The Best Private Schools in Hershey, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hershey. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Hershey Montessori School
Independent Montessori School
Hershey Montessori School is a highly-regarded independent school offering authentic Montessori education for children ages 18 months through 12 years. The school features small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and a child-centered approach that fosters independence and lifelong learning. With dedicated AMI-trained teachers, the school emphasizes hands-on learning, mixed-age classrooms, and development of the whole child. The campus includes well-equipped classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and specialized Montessori materials. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong academic foundation.
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Harrisburg Academy
Independent College Preparatory School
Harrisburg Academy is one of Pennsylvania's oldest and most prestigious independent schools, serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located just 15 minutes from Hershey, the Academy offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum alongside Advanced Placement courses. The 14-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and technology-rich classrooms. With small class sizes and a 8:1 student-teacher ratio, the school provides personalized attention and exceptional college preparation. The Academy consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Bishop McDevitt High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
Bishop McDevitt High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12 from the greater Harrisburg area, including Hershey. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum with honors and AP courses, complemented by strong faith formation and character development. Features include modern STEM labs, competitive athletic programs, extensive arts offerings, and a robust campus ministry program. The 40-acre campus includes recently renovated facilities, technology integration throughout, and comprehensive college counseling. Parents appreciate the strong community values and excellent college acceptance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hershey, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and what are their educational approaches?
Hershey itself is home to the Hershey Montessori School, which serves students from infancy through 6th grade with a child-centered, hands-on Montessori curriculum. For a broader range of grades, families often look to nearby institutions. Harrisburg Academy, located in Wormleysburg about 15 minutes away, is a prestigious Pre-K through 12 independent school offering a rigorous college-preparatory International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg is a private, diocesan Catholic school serving grades 9-12. The selection allows parents in Hershey to choose from Montessori, secular college-prep/IB, and faith-based educational models without needing to relocate.
How does tuition for private schools in the Hershey, PA, area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Hershey area varies significantly by school and grade level. Hershey Montessori School's tuition ranges approximately from $10,000 for elementary to over $15,000 for its adolescent program. Harrisburg Academy's tuition is higher, typically between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, reflecting its Pre-K-12 independent and IB status. Bishop McDevitt High School, as a Catholic school, has a lower tuition, generally around $10,000-$12,000 for parishioners and slightly more for non-parishioners. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Pennsylvania state programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) provide tuition assistance to eligible families, which can be applied at participating schools like Bishop McDevitt and Harrisburg Academy.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools near Hershey, PA, offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Hershey region provide distinctive programs not always available in the public system. Harrisburg Academy is the only school in the area authorized to offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, from Primary Years to Diploma Programme, providing a globally-focused education. Hershey Montessori School uniquely implements the Montessori method through the "Erdkinder" (adolescent) level, with a working farm component for middle-schoolers. Bishop McDevitt High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum integrated with Catholic values and robust theology courses, along with specific STEM and arts tracks. These specialized approaches offer alternatives to the Derry Township School District's (Hershey Public) excellent but more standardized curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Hershey, PA, families?
The process and deadlines are school-specific. For Hershey Montessori School, enrollment is often year-round based on space availability, especially for younger programs, but early application is advised. Harrisburg Academy, as a competitive independent school, has a traditional admission cycle with applications due in January/February for the following fall, including student visits, assessments, and parent interviews. Bishop McDevitt High School typically has open houses in the fall and an application deadline in the winter for incoming 9th graders, with placement tests often required. A key local consideration is that many families begin the private school search 1-2 years before desired entry, particularly for sought-after early childhood spots at Montessori or entry into prestigious academies.
For a family living in Hershey, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Derry Township public schools and local private options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. Derry Township School District is consistently top-ranked in Pennsylvania, offering exceptional academics, extensive extracurriculars, and the benefit of no tuition. Choosing a private school in the area typically involves seeking a specific pedagogical approach (Montessori or IB), a smaller student-to-teacher ratio, or a faith-based environment. For example, a family might choose Hershey Montessori for its individualized, hands-on learning or Harrisburg Academy for its global IB curriculum and intimate campus feel. Transportation is also a factor, as Derry Township provides busing, while private schools may require carpooling or paid bus services. The unique blend of Hershey's strong public system and niche private options allows for a highly personalized choice.
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