The Best Private Schools in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glenshaw. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Aquinas Academy
Independent Catholic School
Aquinas Academy is a highly regarded independent Catholic school offering a classical education model from preschool through high school. Located in nearby Gibsonia, it attracts students from Glenshaw and surrounding communities due to its rigorous academic standards and family-oriented atmosphere. The curriculum emphasizes liberal arts, including Latin, literature, and philosophy, alongside strong STEM and fine arts programs. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention, and a focus on moral and intellectual development. The campus features modern classrooms, a chapel, art studios, and athletic facilities. Aquinas Academy is praised for its high parent satisfaction, academic excellence, and well-rounded extracurricular offerings, including sports and clubs.
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Oakland Catholic High School
Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools
Oakland Catholic High School is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong emphasis on leadership development. Located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, it serves students from Glenshaw and the broader Allegheny County area. The school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including arts, athletics, and community service. With a focus on empowering young women, it boasts high college acceptance rates and a supportive, faith-based community. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic complexes, contributing to its high parent and student satisfaction.
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Seton-La Salle Catholic High School
Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools
Seton-La Salle Catholic High School is a co-educational Catholic school known for its strong academic programs and vibrant community spirit. Serving Glenshaw and the South Hills region, it provides a comprehensive college preparatory education integrated with faith-based values. The school features a diverse curriculum including honors and AP courses, along with standout programs in the arts, technology, and athletics. Its campus includes state-of-the-art facilities such as a performing arts center, science labs, and sports fields. With a track record of high graduation and college matriculation rates, Seton-La Salle emphasizes character development and service, earning consistent praise from parents for its dedicated faculty and inclusive environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania?
While Glenshaw itself is a smaller borough, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate Pittsburgh North Hills area. Notable options include Oakland Catholic High School (an all-girls college preparatory school in Pittsburgh), Seton-La Salle Catholic High School (a co-ed college prep school in Mt. Lebanon), and Aquinas Academy (a private, independent Catholic school in Gibsonia offering preschool through 12th grade, which is very close to Glenshaw). Many Glenshaw families also consider North Catholic High School in Cranberry Township and The Ellis School in Pittsburgh. It's important to note that most of these schools are not within Glenshaw's borders but are common commute destinations for local students.
How does the enrollment and admissions timeline for private high schools like Oakland Catholic or Seton-La Salle work for Glenshaw students?
The admissions process for major private high schools serving the Glenshaw area typically begins in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. For schools like Oakland Catholic, Seton-La Salle, and Aquinas Academy, key steps include attending open houses (often held September-November), submitting applications by early winter deadlines (often December or January), taking entrance exams (like the HSPT), and completing interviews. Acceptance notifications are usually sent in February, with enrollment contracts due in March. Glenshaw families should plan ahead, as these schools draw from a wide regional area and spaces can be competitive. Transportation from Glenshaw is often a parent responsibility or via arranged bus services.
Are there financial aid or tuition assistance programs specifically available to Pennsylvania residents for private schools near Glenshaw?
Yes, Pennsylvania offers unique programs that can significantly reduce the cost of private education for Glenshaw families. The most impactful is the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. Many local private schools, including Seton-La Salle, Oakland Catholic, and Aquinas Academy, partner with scholarship organizations like the Bridge Educational Foundation or the Diocese of Pittsburgh's Scholastic Opportunity Scholarship program. These programs provide need-based scholarships funded by business donations. Additionally, most schools offer their own institutional financial aid. It is crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, as funds are limited and often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Glenshaw area offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools serving Glenshaw often provide specialized programs not always available in the Shaler Area School District. For example, Oakland Catholic offers a renowned Women in STEM Institute and global travel opportunities. Seton-La Salle has a strong focus on leadership and faith formation alongside a competitive robotics program. Aquinas Academy, due to its smaller size and independent Catholic status, offers a classical liberal arts curriculum and a tight-knit community atmosphere. Furthermore, these schools typically have more rigorous college preparatory tracks, lower student-to-teacher ratios, and mandatory community service requirements, which are attractive to many families seeking a values-based education.
For a family in Glenshaw, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school, such as transportation and daily commute?
Logistics are a major factor for Glenshaw families. Most private schools are not in Glenshaw proper, so daily commuting is necessary. The drive to schools like Aquinas Academy in Gibsonia is relatively short (10-15 minutes), while commutes to Oakland Catholic in Oakland or Seton-La Salle in Mt. Lebanon can take 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Most schools do not provide district-style busing, though some organize private bus services or carpool networks from central locations. Families must factor this commute time into their child's daily schedule and extracurricular activities. Additionally, considering the school's schedule (start/end times) in relation to parent work commutes into Pittsburgh is essential. Visiting the school during a typical rush hour is a highly recommended step.
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