The Best Private Schools in Hilliards, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hilliards. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Eden Christian Academy
Eden Christian Academy Network
Eden Christian Academy is a premier private Christian school serving families throughout the greater Pittsburgh area, including Hilliards. The school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, providing students with rigorous academic challenges and college preparation. Their comprehensive curriculum includes extensive fine arts programs, competitive athletics, and advanced STEM courses. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic complexes, and technology-integrated classrooms. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence and spiritual development, Eden Christian Academy consistently graduates students who excel in top universities.
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Butler County Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Butler County Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Hilliards area and surrounding Butler County. The school offers comprehensive college preparatory education with small class sizes and individualized attention. Their academic program includes advanced STEM courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with a strong focus on community service and leadership development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and dedicated art and music spaces.
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St. Joseph Catholic School
Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools
St. Joseph Catholic School has been serving families in the Hilliards region for over six decades with a strong tradition of academic excellence and faith-based education. The school offers a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and integrated technology programs. Students benefit from dedicated teachers with an average of 15+ years of experience. The campus features modern classrooms, a well-equipped library, computer lab, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hilliards, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Hilliards, Pennsylvania?
Hilliards itself is a small borough, so families typically look to the broader Butler County area for private education. The most prominent local options include Butler County Christian Academy (a non-denominational Christian school), St. Joseph Catholic School in nearby Cabot (a parish-based Catholic school), and Eden Christian Academy, which has campuses in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, within a reasonable commute. These schools offer distinct religious affiliations and educational philosophies. Due to the rural nature of the area, exploring schools in Butler, Cabot, or the southern parts of Butler County is common for Hilliards residents seeking private education.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Hilliards, PA, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Butler County Christian Academy's tuition ranges approximately from $6,000 to $8,000, while St. Joseph Catholic School is generally lower, often around $4,000-$5,000 for parish members, thanks to parish subsidies. Eden Christian Academy, being a larger multi-campus institution, has higher tuition, often exceeding $10,000. Pennsylvania offers important financial aid opportunities through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. Many of these schools participate, allowing eligible families to receive substantial tuition assistance through scholarship organizations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Hilliards, PA, offer that leverage the local community or environment?
Schools in this region often incorporate the area's agricultural and community-focused character. Butler County Christian Academy emphasizes a biblical worldview integrated into all subjects and may offer agricultural or hands-on science projects relevant to rural living. St. Joseph Catholic School provides strong foundational academics with a focus on service within the local Catholic community. While not in Hilliards proper, schools like Eden Christian Academy offer robust arts and technology programs that attract families willing to commute. Many area private schools also prioritize small class sizes, fostering a close-knit, family-like atmosphere reflective of the Hilliards community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Hilliards, Pennsylvania, community?
Enrollment timelines are crucial due to limited seats in these smaller schools. Most schools, like Butler County Christian Academy and St. Joseph Catholic School, begin accepting applications for the following school year in January or February, with priority often given to siblings of current students and church members. Many have open houses in the fall. The process usually involves an application, student assessment or records review, family interview, and a registration fee. Given the limited number of schools in the immediate vicinity, it is highly recommended that Hilliards families initiate inquiries early—often a full year in advance—to secure placement.
For a family in Hilliards, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Mars Area School District) and a private school in Butler County?
The decision often hinges on values, commute, and educational approach. Mars Area School District is a highly-rated public district, so many families choose it for its strong academics, extensive extracurriculars, and no tuition. Opting for a private school like those near Hilliards typically involves a desire for specific religious instruction (Christian or Catholic), smaller class sizes for more individual attention, and a particular community environment. The trade-off includes tuition costs, a potentially longer daily commute to Butler or Cabot, and possibly fewer broad extracurricular offerings compared to the larger public high school. Families should also consider the EITC scholarships to offset private school costs.
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