The Best Private Schools in Houston, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Houston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Trinity Christian School
Independent Christian School
Trinity Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school located just 5 miles from Houston, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention.
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St. Patrick School
Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools
St. Patrick School is a well-established Catholic school serving the Houston area and surrounding communities, offering education from preschool through 8th grade. The school provides a faith-based education with strong emphasis on core academics, particularly in mathematics and language arts. The curriculum includes advanced math programs, comprehensive reading initiatives, and extensive music education. The school features updated technology resources, a dedicated STEM lab, and maintains strong parent involvement through active home and school associations.
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Cornerstone Christian Preparatory Academy
Independent Christian Academy
Cornerstone Christian Preparatory Academy offers a classical Christian education model serving students from the Houston area and throughout Washington County. The school provides a comprehensive K-12 program with advanced placement courses, rigorous classical curriculum including Latin instruction, and competitive athletic programs. The academy features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a strong college placement record. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology centers, and performing arts spaces supporting their comprehensive fine arts program.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Houston, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available within the Houston, Pennsylvania area, and what are their educational approaches?
In the small borough of Houston, PA, families have a few key private school options, each with distinct approaches. **Trinity Christian School** offers a Protestant Christian education integrating faith across a traditional K-12 curriculum. **St. Patrick School**, part of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, provides a Catholic education for students in Pre-K through 8th grade. **Cornerstone Christian Preparatory Academy** focuses on a college-preparatory, Biblically-based education. Given Houston's size, some families also consider private schools in nearby larger communities like Washington or Canonsburg. These local schools are notable for their small class sizes and strong community feel, which is a hallmark of education in this part of Washington County.
How does tuition at private schools in Houston, PA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Houston, PA's private schools is generally below the statewide average for Pennsylvania, reflecting the area's lower cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary tuition often ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 annually, while high school can be $7,000-$9,000. All three major schools offer need-based financial aid, and Pennsylvania state programs significantly expand options. The **Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)** and **Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC)** programs provide scholarships for eligible families, especially those in low-performing public school districts or meeting income guidelines. St. Patrick School also offers active parishioner discounts. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Houston, PA private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in Houston, PA, often tailor programs to the region's character. **Trinity Christian School** may incorporate agricultural or environmental science projects that connect to the surrounding rural landscape of Washington County. **St. Patrick School** emphasizes community service projects tied to local parishes and organizations. Given the proximity to Pittsburgh's tech and healthcare sectors, schools like **Cornerstone Christian Preparatory Academy** often strengthen STEM curricula to prepare students for these regional career paths. Extracurriculars are more limited than in large urban schools but focus on community involvement, local sports leagues, and partnerships with nearby historical societies like the nearby Pennsylvania Trolley Museum for educational outings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Houston, Pennsylvania, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Houston's private schools usually begins in January for the following fall, with priority given to current families and siblings. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain. The process typically involves a completed application, student records, a family interview, and an entrance assessment for some grade levels. Due to the small size of these schools, popular grades (especially kindergarten and early elementary) can fill quickly, leading to waitlists. It's highly advisable to contact schools by early winter. Some schools, like St. Patrick, also require proof of baptism and parish registration for Catholic families. Open houses are often held in the fall, which is the best time to start gathering information.
For a family in Houston, PA, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Chartiers-Houston School District) and a private school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The **Chartiers-Houston School District** offers a tuition-free, comprehensive K-12 experience with standard public school programs and extracurriculars. Choosing a Houston private school often centers on desire for a specific religious foundation (Christian or Catholic), smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, and a particular educational philosophy. Academically, private schools here may offer more consistent class sizes, while the public district provides a wider array of elective courses and sports in the upper grades. Financially, you must weigh private tuition against public school taxes. For families living in Houston but working in Pittsburgh, a private school's schedule and before/after-care options might also be a significant logistical factor.
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