The Best Private Schools in Kingston, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kingston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
MMI Preparatory School
MMI Preparatory School
MMI Preparatory School, while located in nearby Freeland, serves students from Kingston and throughout Luzerne County as a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school. The school offers a rigorous academic program with strong emphasis on STEM education, featuring advanced mathematics, science research programs, and competitive robotics teams. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, MMI provides personalized attention and boasts exceptional college acceptance rates. The school maintains historic traditions while offering modern facilities and comprehensive extracurricular programs.
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Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School
Wyoming Seminary
Wyoming Seminary is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving the Kingston area and beyond with both day and boarding programs. Founded in 1844, it offers a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, comprehensive arts programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Known for its strong college placement record and personalized attention with small class sizes.
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Holy Redeemer High School
Diocese of Scranton
Holy Redeemer High School serves students from Kingston and throughout the Wyoming Valley as a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school. The school offers a challenging academic program with honors and Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM initiatives, competitive athletic teams, and vibrant arts programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a chapel, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and character development within a supportive community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kingston, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families in Kingston, Pennsylvania, and what are their key characteristics?
Kingston, PA, is served by several notable private institutions, each with distinct identities. **Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School** (often called "Wyoming Sem"), located nearby in Kingston, is a prestigious, coeducational day and boarding school known for rigorous academics, extensive arts, and competitive athletics. **Holy Redeemer High School** in Wilkes-Barre is a diocesan Catholic school serving Kingston residents, offering a college-prep curriculum rooted in faith-based values. **MMI Preparatory School** in Freeland is another highly-regarded, independent coed day school with a strong focus on STEM and pre-professional programs. While not all are physically within Kingston's borough limits, they are core options for local families seeking private education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Kingston, PA, area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Kingston area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at Wyoming Seminary ranges from approximately $25,000 to $30,000. Holy Redeemer High School, as a Catholic school, has a lower tuition, typically around $10,000-$12,000, with reduced rates for parishioners. MMI Preparatory School's tuition is generally in the $15,000-$18,000 range. All three schools offer need-based financial aid, and Wyoming Sem and MMI also offer merit scholarships. Pennsylvania state programs like the **Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)** and **Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC)** provide additional tuition assistance through approved organizations, which these schools participate in or can guide families toward.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Kingston-area private schools offer that set them apart?
Each school provides specialized programs leveraging local resources. **Wyoming Seminary** is renowned for its **Institute for Environmental Science and Sustainability**, utilizing the nearby Pocono Mountains as a living lab, and its prestigious **Visual and Performing Arts** program. **MMI Preparatory School** emphasizes a **Pre-Engineering** track and partnerships with local colleges and industries for real-world projects. **Holy Redeemer** offers a distinctive **Dual Enrollment** program with local universities like King's College and Misericordia University, allowing students to earn significant college credit. All schools have robust community service requirements, connecting students to the Wyoming Valley and Greater Wilkes-Barre area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Kingston, Pennsylvania?
The process is similar across schools but requires early planning. Most schools, like Wyoming Sem and MMI, begin accepting applications in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with priority deadlines often in **January or February**. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (held in fall), 2) Submitting an application with transcripts and recommendations, 3) Completing a standardized entrance exam (like the SSAT for Wyoming Sem or a school-specific test for others), and 4) A family/student interview. For Holy Redeemer, the process may be slightly more streamlined but follows a similar timeline. Financial aid applications usually run concurrently, with deadlines in early spring. We recommend initiating inquiries 12-18 months before desired enrollment.
For a family living in Kingston, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools (like Wyoming Valley West) and the area's private schools?
The decision hinges on educational philosophy, specific student needs, and investment. **Kingston's public schools** (Wyoming Valley West School District) offer a no-tuition option with diverse programs, including AP courses and sports. The area's **private schools** generally offer smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students), more individualized attention, and distinct missions (college-prep, faith-based, STEM-focused). They may also have more resources for advanced learners and more consistent extracurricular opportunities. Transportation is a key logistical factor; while public districts provide busing, private school families often must arrange their own transportation. Many Kingston families value the community and long-term network associated with these established private institutions, weighing it against the significant financial commitment.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Private Boarding Schools Near Kingston, PA: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Kingston, Pennsylvania, beginning the search for "private boarding schools near me" can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re looking for an environment that offers not just academic rigor, but a true home away from home where your child can grow into a confident, independent young adult. While Kingston itself is rich with excellent day school options like Holy Redeemer High School and MMI Preparatory School, the landscape for local boarding schools presents a unique and wonderful opportunity just minutes from your doorstep. Understanding this local dynamic is the first step in making an informed decision for your family.
The premier name that comes to mind, and rightly so, is Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, often called "Sem." Nestled right in the Kingston area, it stands as a beacon for families seeking a top-tier, coeducational boarding experience without having to send their child across the state or country. This proximity is a significant advantage. It means your child can immerse themselves fully in a vibrant, 24/7 learning community with peers from around the world, while you remain close enough for weekend visits, family events, or that quick trip to bring a forgotten item. This blend of global perspective and local accessibility is a rare find and a major consideration for Kingston parents.
When evaluating "private boarding schools near me," it's crucial to look beyond geography and into the philosophy and outcomes. A school like Wyoming Seminary offers a structured residential life program that teaches time management, responsibility, and camaraderie—skills that directly prepare students for the independence of college. The academic offerings are robust, often featuring advanced courses, dedicated college counseling, and extracurriculars that would be challenging to replicate in a non-residential setting. For a student passionate about the arts, sciences, or athletics, this round-the-clock access to facilities and faculty mentorship can be transformative.
However, choosing a boarding school is a deeply personal decision. We encourage Kingston families to use your local advantage. Schedule in-person tours, attend open houses, and, most importantly, have your child spend a day visiting classes and perhaps even staying overnight in the dorm. Talk to current local day students who board, and ask them about the transition. Compare the immersive environment of Sem with the strong community feel of our excellent local day schools to see which model best fits your child’s social and academic needs. The goal is to find a place where they will be both supported and challenged.
Ultimately, your search for "private boarding schools near me" in Kingston, PA, is fortunate to center on a world-class institution within your own community. It allows you to reimagine the boarding school experience not as sending your child away, but as offering them an expanded home base—a secure, enriching campus where they can spread their wings while remaining connected to the roots and comforts of family life in the Wyoming Valley. This unique local option provides a powerful pathway to personal growth and academic excellence, making it a compelling choice to consider deeply.
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