitage area. Serving Pre-K through 8th grade, the school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The curriculum includes comprehensive language arts and mathematics programs, science labs, and technology integration with 1:1 device access in upper grades. The school offers diverse extracurricular opportunities including sports, choir, and academic clubs. Parent satisfaction remains high due to strong community involvement and consistent academic outcomes that prepare students for competitive high school programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fredonia, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families in Fredonia, Pennsylvania, and what grade levels do they serve?
Fredonia, PA, is served by a small cluster of faith-based private schools. The main institutions are Kennedy Catholic Middle/High School (grades 7-12), St. John Paul II Elementary School (typically Pre-K through 6th grade), and Notre Dame Elementary School (also Pre-K through 6th grade). Given the rural nature of Mercer County, these schools often draw students from Fredonia and surrounding communities like Mercer, Sharpsville, and Greenville. There are no secular private day schools within Fredonia itself, so families seeking that option would need to look toward larger areas like Hermitage or Sharon.
How does tuition at Fredonia, PA, private schools compare, and are there Pennsylvania-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the elementary schools (St. John Paul II and Notre Dame) is typically lower than the regional high school. For the 2024-25 school year, elementary tuition often ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per child, with parishioner discounts. Kennedy Catholic High School tuition is higher, often exceeding $8,000. Critically, Pennsylvania offers the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs provide scholarships to eligible families, and all three Fredonia-area schools participate. Additionally, many families utilize payment plans and need-based aid directly from the schools or supporting diocesan foundations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Fredonia area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Fredonia area leverage their smaller size and religious affiliation to offer distinct programs. Kennedy Catholic provides a college-preparatory curriculum with a required theology program and notable opportunities in STEM and the arts. Its status as a regional school allows for competitive sports teams that a small rural public school might not support. The elementary schools emphasize foundational faith-based education, character development, and often have smaller class sizes than the local public elementary schools. A key differentiator is the continuity of a faith-based K-12 pathway available through the affiliated schools.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families seeking to enter a private school in Fredonia, PA?
The process generally begins in the winter prior to the desired school year (January-February). For elementary schools, parents should contact St. John Paul II or Notre Dame directly to schedule a tour, request an application packet, and inquire about available spaces. Registration deadlines are often in early spring. Kennedy Catholic holds open houses in the fall and winter, with application deadlines typically in February for incoming 7th and 9th graders. Key requirements include submission of prior school records, a pastor recommendation form (for Catholic schools), and often a placement assessment for new students. Sibling and parish member priority is common, so early inquiry is advised.
For families in rural Fredonia, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a local private school?
Transportation is a significant consideration. Pennsylvania law mandates that public school districts provide transportation to private school students if they live within a certain distance (usually 10 miles) of the school, even across district lines. Families in Fredonia should contact the Reynolds School District transportation office to understand specific bus routes and policies for getting students to Kennedy Catholic or the elementary schools. Community-wise, these schools often become hubs, with families carpooling and organizing events that strengthen ties across the rural landscape. The close-knit environment can be a major draw, mitigating the challenge of geographic dispersion.
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