The Best Private Schools in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lawrenceville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Ellis School
Independent
The Ellis School is a highly-regarded independent day school for girls in grades Pre-K through 12, located approximately 60 miles from Lawrenceville but serving students from throughout the region. Founded in 1916, Ellis offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with particular strengths in STEM education, featuring state-of-the-art science labs and innovation spaces. The school emphasizes leadership development, critical thinking, and global citizenship through small class sizes and personalized attention. Facilities include modern academic buildings, athletic complexes, and dedicated arts spaces. Ellis graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier colleges and universities.
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Shady Side Academy
Shady Side Academy
Shady Side Academy is a prestigious independent school with a 130-year history of academic excellence, serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade across multiple campuses. Located about 55 miles from Lawrenceville in Pittsburgh's Fox Chapel area, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program including International Baccalaureate options. The curriculum balances rigorous academics with extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service. The school features modern facilities, including science and technology centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. Shady Side is known for its strong faculty, with over 70% holding advanced degrees.
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The Andrews School
Independent
The Andrews School, located approximately 75 miles from Lawrenceville in Willoughby, Ohio, is a respected independent boarding and day school serving young women in grades 6-12. Founded in 1910, the school offers a personalized college preparatory education with small class sizes and individual attention. The campus features modern academic facilities, arts studios, athletic fields, and boarding accommodations. Andrews emphasizes leadership development, global perspectives, and hands-on learning experiences. The school's location near Cleveland provides access to cultural and educational resources while maintaining a supportive, close-knit community atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options serving families in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, and what are their educational models?
Lawrenceville, PA, is served by several prestigious private schools, though it's important to note that some are located in nearby Pittsburgh suburbs. Top options include The Ellis School (a downtown Pittsburgh all-girls school with a college-prep focus), Shady Side Academy (with multiple campuses offering rigorous, traditional academics), and The Andrews School (a co-ed school in Sewickley known for small class sizes and individual attention). While not all are within Lawrenceville's immediate borders, they are key educational institutions for families in the area. For hyper-local options, parents should also explore smaller parochial or independent schools within the Greater Pittsburgh region that may provide busing or transportation services to Lawrenceville.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lawrenceville, PA, area compare, and what financial aid options are available under Pennsylvania state programs?
Tuition for the top-tier private schools in the Pittsburgh area serving Lawrenceville families typically ranges from approximately $25,000 to $35,000+ per year for upper grades. Pennsylvania offers specific financial aid opportunities that Lawrenceville residents can utilize. The most significant is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide scholarships to eligible students through approved organizations. Many local private schools, including Shady Side Academy and The Ellis School, actively participate in these programs. Additionally, most schools offer substantial need-based financial aid directly. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Lawrenceville students that leverage the resources of the Pittsburgh region?
Private schools in the Greater Pittsburgh area provide unique programs that connect students to the city's strengths in healthcare, technology, and the arts. For instance, Shady Side Academy has strong engineering and robotics programs with ties to Carnegie Mellon University. The Ellis School emphasizes STEM for girls with partnerships in the city's growing tech sector. Many schools offer specialized courses in biomedical ethics or environmental science, leveraging affiliations with UPMC and other institutions. Furthermore, Pittsburgh's rich cultural scene allows for robust arts partnerships, with students regularly accessing museums, the symphony, and theater productions as part of their curriculum, an advantage for Lawrenceville-based families.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Lawrenceville/Pittsburgh area, and how far in advance should parents plan?
The enrollment process for leading private schools in this region is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. For fall entry, the timeline typically starts in the prior summer or early fall with open houses and inquiry sessions. Application deadlines are often in January for the following academic year. The process includes standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT), school visits, interviews, and teacher recommendations. Given the competitive nature of schools like Shady Side Academy and The Ellis School, families in Lawrenceville are advised to start researching and visiting schools 18-24 months before desired enrollment, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades.
For a family living in Lawrenceville, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Greater Latrobe School District) to the nearby private school options?
The key considerations involve educational approach, cost, and community. The Greater Latrobe School District offers a no-tuition, comprehensive public education with standard extracurriculars. In contrast, private schools offer smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like International Baccalaureate or advanced STEM tracks), and often more extensive resources per student. For Lawrenceville families, a major practical factor is commute; private schools require daily travel to Pittsburgh suburbs, impacting family schedules. Socially, private schools draw from a wider regional area, while public schools foster hyper-local community ties. Financially, it's a direct comparison of free public education versus significant private tuition, potentially offset by financial aid. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a highly tailored, college-preparatory environment versus their well-regarded neighborhood public school.
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