The Best Private Schools in Lawrence, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lawrence. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School
Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center
Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School is a premier private charter school serving students from Lawrence and surrounding counties. While located in Midland, the school attracts students throughout the region for its exceptional performing arts programs and rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The state-of-the-art facility features professional theaters, dance studios, recording studios, and advanced academic classrooms. The school offers a unique blend of intensive arts training with strong STEM and Advanced Placement courses, preparing students for both artistic careers and higher education.
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St. Vitus School
Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools
St. Vitus School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located in nearby New Castle, serving families throughout Lawrence County. With over six decades of educational excellence, the school provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic fundamentals. The curriculum includes comprehensive religious education, advanced technology integration, and a well-rounded program of academics, arts, and athletics. The school maintains small class sizes and has earned a reputation for strong parent satisfaction and community involvement.
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Mohawk Elementary School (Private)
Mohawk Area School District (Private Division)
Mohawk Elementary School serves the Lawrence County area with a strong focus on foundational education and personalized learning. Located just minutes from Lawrence, this established private school offers a comprehensive elementary program with dedicated teachers and modern facilities. The school emphasizes academic excellence through small class sizes, individualized attention, and a balanced curriculum that includes STEM education and arts integration. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong community feel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lawrence, Pennsylvania
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Lawrence, Pennsylvania?
Lawrence, PA, offers a few distinct types of private education. The most common are parish-based Catholic schools, like St. Vitus School, which provide a faith-based curriculum. There are also non-religious private elementary options, such as Mohawk Elementary School (Private). Notably, the area is home to a unique public charter school with a specialized focus: Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School. While technically a public charter, it operates like a selective private school in its admissions and specialized programming, making it a key consideration for families in the region seeking a performing arts education.
How does tuition for private schools in Lawrence, PA, compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for traditional private schools in Lawrence tends to be below the average for Pennsylvania's major metropolitan areas, reflecting the local cost of living. For example, parish schools often have lower tuition rates for registered parishioners. Pennsylvania offers several state-specific financial aid programs that Lawrence families can access, most notably the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs provide scholarships for eligible students to attend participating private schools. It's essential to inquire directly with schools like St. Vitus or Mohawk about their participation and available aid.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable in Lawrence-area private schools?
The Lawrence area is particularly notable for its deep specialization in performing arts through the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School. This school offers intensive, pre-professional training in music, theater, dance, media, and literary arts alongside a college-prep academic curriculum. For families seeking a more traditional private setting, schools like St. Vitus School typically offer strong core academic programs with religious education and standard extracurriculars. The smaller scale of schools in Lawrence often allows for more individualized attention, but the standout specialized program is definitively in the performing arts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Lawrence, Pennsylvania?
Enrollment timelines in Lawrence can vary by school type. For parish schools like St. Vitus, enrollment often opens in early winter (January/February) for the following academic year, with priority given to parish members and siblings of current students. For the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, the process is more akin to an audition-based college application, with deadlines typically in the fall or early winter for the next school year and required auditions or portfolio reviews. It's crucial to check each school's website in the late fall, as spaces, especially in younger grades, can be limited. Rolling admissions may be available depending on space.
How do the educational environments of Lawrence's private and public schools differ, particularly for K-8 education?
In Lawrence, the public school system is part of the larger New Castle Area School District. Private K-8 options like Mohawk Elementary and St. Vitus School offer significantly smaller class sizes and a more contained community environment compared to the larger district public schools. The private schools often emphasize specific values (secular or religious) and can provide a more consistent, structured environment. The defining choice, however, is between a traditional academic environment (private or public) and the specialized, arts-focused environment of Lincoln Park (public charter). For families not seeking a performing arts path, private schools in Lawrence primarily offer an alternative centered on smaller scale and specific mission.
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