The Best Private Schools in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lehigh Valley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Moravian Academy
Independent
Moravian Academy is one of the oldest independent schools in the United States, offering a comprehensive college preparatory education from preschool through 12th grade. The school features a rigorous International Baccalaureate program, state-of-the-art facilities including science labs and performing arts centers, and competitive athletic programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, serving families throughout the Lehigh Valley region.
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The Swain School
Independent
The Swain School provides a challenging and supportive educational environment for students from early childhood through 8th grade. The school focuses on developing critical thinking skills through an advanced curriculum that includes specialized math and language arts programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. With a strong sense of community and individualized attention, Swain prepares students for success in competitive secondary schools and beyond.
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Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School
Charter School
Lehigh Valley Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade across the Lehigh Valley region. The school offers International Baccalaureate Primary Years and Middle Years Programs with a strong emphasis on STEM education. With modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and athletic complexes, LVA provides a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for college and careers. The school serves a diverse student population from throughout the Lehigh Valley area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania
What are the main types of private school options available to families in the Lehigh Valley, PA, and how do they differ?
The Lehigh Valley offers a diverse range of private school models. You'll find traditional independent day schools like Moravian Academy (with campuses in Bethlehem and Allentown) and The Swain School in Allentown, which offer comprehensive K-12 college-preparatory programs. There are also faith-based schools affiliated with various denominations. Notably, the region has a strong presence of charter schools, like the Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, which is tuition-free but operates independently with a specialized curriculum (e.g., International Baccalaureate). This mix allows parents to choose based on educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and tuition structure.
How does tuition for top private schools in the Lehigh Valley, PA, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, schools like Moravian Academy and The Swain School have tuition ranging from approximately $20,000 to $30,000+ for upper grades. In contrast, charter schools like Lehigh Valley Academy are publicly funded and charge no tuition. Most established private schools in the Lehigh Valley offer robust need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Pennsylvania also has tax-advantaged programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC), which provide scholarships to eligible families, making private education more accessible for Pennsylvania residents.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by Lehigh Valley, PA, private schools that distinguish them from local public schools?
Several Lehigh Valley private schools offer distinctive programs not universally available in public districts. Moravian Academy has a renowned global studies program and a dedicated Center for Innovation. The Swain School emphasizes experiential learning and a strong arts integration. Lehigh Valley Academy is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the IB Diploma Programme—a rare offering in the region. Many private schools also feature smaller class sizes, specialized STEM labs, language immersion starting in lower grades, and unique partnerships with local institutions like Lehigh University and Bethlehem's arts organizations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Lehigh Valley, PA?
The process for schools like Moravian Academy and The Swain School often begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting an application by January or February for the following fall, student assessments or classroom visits, and parent interviews. Financial aid applications usually coincide with admission deadlines. For charter schools like Lehigh Valley Academy, enrollment is often via a public lottery if applications exceed available spots, with specific lottery dates announced in early winter. We recommend starting research in the fall and contacting admissions offices directly, as timelines can vary.
Considering Lehigh Valley's diverse communities, how do private schools here support students from different towns like Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton?
Lehigh Valley private schools actively draw students from across the region's three core cities and surrounding suburbs. Most offer transportation or busing options from centralized locations in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, which is a key consideration for families. The student bodies are intentionally regional, fostering a diverse mix of backgrounds. Schools often facilitate carpools and have flexible before/after-care programs to accommodate commuting parents. This regional draw is a defining feature, creating a microcosm of the larger Lehigh Valley community within the school environment and providing networking and social opportunities across municipal lines.
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