The Best Private Schools in Hawley, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hawley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Jesuits USA East Province
Scranton Preparatory School is a premier Jesuit college preparatory school located approximately 30 miles from Hawley, serving students from throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. Founded in 1940, this Catholic independent school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 100% college acceptance rate. The school features exceptional STEM facilities, competitive athletic programs, and extensive arts offerings. With small class sizes averaging 18 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, Scranton Prep provides personalized education grounded in Jesuit values of academic excellence, faith formation, and service to others.
Programs:
Delaware Valley Elementary School
Delaware Valley School District
Delaware Valley Elementary School is part of the highly-regarded Delaware Valley School District serving the Hawley area. Located approximately 15 miles from Hawley, this public elementary school offers exceptional private-level education with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features a comprehensive STEM program, advanced learning opportunities, and extensive extracurricular activities. With strong parent satisfaction ratings and dedicated faculty, it provides a nurturing environment focused on academic excellence and character development.
Programs:
Wallenpaupack Area School District
Wallenpaupack Area School District
Wallenpaupack Area School District is the primary public school system serving Hawley directly, known for its strong academic programs and comprehensive educational offerings. The district serves over 2,800 students across multiple campuses with modern facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Wallenpaupack offers extensive Advanced Placement courses, career and technical education pathways, and robust extracurricular programs. The district maintains high graduation rates and college acceptance percentages, with many graduates attending top universities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hawley, Pennsylvania
What are the actual private school options located within or very close to Hawley, PA, given that some top-named schools like Scranton Preparatory School are a significant commute?
True private school options directly in Hawley are limited, as it is a smaller borough. The most immediate option is **Delaware Valley Elementary School**, a private K-6 institution. For secondary education, families often look to schools in surrounding areas. **Scranton Preparatory School** (grades 9-12) is a highly-regarded Jesuit college-prep school, but it is located in Scranton, about a 35-45 minute drive from Hawley. Other considerations within a 30-45 minute radius include private schools in the Honesdale or Milford areas. Many Hawley families also consider the **Wallenpaupack Area School District** public schools, which serve the region. Exploring schools in these neighboring towns is essential for a comprehensive search.
How does Pennsylvania's tuition assistance landscape, like the EITC and OSTC programs, benefit families considering private schools in the Hawley area?
Pennsylvania offers significant financial aid opportunities through tax credit scholarships, which are crucial for families in Hawley considering private schools. The **Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)** and **Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC)** programs allow businesses to direct tax dollars to scholarship organizations. These scholarships are need-based and can be applied to tuition at participating private schools, including many in Northeastern PA. For example, a family in the Wallenpaupack Area School District attendance zone with a public school identified for improvement may qualify for OSTC funds. It's vital to ask any private school you're considering in the region (like Scranton Prep or Delaware Valley Elementary) about their participation in these specific Pennsylvania programs and their internal financial aid processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Hawley students offer, particularly those leveraging the local environment?
Private schools in the Hawley region often provide distinctive programs that capitalize on the area's character. **Delaware Valley Elementary School** emphasizes small class sizes and individualized learning in a rural setting. **Scranton Preparatory School**, while a commute, offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses, robust arts programs, and competitive athletics that compete in the Lackawanna League. Furthermore, schools in this Pocono Mountains region may integrate environmental science and outdoor education into their curricula. When evaluating options, ask about specific partnerships, unique electives, and how the school's location influences its programming—whether through field trips to local historical sites, environmental studies, or community service projects in the Lake Wallenpaupack community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Delaware Valley Elementary or Scranton Prep for a family residing in Hawley?
Timelines vary by school, but planning well ahead is key. For **Delaware Valley Elementary School**, a local K-6, the process may be more flexible, but contacting them in the winter prior to the desired fall enrollment is advisable. For highly competitive schools like **Scranton Preparatory School**, the process is structured and begins early. Prospective 9th-grade students typically must take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) in the fall of their 8th-grade year (often October/November), with applications due shortly thereafter. Financial aid applications (like FACTS) are usually due in the winter. Open houses are typically held in the fall. Given the commute from Hawley, attending these events and planning for transportation logistics should be part of the enrollment consideration process.
For a family living in Hawley, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local Wallenpaupack public schools and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Wallenpaupack Area School District** offers a comprehensive K-12 education with no tuition, extensive extracurriculars, and serves as the community hub. The primary considerations for opting for a private school would be: 1) **Educational Approach**: Seeking a specific religious (e.g., Scranton Prep's Jesuit tradition) or pedagogical environment not available publicly. 2) **Class Size**: Desiring smaller, more personalized settings than the larger regional public school. 3) **Academic Rigor**: Targeting a dedicated college-prep curriculum with a different course scope. 4) **Commute vs. Proximity**: Weighing the daily drive to a private school outside Hawley against the convenience of local busing to Wallenpaupack. 5) **Cost**: Evaluating if the investment in tuition and transportation aligns with the family's budget, balanced against available Pennsylvania tax credit scholarships.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities