The Best Private Schools in Greencastle, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Greencastle. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mercersburg Academy
Independent
Mercersburg Academy is a prestigious coeducational independent college-preparatory boarding and day school located just 15 minutes from Greencastle. Founded in 1893, the school serves students in grades 9-12 and postgraduates with a rigorous academic program featuring both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate options. The 300-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 4:1 and an average class size of 12, students receive personalized attention. The school is known for its strong college placement record and comprehensive extracurricular programs including championship athletics, visual and performing arts, and global education opportunities.
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Shalom Christian Academy
Independent Christian
Shalom Christian Academy is a well-regarded Christian private school serving students from preschool through 12th grade, located approximately 15 minutes from Greencastle in Chambersburg. Founded in 1979, the school provides a comprehensive Christ-centered education with strong academic programs including college preparatory courses, STEM initiatives, and fine arts. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and technology resources. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Extracurricular opportunities include competitive sports teams, music programs, drama productions, and various clubs. The school serves families throughout Franklin County including Greencastle residents.
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Saint Maria Goretti High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
Saint Maria Goretti High School is a Catholic college-preparatory school located in Hagerstown, Maryland, approximately 15 minutes from Greencastle. Founded in 1959, the school serves students in grades 9-12 with a comprehensive academic program that includes Advanced Placement courses, honors programs, and a growing STEM curriculum. As the only Catholic high school in Washington County, it draws students from both Maryland and Pennsylvania. The school features modern academic facilities, science laboratories, a chapel, and athletic complexes. With a focus on faith formation and academic excellence, the school maintains a strong college acceptance rate and offers diverse extracurricular activities including competitive sports, performing arts, and service programs that serve the broader tri-state area including Greencastle families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Greencastle, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Greencastle, PA, and what grade levels do they serve?
While Greencastle itself is a smaller borough, families have access to several notable private schools in the immediate Franklin County area. These include Shalom Christian Academy (Pre-K through 12th grade) in nearby Chambersburg, which offers a comprehensive biblical worldview education. For a boarding/day school option, the prestigious Mercersburg Academy (9-12) is located just 15 miles away in Mercersburg, PA, known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum. Saint Maria Goretti High School (9-12), a Catholic diocesan school, is also in Hagerstown, MD, serving many Pennsylvania families. It's important to note that some of these schools may have specific residency or transportation considerations for Greencastle residents.
How does the tuition for private schools near Greencastle, PA, compare, and are there Pennsylvania-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and program. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Shalom Christian Academy's tuition is approximately $9,000-$11,000 for K-12, while Mercersburg Academy's comprehensive day student tuition is over $50,000, reflecting its boarding school status and extensive offerings. Saint Maria Goretti High School's tuition is typically in the $10,000-$12,000 range for parishioners. Pennsylvania offers valuable financial aid through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. Many local private schools participate, providing need-based scholarships to eligible families. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition rates, payment plans, and application processes for these state-sponsored aid programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Greencastle, PA, region that distinguish them from local public schools?
Schools in this region offer distinctive programs that leverage their specific missions and resources. Mercersburg Academy provides a globally-oriented curriculum with advanced study options, extensive arts facilities, and elite athletic training, along with unique January-term off-campus study trips. Shalom Christian Academy integrates faith-based learning across all subjects and may offer agricultural or hands-on vocational tracks aligned with the local community. Saint Maria Goretti High School offers a strong college-prep program within a Catholic framework, often including theology requirements and community service immersion. These schools often have smaller class sizes than the public Greencastle-Antrim School District, allowing for more individualized attention and specialized programming that may not be as readily available in a public setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Greencastle, PA, families, and when should applications be submitted?
Timelines can differ, but a general guideline is to begin the process a full year before desired enrollment. For highly competitive schools like Mercersburg Academy, the application deadline for the following fall is often in January or February, with decisions released in March. For Shalom Christian Academy and Saint Maria Goretti, rolling admissions may be available, but it's advisable to apply by early spring (March-April) for the best chance at securing a spot and applying for financial aid. The process typically includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (for some), a family interview, and a student visit or shadow day. Given that these schools draw from a multi-county and sometimes multi-state area, starting early is key for Greencastle residents.
For a family in Greencastle, PA, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. The Greencastle-Antrim School District is well-regarded, so a primary consideration is whether you seek a specific religious or philosophical education (Christian or Catholic) or the elite college-prep environment of a boarding school like Mercersburg. Transportation is a major practical difference: public school provides busing, while private schools may require a significant daily commute to Chambersburg, Mercersburg, or Hagerstown. Financially, you must weigh the cost of private tuition against the funded public system. Additionally, consider the community aspect: your child may build a friend group spread across a wider geographic area in a private school versus a more neighborhood-centric one in the public system. Evaluating these logistical, financial, and philosophical factors is essential for Greencastle families.
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