The Best Private Schools in La Plume, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in La Plume. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Jesuit Schools Network
Scranton Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Jesuit college preparatory school serving the greater Scranton area, including La Plume. Founded in 1940, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The 20-acre campus features modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. Known for its strong community values and academic excellence, Scranton Prep emphasizes character development alongside intellectual growth through its comprehensive extracurricular programs.
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Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School
Diocese of Scranton
Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students from multiple counties including Lackawanna County where La Plume is located. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and extensive athletic opportunities. With small class sizes and individualized attention, Notre Dame maintains strong academic results and college placement. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and athletic complexes, providing a well-rounded education grounded in Catholic values.
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The Fell Charter School
Fell Charter School Organization
The Fell Charter School serves students from throughout Lackawanna County and surrounding areas, including La Plume. As a public charter school with private school-like features, it offers small class sizes and individualized learning plans. The school provides a comprehensive K-12 education with strong emphasis on STEM subjects, college preparatory coursework, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and technology resources. The school is known for its strong community involvement and commitment to student success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in La Plume, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near La Plume, Pennsylvania?
While La Plume itself is a small borough, it is part of the greater Scranton area in Lackawanna County, which offers several notable private institutions. The schools you mentioned, such as Scranton Preparatory School (a Jesuit college-prep school in Scranton) and Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School (a Catholic school in East Stroudsburg, about 45 minutes away), serve the region. The Fell Charter School, located in Simpson, is a public charter school, not a private school. For La Plume residents, other proximate options include schools in Scranton, Clarks Summit, and the Wyoming Seminary system. It's important to visit and confirm each school's specific catchment area and transportation policies.
How does tuition for private schools in the La Plume, PA, area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, schools like Scranton Prep have tuition around $15,000-$18,000, while diocesan schools like Notre Dame may be in the $8,000-$12,000 range. Pennsylvania offers unique financial aid programs that benefit La Plume families, most notably the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs provide need-based scholarships funded by business donations. Additionally, most private schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near La Plume, PA, specialize in?
Private schools in the Scranton/La Plume region often leverage their specific affiliations and histories. Scranton Preparatory School, for instance, offers a rigorous Jesuit curriculum with a strong emphasis on service learning, robust STEM programs, and renowned debate and robotics teams. Schools in the area may also have specialized partnerships with local colleges and universities, such as the University of Scranton or Marywood University, for advanced coursework. Given the region's history, some schools integrate local environmental science or heritage studies into their curricula. When researching, ask about unique electives, college dual-enrollment opportunities, and signature programs that align with your child's interests.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving La Plume, Pennsylvania?
The process for most private schools in this region begins in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (often held September-November), 2) Submitting an application by January or February deadlines, 3) Having your child take an entrance exam (like the HSPT for high schools) in the winter, and 4) Completing a family interview. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated in March. For younger grades, some schools may have waiting lists. Given La Plume's location, planning for potential transportation is a critical part of the enrollment decision process.
How do the educational environments of private schools near La Plume compare to the public schools in the Lackawanna Trail School District?
La Plume is served by the Lackawanna Trail School District, which provides a solid public education. The key differences with nearby private options often involve class size, religious or value-based education, and curricular focus. Private schools like Scranton Prep typically have smaller average class sizes, a college-preparatory focus with a defined curriculum, and a community built around a specific mission (e.g., Jesuit, Catholic). Public schools offer a broader, state-regulated curriculum and a wider range of extracurriculars by virtue of size. The choice often comes down to a family's priorities for instructional approach, community values, and the willingness to manage tuition against the benefits of a tailored environment.
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