The Best Private Schools in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gettysburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis Xavier School
Diocese of Harrisburg Catholic Schools
St. Francis Xavier School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values with strong emphasis on core subjects, faith formation, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, allowing for personalized attention. Extracurricular programs include sports teams, choir, band, and various clubs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and strong community atmosphere.
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York Country Day School
Independent Private School
York Country Day School is an esteemed independent private school located approximately 30 miles from Gettysburg that serves families throughout south-central Pennsylvania. As an International Baccalaureate World School, YCDS offers the IB Diploma Programme alongside rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The school features small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio, modern STEM labs, performing arts facilities, and competitive athletic programs. The campus includes 45 acres with state-of-the-art academic buildings and athletic fields. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its academic excellence, individualized attention, and preparation for top colleges and universities.
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Delone Catholic High School
Diocese of Harrisburg Catholic Schools
Delone Catholic High School serves the Gettysburg area as a comprehensive college-preparatory Catholic high school located approximately 15 miles from Gettysburg. The school offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, honors tracks, and specialized academies in STEM and arts. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school boasts a 99% college acceptance rate and maintains strong athletic traditions with multiple state championships. Parent reviews highlight the school's strong community values, excellent college preparation, and dedicated faculty who provide individualized student support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Gettysburg, PA, and what grade levels do they serve?
The Gettysburg area offers a few key private school options, though many families also consider schools in nearby communities. Within Gettysburg itself, St. Francis Xavier School is a prominent Pre-K through 8th-grade Catholic institution. For high school, many local students attend Delone Catholic High School, located about 20 minutes away in McSherrystown. Some families also look at York Country Day School, an independent Pre-K through 12 school roughly a 35-minute drive in York. The options are somewhat limited directly in Gettysburg, so commuting is a common consideration for families seeking private education through all grade levels in South Central Pennsylvania.
How does tuition for private schools in the Gettysburg, PA, area compare, and are there financial aid programs specific to Pennsylvania?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Francis Xavier School's tuition is approximately $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners, while Delone Catholic High School's tuition is around $9,000-$10,000. York Country Day School, as an independent school, has a higher tuition, often exceeding $20,000. Pennsylvania offers valuable financial aid programs that apply to these schools. The most significant is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide scholarships to eligible students. Additionally, many schools have their own need-based financial aid and offer multi-child discounts. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Gettysburg region that leverage the area's historical significance?
Private schools in the Gettysburg area uniquely integrate local history into their curricula. St. Francis Xavier and Delone Catholic often incorporate field studies to the Gettysburg National Military Park, museums, and the Eisenhower National Historic Site into their history and social studies programs. Some schools may offer specialized history electives, living history projects, or partnerships with historical organizations like the Gettysburg Foundation. This provides an unparalleled, place-based learning experience that brings American history to life in a way few other locations can. Additionally, Delone Catholic offers robust STEM and arts programs, while York Country Day School emphasizes college-prep and global studies.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Francis Xavier and Delone Catholic in the Gettysburg area?
The enrollment process for Gettysburg-area private schools often begins nearly a year in advance. For schools like St. Francis Xavier (Pre-K-8) and Delone Catholic (9-12), open houses typically occur in the fall (October-November). Application deadlines for the following academic year are usually in January or February. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For Delone Catholic, placement tests for incoming 9th graders are common. Due to the limited number of seats, especially in early grades, applying by the priority deadline is highly recommended. Sibling and parish member preferences are often given at Catholic schools.
For families considering both public and private education in Gettysburg, what are the key differentiating factors of the private school environment here?
The key differentiators for private schools in the Gettysburg area include religious education, smaller class sizes, and a specific educational philosophy. The Gettysburg Area School District public schools are well-regarded but are larger in scale. Private options like St. Francis Xavier and Delone Catholic offer a faith-based education integrated throughout the curriculum, which is a primary draw. Class sizes are typically smaller, allowing for more individualized attention. Furthermore, private schools often have more flexibility in their curriculum and can require uniforms, promoting a focused environment. The trade-off involves cost and, for some schools, a commute. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for religious instruction and the value placed on a smaller, close-knit community versus the no-tuition, comprehensive extracurricular offerings of the public district.
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