The Best Private Schools in Laurys Station, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Laurys Station. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Swain School
Independent
The Swain School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the Lehigh Valley region, including Laurys Station. Founded in 1941, it offers a comprehensive educational program from early childhood through 8th grade. The school is known for its small class sizes, individualized attention, and strong academic foundation. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development, with particularly strong STEM programs and arts integration.
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Moravian Academy
Independent
Moravian Academy is one of the oldest and most prestigious independent schools in Pennsylvania, serving students from Laurys Station and throughout the Lehigh Valley. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience from preschool through 12th grade across three campuses. Known for its rigorous academic program, Moravian Academy features the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program alongside Advanced Placement courses. The school emphasizes global citizenship, character education, and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, performing arts, and community service programs.
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Seven Generations Charter School
Charter School
Seven Generations Charter School provides a unique educational approach focused on environmental sustainability and project-based learning. Serving students from Laurys Station and surrounding communities, the school integrates environmental education throughout its curriculum while maintaining strong academic standards. The STEAM-focused approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications. The school features modern facilities, outdoor learning spaces, and a strong sense of community. Parent satisfaction is high due to the innovative curriculum and dedicated teaching staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Laurys Station, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Laurys Station, PA, and what are their key characteristics?
While Laurys Station itself is a small borough, families have access to several highly-regarded private and charter schools in the immediate Lehigh Valley area. The most prominent include The Swain School in Allentown (Pre-K to 8), known for its progressive education and strong arts; Moravian Academy, with campuses in Bethlehem and offering a Pre-K through 12 college preparatory program with a global focus; and Seven Generations Charter School in Emmaus, a tuition-free public charter school with an environmental education emphasis. Many Laurys Station families also consider other Lehigh Valley independents. Transportation to these schools is typically a parent responsibility, which is an important logistical consideration for Laurys Station residents.
How does the tuition for private schools near Laurys Station, PA, compare, and what financial aid options are available through Pennsylvania programs?
Tuition in the Lehigh Valley's private schools varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $20,000 to $40,000+ for day schools like Moravian Academy, while The Swain School may be in the mid-teens. Pennsylvania offers several financial aid avenues to help offset these costs. The most significant is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide need-based scholarships through approved organizations. Many schools also have substantial internal endowment funds for financial aid. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school and the necessary third-party organizations (like BEF) as early as possible, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Laurys Station, PA, that differentiate them from local public districts?
Schools in this region offer distinctive programs that leverage the resources of the Lehigh Valley. Moravian Academy features a renowned global travel and studies program for older students and a comprehensive language immersion track starting in Pre-K. The Swain School emphasizes project-based learning and social-emotional development through its "Swain Way" curriculum. Seven Generations Charter School integrates sustainability and environmental stewardship into all subjects, with extensive outdoor classroom use. Additionally, many private schools in the area have partnerships with local institutions like Lehigh University, Muhlenberg College, and the Da Vinci Science Center, providing enhanced STEM opportunities not always available in standard public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Laurys Station, PA, families, and how competitive is admission?
The timeline is critical and often begins 12-18 months before the desired start date. For most top-tier schools like Moravian Academy and The Swain School, the main application deadline for the following fall is typically in January or February. The process usually includes a completed application, parent interviews, student assessments or classroom visits, teacher recommendations, and school records review. Competition for seats, particularly in entry grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th/9th grades), can be strong due to the schools' regional reputations. We recommend attending fall open houses, scheduling tours by early winter, and submitting applications well before deadlines. Some schools have rolling admissions after priority deadlines, but waiting lists are common.
For a family living in Laurys Station, what are the key considerations when choosing between the Parkland School District public schools and a private school in the Lehigh Valley?
This decision hinges on several local factors. The Parkland School District is consistently one of the highest-rated public districts in Pennsylvania, offering robust academics, athletics, and arts at no direct tuition cost. Choosing a private school often involves a significant financial investment for potentially smaller class sizes, specific pedagogical approaches (e.g., progressive, global, or environmental), and distinct community cultures. A major practical consideration is daily transportation, as private schools do not provide district busing from Laurys Station, adding time and logistics. Families should assess if a private school's specialized mission aligns with their child's needs in a way that the excellent, but more standardized, Parkland curriculum does not. Visiting both types of schools is essential for comparison.
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