The Best Private Schools in Freeport, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Freeport. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Butler Catholic School
Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools
Butler Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the Freeport area and beyond, offering a rigorous academic curriculum rooted in faith-based values. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, the school emphasizes holistic development through strong STEM programs, arts, music, and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. Parents consistently praise its nurturing environment and high academic standards, contributing to its excellent reputation in the region.
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Oakland Catholic High School
Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools
Oakland Catholic High School is a top-rated all-girls college-preparatory school located in Pittsburgh, serving students from Freeport and the wider metropolitan area. Known for its academic excellence, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive arts and athletics. With a focus on leadership and service, it boasts high college acceptance rates and a supportive community, making it a preferred choice for families seeking a challenging and enriching education.
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St. Joseph School
Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools
St. Joseph School in Cabot is a well-established private Catholic school that serves the Freeport community with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and character formation. It offers a balanced education integrating faith, technology, and hands-on learning, along with extracurriculars such as sports, music, and community service. Parents value its family-oriented atmosphere, experienced faculty, and consistent track record of preparing students for high school, reflected in its solid parent satisfaction and reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Freeport, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Freeport, Pennsylvania, and are they located directly in town?
While Freeport itself is a smaller borough, families typically look to nearby communities for private education. The most referenced schools include Butler Catholic School (in Butler, PA, about 15 miles away), Oakland Catholic High School (in Pittsburgh, PA, approximately 30 miles away), and St. Joseph School (in Cabot, PA, roughly 10 miles away). There are no major private K-12 campuses physically located within Freeport's boundaries, so commuting is a standard expectation. Parents should also explore other parochial and independent schools in Armstrong and Butler Counties, accessible within a 20-30 minute drive from Freeport.
How does Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program affect private school tuition for Freeport residents?
Pennsylvania's EITC and OSTC (Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit) programs are crucial financial considerations for Freeport families. These programs provide tax credits to businesses that donate to scholarship organizations, which then award need-based scholarships to students attending private schools. Many of the schools accessible to Freeport residents, like Butler Catholic School, participate in these programs. Families must apply through approved Scholarship Organizations (like the Bridge Educational Foundation or the Neumann Scholarship Foundation) annually. Eligibility depends on household income, with higher priority for students from low-performing public schools, which can include some districts in the surrounding area.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Freeport, PA, area that leverage the region's characteristics?
Schools in this region often incorporate the area's strong community and historical identity into their programs. For example, Butler Catholic School emphasizes a faith-based education with a focus on service within the local community. Furthermore, proximity to Pittsburgh allows schools like Oakland Catholic High School to offer robust STEM partnerships and college preparatory programs linked to the city's universities and medical centers. Some area private schools also integrate environmental science and outdoor education, taking advantage of the natural landscapes near the Allegheny River and local state parks, which is a distinctive feature for Freeport-area students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for kindergarten or high school freshman entry at private schools near Freeport, PA?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Butler Catholic School or St. Joseph School often begin nearly a full year in advance. Open houses typically occur in the fall (October-November), with application deadlines for the following academic year set in January or February. For a high school like Oakland Catholic, the process for 9th-grade entry involves a placement exam (often in December or January), application submission, and sometimes an interview. Given the limited seats and the number of families from various towns vying for spots, Freeport residents are advised to initiate inquiries early, often in the fall of their child's preceding year, to ensure they meet all deadlines and requirements.
For a family in Freeport, what are the key factors when comparing the local Freeport Area School District public schools to private school options in Butler or Allegheny County?
The key comparison factors involve educational approach, cost, and commute. The Freeport Area School District offers a no-tuition, comprehensive public education with defined extracurriculars. In contrast, private options provide specific religious instruction (in parochial schools), often smaller class sizes, and a different curriculum framework. The decision heavily weighs the annual tuition (which can be offset by PA tax credit scholarships) against the value of the specialized environment. A major practical factor is the daily commute; attending a private school may involve a 20-45 minute drive each way to Butler or Pittsburgh suburbs, which impacts family logistics and transportation costs, a significant consideration for rural Freeport residents.
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