The Best Private Schools in Kempton, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kempton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Swain School
The Swain School
The Swain School is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from Kempton and the broader Lehigh Valley. With a strong academic reputation spanning over 75 years, Swain offers a challenging curriculum that includes advanced coursework, comprehensive arts programs, and integrated technology education. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio, and extensive extracurricular offerings including athletics, music, and community service programs. The campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities.
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Seven Generations Charter School
Seven Generations Charter School
Seven Generations Charter School is a highly-rated public charter school serving the Kempton area with a unique focus on environmental education and sustainability. The school emphasizes project-based learning and hands-on experiences, integrating environmental themes across all subjects. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, the school offers comprehensive STEM programs, arts education, and community service opportunities. Located in nearby Emmaus, it serves students from throughout the Lehigh Valley region with a curriculum that balances academic rigor with environmental stewardship and character development.
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Berks Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown
Berks Catholic High School serves the Kempton area as part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown, formed through the merger of two established Catholic high schools. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With a focus on faith-based education and character development, Berks Catholic provides a supportive learning environment with modern facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts spaces, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school serves students from throughout Berks County and surrounding areas with a commitment to academic excellence and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kempton, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Kempton, Pennsylvania?
While Kempton itself is a small borough, families have access to several well-regarded private and charter schools in the broader Lehigh Valley and Berks County region. Notable options include Seven Generations Charter School in Emmaus (a public charter with a unique environmental focus), The Swain School in Allentown (a private, independent Pre-K through 8th school), and Berks Catholic High School in Reading (a private, diocesan Catholic high school). Transportation to these schools from Kempton is typically a parent responsibility, so proximity and commute are important local considerations.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Kempton, PA area compare, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition varies significantly by school type. For the 2024-2025 academic year, The Swain School's tuition ranges approximately from $20,000 for lower grades to $24,000 for middle school. Berks Catholic High School's tuition is roughly $10,000-$12,000 for parishioners and slightly higher for non-parishioners. Seven Generations Charter School is tuition-free as a public charter. Most private schools in Pennsylvania, including those serving Kempton families, offer need-based financial aid, merit scholarships, and participate in state programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC), which provide tuition assistance for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Kempton, PA?
Schools in the area offer distinct specializations. Seven Generations Charter School emphasizes sustainability and place-based education, integrating environmental themes across its curriculum. The Swain School features a strong STEM program, world language instruction starting in Pre-K, and a renowned visual and performing arts department. Berks Catholic High School provides a comprehensive college-prep curriculum rooted in Catholic values, along with robust athletic programs and faith-based service learning. For Kempton families interested in agriculture or rural life, these schools often incorporate related science and ecology projects.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Kempton, Pennsylvania residents?
Timelines are crucial due to competitive admissions, especially for schools like The Swain School. Most private schools begin their application process in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with deadlines for financial aid applications often in January or February. Admissions typically involve an application, student assessments or visits, parent interviews, and records review. Berks Catholic may have specific parish verification requirements. It's highly recommended for Kempton parents to attend open houses in the fall and initiate contact early, as some grades have waiting lists.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Kempton compare to the local public school district (Kutztown Area School District)?
Private schools in the area generally offer significantly smaller class sizes. For example, The Swain School averages 15-18 students per class, while Berks Catholic maintains classes around 20-25. This contrasts with the larger class sizes often found in the public middle and high schools of Kutztown Area SD. The community environment is also distinct: charter and private schools often cultivate a specific mission-driven culture (environmental, independent, or faith-based) that attracts families from across a wider region, whereas the local public schools have a community centered on the borough and township. This means your child's peer group at a private school may be more geographically diverse but united by the school's particular ethos.
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