The Best Private Schools in Lake Como, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lake Como. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Jesuits USA East Province
Scranton Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Jesuit college preparatory school serving Northeast Pennsylvania, including the Lake Como area. Founded in 1944, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 23 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The 20-acre campus features modern science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes character formation through its Jesuit identity while providing comprehensive extracurricular programs including championship athletic teams, robotics, and extensive community service opportunities.
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Stourbridge Primary School
Private Independent School
Located in nearby Honesdale, Stourbridge Primary School serves families throughout Wayne County, including Lake Como. This private Montessori school offers individualized education for children ages 3-12, focusing on hands-on learning and development of the whole child. The school features small class sizes, certified Montessori teachers, and a nature-based curriculum that utilizes their outdoor classroom and garden. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong academic foundation, and commitment to developing independent, confident learners.
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The School at Church Street
Private Independent School
The School at Church Street in Honesdale serves students from preschool through 8th grade from throughout Wayne County, including Lake Como families. This independent school emphasizes experiential, project-based learning that engages students in real-world problem solving. The curriculum integrates arts, technology, and outdoor education while maintaining strong academic standards. The school features small multi-age classrooms, dedicated specialist teachers, and a supportive community environment. Parents highlight the school's innovative approach to education and the strong sense of community among families and staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lake Como, Pennsylvania
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in Lake Como, Pennsylvania, and are they located within the town itself?
Lake Como, PA, is a small borough in Wayne County, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The schools you mentioned, such as Scranton Preparatory School (a Jesuit college-prep high school in Scranton, ~30 miles away) and The School at Church Street (a Montessori in Honesdale, ~10 miles away), serve the region. Stourbridge Primary is a local private option. Due to Lake Como's rural setting, most private schooling involves commuting to neighboring towns. It's important for parents to research transportation options, as many schools do not provide bus service from Lake Como proper.
How does Pennsylvania's tuition assistance landscape, like the EITC and OSTC programs, benefit families considering private schools in the Lake Como area?
Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs are crucial for Lake Como families. These programs provide scholarships for students attending participating private schools, which can significantly offset tuition. Many area schools, including Scranton Prep and others in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Honesdale regions, participate. Eligibility often depends on household income and the school district of residence (in this case, the Western Wayne School District). Parents should apply for these scholarships directly through the private school's financial aid office as early as possible, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Lake Como, PA, offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Lake Como region often integrate the area's natural and cultural resources. For example, schools may have robust environmental science programs utilizing the nearby Lake Como itself, the Delaware River, and state parks for fieldwork. Others might emphasize outdoor education, skiing, or equestrian activities, capitalizing on the Pocono Mountains setting. The School at Church Street's Montessori approach emphasizes hands-on, nature-based learning well-suited to the locale. Scranton Prep offers extensive retreat and service programs that can include rural community engagement in areas like Wayne County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for the top private schools that Lake Como students attend, and how far in advance should parents apply?
For the competitive regional schools like Scranton Preparatory School, the process often begins a full year in advance, with applications due in the fall or early winter (e.g., December/January) for the following academic year. This typically includes standardized testing (like the HSPT), transcripts, recommendations, and an interview. For local primary schools like Stourbridge Primary or The School at Church Street, timelines may be more flexible but still have limited spots. Given Lake Como's location, it's advisable to initiate inquiries 12-18 months before desired enrollment, especially for kindergarten or 9th-grade entry, to secure a spot and arrange transportation logistics.
For a family in Lake Como, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local Western Wayne public schools and a private school option requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several Lake Como-specific factors. The Western Wayne School District provides a community-centered, no-commute option. Choosing a private school like those in Honesdale or Scranton involves a daily commute of 20-60 minutes, which impacts family logistics and costs. Parents must weigh the specialized curriculum (e.g., religious education, Montessori, or intensive college prep) against the time and financial investment. Additionally, private schools may offer smaller class sizes, which can be appealing, but it means your child's peer group will be geographically dispersed. Visiting both the local public school and the private options is essential to feel the difference in community environment.
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