The Best Private Schools in Greenville, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Greenville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Seton Hill Catholic School
Diocese of Erie
Seton Hill Catholic School serves students from Greenville and surrounding communities in Mercer County. As part of the Diocese of Erie Catholic school system, it provides a comprehensive faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced technology integration, music programs, and athletic opportunities. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong community feel, with many families commuting from Greenville for the quality Catholic education.
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Kennedy Catholic School
Diocese of Erie
Kennedy Catholic School provides comprehensive education from preschool through high school and serves as a regional Catholic school for Greenville and surrounding communities. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, the school offers advanced placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and specialized programs in STEM and fine arts. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Parents from Greenville appreciate the strong college preparatory focus, diverse extracurricular offerings, and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students.
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St. John Paul II Elementary School
Diocese of Erie
Located just minutes from Greenville in nearby Sharon, St. John Paul II Elementary School serves families throughout Mercer County. The school offers a strong academic program rooted in Catholic values with modern educational approaches. Facilities include updated classrooms, computer labs, and dedicated spaces for art and music. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through its committed faculty, safe environment, and comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for high school success. Many Greenville families choose this school for its balance of academic rigor and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Greenville, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Greenville, Pennsylvania, and what are their religious affiliations?
In Greenville, PA, the primary private school options are faith-based institutions. Seton Hill Catholic School (Pre-K through 8th grade) and St. John Paul II Elementary School (K-6) are both Catholic schools affiliated with the Diocese of Erie. For a full K-12 experience, Kennedy Catholic School, located just outside Greenville in Hermitage, is a major regional option and also a Catholic diocesan school. There are very few, if any, secular private day schools within Greenville itself, making religious education a defining characteristic of the local private school landscape. Parents often consider Kennedy Catholic for its continuous program through high school.
How does tuition at Greenville, PA private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are specifically available?
Tuition at Greenville's Catholic schools is generally below the Pennsylvania state average for private schools, reflecting the area's cost of living and the schools' mission to be accessible. For the 2023-2024 year, elementary tuition at local parishes like Seton Hill Catholic often ranges from $3,000-$5,000 annually, with significant discounts for parish members and multiple children. Pennsylvania-specific aid is crucial: all families should apply for the **Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)** and **Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC)** programs, which provide need-based scholarships funded by business donations. Additionally, the Diocese of Erie and individual parishes offer tuition assistance, making these schools more affordable for many Greenville families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Greenville, PA area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Greenville-area private schools leverage their smaller size and religious mission to offer distinct programs. A cornerstone is integrated religious education and character formation. Academically, schools like Kennedy Catholic offer **college dual-enrollment programs** with local universities like Westminster and Gannon, allowing students to earn significant college credit. Many also have strong tradition in **fine arts and music** as part of a holistic education. In extracurriculars, while smaller, they often feature unique offerings like **ethics bowls, diocesan-wide academic competitions, and mission trips**. The public Greenville Area School District may have broader athletic offerings, but private schools provide a values-based environment with focused college-prep attention.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families seeking to join a private school in Greenville, PA for the next school year?
The enrollment process for Greenville's Catholic schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year. The first step is often a **tour or open house**, which are advertised through parish bulletins and school websites. Application deadlines are usually in early spring (March/April). The process requires submitting an application, academic records, baptismal certificate (for Catholic families), and often a pastor/principal recommendation. **Priority is frequently given to active parishioners of the supporting church and siblings of current students.** Unlike some urban private schools, standardized entrance exams are less common at the elementary level but may be used for middle or high school placement, especially at Kennedy Catholic. Early inquiry is recommended.
For a family living in Greenville, what are the transportation considerations and options for getting children to these private schools?
Transportation is a key logistical consideration in Greenville. **Pennsylvania law mandates that local public school districts provide transportation to private school students who live within a certain distance (typically 10 miles)**. The Greenville Area School District generally provides busing to the local Catholic schools like Seton Hill and St. John Paul II, as well as to Kennedy Catholic, though routes and pick-up times may differ from public school schedules. Parents must submit a transportation request form to the public school district by a state deadline (often April 1st). For families outside the mandated radius or preferring other arrangements, carpooling with other families from the same parish or school community is a very common solution in this area.
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