The Best Private Schools in Hillsgrove, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hillsgrove. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
Notre Dame High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Pennsylvania and New York. Located just 30 minutes from Hillsgrove, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 15+ Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The school features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Notre Dame maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and strong community values.
Programs:
Williamsport Area School District - Academy of Fine Arts
Williamsport Area School District
The Academy of Fine Arts at Williamsport Area High School is a specialized magnet program that accepts students from surrounding areas including Hillsgrove. This prestigious program offers intensive training in visual arts, music, theater, and dance while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Students benefit from professional-grade facilities including art studios, performance spaces, and recording studios. The program has produced numerous award-winning artists and performers while maintaining strong college placement records. The academy provides transportation options for students from surrounding districts.
Programs:
St. John Neumann Regional Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton
St. John Neumann Regional Academy is a premier Catholic private school located in Williamsport, approximately 45 minutes from Hillsgrove. The academy serves students from preschool through 12th grade with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The school emphasizes faith-based education alongside strong academic programs in STEM, humanities, and fine arts. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and technology centers. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and high academic standards.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hillsgrove, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Hillsgrove, Pennsylvania?
While Hillsgrove itself is a small borough, families typically look to nearby communities in Sullivan and Lycoming Counties for private education. The most prominent options include Notre Dame High School in Towanda (about 30 minutes away), St. John Neumann Regional Academy in Williamsport (approximately 45 minutes away), and specialized programs like the Williamsport Area School District's Academy of Fine Arts, which is a public magnet but a notable alternative. Given Hillsgrove's rural setting, most private schooling involves a commute, and many families also consider smaller parochial elementary schools in surrounding towns. Transportation is a key logistical factor for Hillsgrove residents.
How does Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program affect private school tuition for Hillsgrove families?
Pennsylvania's EITC and OSTC (Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit) programs are crucial for many Hillsgrove families considering private schools. These programs provide scholarships to eligible students, particularly those from lower-income households or those residing in low-achieving school districts. Since Sullivan County, where Hillsgrove is located, has a more limited tax base, the availability of these scholarships through participating private schools (like Notre Dame or St. John Neumann) can significantly offset tuition costs. Parents should directly contact the financial aid offices of their target schools to apply for these state-funded scholarships, as deadlines are typically early in the calendar year for the following academic year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Hillsgrove, PA, offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the region often integrate the rural and natural assets of North Central Pennsylvania into their programs. For example, schools like Notre Dame High School may offer robust environmental science programs with field studies in the nearby Endless Mountains region. St. John Neumann Regional Academy, being in Williamsport, provides strong STEM and arts programs with partnerships linked to local industries and the community college. The rural setting also means many schools emphasize close-knit communities, outdoor education, and values-based learning. However, specialized urban offerings (like intensive performing arts) require a longer commute to Williamsport.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Hillsgrove students, like Notre Dame or St. John Neumann?
The enrollment process for these schools usually begins in the fall, a full year before the desired start date. For instance, open houses for Notre Dame High School (Towanda) and St. John Neumann Regional Academy (Williamsport) are typically held between September and November. Application deadlines often fall in January or February, with acceptance notifications by March. Given the commute from Hillsgrove, it's highly recommended to schedule a shadow day for your child to experience a school day firsthand. Early application is advised, especially for seeking financial aid through Pennsylvania's tax credit programs. Some schools may also require placement tests or entrance exams as part of the process.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Hillsgrove compare to the local public school district?
The Sullivan County School District, which serves Hillsgrove, is very small, with Sullivan County Elementary/Middle and High School having an intimate, rural public school environment. Private alternatives like Notre Dame or St. John Neumann offer similarly small class sizes (often 15-20 students) but with a distinct religious affiliation (Catholic) and often a broader extracurricular scope due to their larger collective student bodies drawn from multiple counties. The key difference lies in curriculum and mission: the private schools provide a faith-based education with required theology classes, while the public district follows a state-standard secular curriculum. For families in Hillsgrove, the choice often comes down to seeking a specific religious education versus the convenience and community connection of the local public school.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities