The Best Private Schools in Hastings, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hastings. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop McCort Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Bishop McCort Catholic High School is a highly-regarded college preparatory school serving students from multiple counties including Cambria County where Hastings is located. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 14 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletic programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school provides transportation services that serve the Hastings area.
Programs:
Divine Mercy Catholic Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Divine Mercy Catholic Academy serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a comprehensive faith-based education. The academy combines strong academic fundamentals with technology integration and character development. Located in nearby Johnstown, the school serves families throughout Cambria County including Hastings. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and science while incorporating art, music, and physical education. The school features smart classrooms, computer labs, and a supportive community environment with extensive parent involvement.
Programs:
Portage Area School District - Elementary Center
Portage Area School District
While technically a public school, Portage Area Elementary Center serves as a high-quality educational option for families in the Hastings area seeking alternatives to their local public schools. The school has consistently high parent satisfaction ratings and serves students from multiple municipalities. The elementary center provides comprehensive elementary education with strong emphasis on foundational skills, supplemented by music, art, and physical education programs. The school maintains small class sizes and offers various support services. Located approximately 15 minutes from Hastings, it represents a practical regional option for families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hastings, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Hastings, Pennsylvania?
In the Hastings area, the main private school options are faith-based institutions. Bishop McCort Catholic High School in nearby Johnstown serves grades 9-12. For younger students, Divine Mercy Catholic Academy offers a K-8 education, though its campuses are located in other nearby towns like Portage and Northern Cambria. It's important to note that Hastings itself is a small borough, so most private schooling requires commuting to neighboring communities in Cambria County. The Portage Area School District - Elementary Center listed is a public school, not a private institution.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Hastings, PA area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Pennsylvania?
Tuition at area Catholic schools like Bishop McCort and Divine Mercy Academy is typically lower than at independent private schools in larger cities, reflecting the local economy. For the 2023-2024 school year, high school tuition at Bishop McCort was approximately $7,000-$8,000 for parishioners. Pennsylvania offers significant financial aid programs that Hastings-area families can utilize, most notably the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These provide need-based scholarships funded by business donations, and many local private schools participate. Additionally, diocesan aid and parish subsidies for active church members are common.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Hastings, Pennsylvania offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools in the Hastings region often emphasize college preparatory curricula with a values-based foundation. Bishop McCort Catholic High School, for example, offers a strong STEM program, dual-enrollment courses with local colleges like Mount Aloysius, and a wide range of athletics competing in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference. Their religious education and service requirements are a key differentiator. Divine Mercy Academy integrates Catholic teachings across all subjects. These schools often have smaller class sizes than the regional public districts, allowing for more individualized attention, which is a significant draw for many Cambria County families.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving the Hastings, PA community?
The enrollment process for schools like Divine Mercy Academy and Bishop McCort usually begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year. It typically involves submitting an application, providing records from the previous school, a birth certificate, baptismal certificate (for Catholic schools), and often a family interview or student placement assessment. Many families from Hastings attend open houses held in the fall. Due to the smaller size of these schools, especially at the high school level, it is advisable to apply early as some grades may have waiting lists. Re-registration for current students often happens before open enrollment for new families.
For a family living in Hastings, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Portage Area) and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to the Hastings location. The Portage Area School District provides a tuition-free, comprehensive K-12 education with transportation from Hastings. Choosing a private school like Divine Mercy Academy or Bishop McCort involves tuition, a commute to Johnstown or Portage, and often arranging your own transportation. In return, you receive a religious education, often smaller class sizes, and a specific college-prep focus. For high school, some families consider whether they want their child in a larger public school environment or a smaller, faith-based setting. Many Hastings families also value the continuity of a K-12 Catholic education available through the diocesan system, despite the logistical and financial commitment.
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