The Best Private Schools in Glenolden, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glenolden. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The School in Rose Valley
Independent Progressive School
Located just minutes from Glenolden, The School in Rose Valley is a highly regarded progressive independent school serving preschool through 6th grade. The school emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning within its beautiful 13-acre campus featuring historic buildings and natural surroundings. The curriculum integrates academics with arts, outdoor education, and social-emotional development. With a strong sense of community and dedicated teachers, the school fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative skills. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded, confident learners.
Programs:
The Episcopal Academy
Independent Episcopal School
The Episcopal Academy is a highly prestigious independent school serving the Greater Philadelphia area, including Glenolden families. Founded in 1785, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional facilities across its 123-acre campus. The school features state-of-the-art STEM labs, extensive athletic facilities, and comprehensive arts programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Episcopal provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college placements at top universities. The school's Honor Code and community values create a supportive environment for character development alongside academic excellence.
Programs:
West Chester Friends School
Friends Council on Education
West Chester Friends School is a highly respected Quaker school serving families from Glenolden and surrounding communities. The school offers education from preschool through 5th grade with a focus on academic excellence within a values-based framework. The Quaker philosophy emphasizes community, simplicity, and peaceful conflict resolution while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The school features modern STEAM labs, dedicated art and music spaces, and a strong literacy program. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, students receive individualized attention and develop strong foundational skills. The school community is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong parent involvement.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glenolden, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Glenolden, Pennsylvania, and are they located within the borough?
While Glenolden itself is a smaller borough, it is situated within a region of Delaware County with several highly-regarded private schools. The top options frequently considered by Glenolden families include The Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, The School in Rose Valley in Moylan, and West Chester Friends School in West Chester. It's important to note that none of these schools are physically located within Glenolden's borders, so daily commuting is a key consideration. Many families also explore Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, such as those in nearby parishes. Transportation is typically the family's responsibility, though some schools may offer busing from designated areas.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Glenolden, PA, compare, and what financial aid options are available under Pennsylvania state programs?
Tuition for the premier independent schools near Glenolden is significant, often ranging from approximately $30,000 to over $40,000 per year for upper grades. The Episcopal Academy, for example, is at the higher end of this spectrum. Pennsylvania offers two key state-funded financial aid programs that Glenolden residents can utilize: the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs provide scholarships to eligible students, with priority often given to those residing in low-achieving school districts. It's crucial to apply early, as funds are limited. Additionally, each private school offers its own substantial need-based financial aid, and all encourage families to apply regardless of perceived ability to pay.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Glenolden offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Greater Philadelphia area accessible to Glenolden families often provide specialized programs that may be less available in the public Interboro School District. The Episcopal Academy boasts extensive facilities and programs in robotics, engineering, and a renowned global studies curriculum with travel opportunities. The School in Rose Valley emphasizes progressive, project-based learning with a deep focus on environmental science and the arts, leveraging its natural campus. West Chester Friends School offers a Quaker-based education centered on community, peace, and social justice, with a strong integrated arts program. These schools generally feature smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and distinct educational philosophies compared to the local public offerings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Glenolden, and when should Glenolden parents start?
The admissions process for schools like The Episcopal Academy, The School in Rose Valley, and West Chester Friends School is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. Parents in Glenolden should initiate research and attend open houses in the fall, 15-18 months before the desired enrollment date (e.g., fall of 2024 for September 2025 entry). Application deadlines are typically in January, with assessments, student visits, and interviews occurring in the winter. Decisions are communicated in March. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, starting early is paramount. Many schools also have sibling and legacy applicant priority, which can affect availability for new families.
For a family living in Glenolden, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the Interboro School District and a private school in the region?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. First is **commute**: Attending a top private school requires a daily drive of 20-45 minutes to campuses in Newtown Square, Moylan, or West Chester. Second is **cost**: Contrasting free public education with significant private tuition and ancillary costs. Third is **educational approach**: Interboro provides a traditional, comprehensive public education, while the private options offer distinct philosophies (college-prep rigor, progressive, Quaker). Fourth is **community**: Glenolden children attending private schools may have peer groups less centered in their immediate neighborhood. Finally, Pennsylvania's **taxation** is a factor; residents fund public schools through property taxes regardless of private school attendance. Weighing these logistical, financial, and philosophical elements is essential for Glenolden families.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities