The Best Private Schools in Highspire, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highspire. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Harrisburg Academy
Independent School
Harrisburg Academy is one of Pennsylvania's oldest independent schools, serving students from preschool through grade 12. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside Advanced Placement courses, providing students with globally recognized credentials. The 17-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school provides personalized attention and has a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions nationwide.
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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 the greater Harrisburg area, including Highspire. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 17 Advanced Placement courses and a dedicated STEM Academy. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging 18 students, modern facilities including science labs and technology centers, and extensive extracurricular opportunities with over 40 clubs and 20 athletic teams. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Covenant Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Covenant Christian Academy provides a classical Christian education serving families throughout southcentral Pennsylvania, including the Highspire area. The school integrates faith and learning through a rigorous academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and character development. The curriculum includes Latin instruction, comprehensive science and mathematics programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The school features modern classroom facilities, technology integration, and competitive athletic programs while maintaining small class sizes for personalized student attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highspire, Pennsylvania
Are there any private schools physically located within Highspire, Pennsylvania, or will we need to commute to neighboring areas?
There are no major private K-12 schools physically located within the borough limits of Highspire itself. Families in Highspire typically commute to well-regarded private institutions in the greater Harrisburg area. The closest and most popular options include Bishop McDevitt High School (in Harrisburg), Harrisburg Academy (in Wormleysburg), and Covenant Christian Academy (in Harrisburg). This means transportation planning is a key consideration for Highspire residents seeking private education.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Harrisburg/Highspire area compare to the Pennsylvania state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the top private schools near Highspire is generally on par with or slightly below the Pennsylvania private school average, which is approximately $10,000-$15,000 annually for day schools. For the 2023-2024 school year, Bishop McDevitt's tuition is around $13,000, Harrisburg Academy's is higher (approx. $20,000+ for upper school), and Covenant Christian Academy is often more moderate. Pennsylvania offers significant financial aid opportunities, including the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which many of these schools participate in to provide need-based scholarships to eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Highspire students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible from Highspire provide distinct programs not always available in the public system. Bishop McDevitt, as a Catholic college-prep school, offers a strong theology curriculum and renowned athletic programs. Harrisburg Academy provides a rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program from preschool through 12th grade, a rarity in the region. Covenant Christian Academy emphasizes a classical Christian education model, integrating faith with a traditional liberal arts curriculum. These specialized approaches offer Highspire parents clear philosophical and pedagogical choices.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key deadlines for private schools in the Highspire, PA, region?
For schools like Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg Academy, and Covenant Christian Academy, the admission cycle typically begins in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year. Application deadlines often fall between January and February, with financial aid applications due around the same time. Many schools host open houses in the autumn. It's crucial to start the process early, especially for competitive grades, as some schools have rolling admissions that can fill up. Highspire families should also factor in any parish affiliation requirements for diocesan schools like Bishop McDevitt.
For a family living in Highspire, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation to these private schools?
Transportation is a primary logistical factor. The Central Dauphin School District, which includes Highspire, may provide busing to private schools only if they are within a certain distance (typically 10 miles) and if the school is along an existing public route, which is not guaranteed. Most families arrange carpools or private transportation. The commute to Harrisburg-area schools from Highspire can take 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. When evaluating schools, Highspire parents should inquire directly about available bus routes, carpool networks, and before/after-school care options to accommodate the commute.
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