The Best Private Schools in Gastonville, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gastonville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oakland Catholic High School
Diocese of Pittsburgh
Oakland Catholic High School is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school located in Pittsburgh, serving students from Gastonville and the surrounding metropolitan area. Established in 1989, it provides a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, alongside robust programs in the arts, athletics, and community service. The school is celebrated for its empowering environment, high graduation rates, and strong track record of college admissions, supported by experienced educators and modern facilities.
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Aquinas Academy
Aquinas Academy
Aquinas Academy is a private Catholic school offering a classical education for students in grades K-12, conveniently located to serve families in Gastonville and the North Hills region. Founded in 1996, it emphasizes a liberal arts curriculum rooted in Catholic traditions, with strong college preparatory programs, fine arts, and athletic offerings. The school is highly regarded for its academic rigor, close-knit community, and commitment to developing well-rounded students through individualized attention and a values-based education.
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Trinity Christian School
Trinity Christian School
Trinity Christian School is a private, coeducational Christian school serving students from Gastonville and the broader Washington County area. Founded in 1978, it offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on college preparatory academics, integrated STEM programs, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including athletics and fine arts. The school is known for its dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and a supportive community environment that fosters academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gastonville, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families in Gastonville, Pennsylvania, and what are their core educational approaches?
Gastonville, PA, offers a few key private school options, each with a distinct mission. **Trinity Christian School** provides a Protestant Christian education from a Reformed perspective, typically serving grades K-12 with a curriculum integrating faith and academics. **Oakland Catholic High School**, while located nearby and serving the broader region including Gastonville, is an all-girls, college-preparatory school rooted in the Catholic tradition. **Aquinas Academy** is an independent private school offering a classical, Great Books-based education from a Catholic worldview. For families in Gastonville, it's important to note that some of these schools may require commuting, as the concentration of private schools is higher in the broader Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
How does tuition at Gastonville-area private schools compare to the Pennsylvania state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the private schools serving Gastonville families is generally in line with or slightly above the Pennsylvania private school average, which was approximately $10,000-$15,000+ for day schools in recent years. Oakland Catholic, as a diocesan high school, may have a different tuition structure than independent schools like Trinity Christian or Aquinas Academy. Crucially, Pennsylvania offers the **Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) and Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) programs**. These allow businesses to direct tax dollars to scholarship organizations, providing need-based financial aid to eligible students residing in low-achieving school districts or meeting income guidelines. All the mentioned schools likely participate in these programs, which can significantly reduce the net cost for qualifying Gastonville families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Gastonville residents?
The schools accessible from Gastonville provide specialized programs that may not be available in all local public schools. **Oakland Catholic High School** offers a strong emphasis on STEM for young women, along with extensive leadership and service programs. **Aquinas Academy** is distinguished by its classical curriculum, featuring in-depth study of Latin, logic, rhetoric, and primary source texts. **Trinity Christian School** often integrates technology and biblical worldview across subjects and may offer distinctive arts or athletics programs. A key advantage for Gastonville students is access to these specialized identities—single-gender education, classical pedagogy, or faith-integrated learning—within a reasonable commute.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Gastonville, PA, area, and when should parents start?
The enrollment process for Gastonville-area private schools usually begins in the fall, a full year before the desired start date. For example, applications for the following academic year often open in September or October, with priority deadlines in January or February. The process typically involves: 1) an inquiry and tour, 2) submission of an application with fees, 3) providing academic records and teacher recommendations, and 4) a student assessment or interview. For high schools like Oakland Catholic, placement tests are common. Given the limited seats, especially in popular schools drawing from a wide region, Gastonville parents are advised to start research and visits 12-18 months in advance to meet financial aid deadlines and secure a spot.
For a family in Gastonville, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district to the available private school options?
Gastonville families should consider several local factors. **Academically**, compare standardized test scores, college acceptance lists, and class sizes. Private schools often boast smaller ratios. **Logistically**, assess the commute to a private school versus the local public school bus route. **Financially**, weigh property taxes funding public schools against private tuition, factoring in potential EITC/OSTC aid. **Philosophically**, consider if you seek a specific religious foundation (offered by all three private options) or a secular education. Also, evaluate extracurricular offerings—larger public schools may have more sports teams, while private schools might offer unique clubs or arts programs. Investigating the specific performance and environment of your designated Gastonville public school is the essential first step in this comparison.
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