The Best Private Schools in Lilly, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lilly. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop McCort Catholic High School
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Bishop McCort Catholic High School is a premier college-preparatory institution serving the Lilly area and greater Johnstown region. With a 100% college acceptance rate, the school offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletic programs. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development through community service and spiritual formation, maintaining small class sizes with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio.
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Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Serving students from Lilly and surrounding communities, Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School provides a comprehensive college-preparatory education rooted in Catholic values. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, a performing arts center, and athletic complex. Academic programs include numerous AP courses, robotics, and competitive academic teams. With a strong emphasis on leadership development and community service, the school maintains a 98% college acceptance rate and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic programs and award-winning arts programs.
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Saint Michael School
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Saint Michael School provides a comprehensive K-8 private education serving families from Lilly and the broader Blair County region. The school offers a strong foundation in core academics with integrated technology, foreign language instruction, and religious education. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, science facilities, and athletic spaces. The school emphasizes character development and community involvement while preparing students for success in high school and beyond. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the curriculum includes robust arts and music programs alongside academic enrichment opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lilly, Pennsylvania
What are the private school options for families residing in Lilly, Pennsylvania, and are there transportation services available?
Lilly, PA, is served by several nearby private institutions, primarily Catholic schools. The notable options include Bishop McCort Catholic High School in Johnstown (grades 9-12), Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School in Altoona (grades 9-12), and Saint Michael School in Loretto (PreK-8). Due to Lilly's smaller size, these schools are located in neighboring communities, typically a 15-30 minute drive. Most of these schools offer bus transportation or subsidized van services through agreements with local public districts or diocesan programs, but routes and availability can vary. Parents should contact each school's admissions office directly to confirm transportation options from Lilly for the current academic year.
How does tuition at private schools near Lilly, PA, compare, and what financial aid options are specific to Pennsylvania?
Tuition for the private schools serving Lilly typically ranges from approximately $5,000 to $10,000 annually for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Pennsylvania offers significant state-sponsored financial aid programs that Lilly families can utilize. The most notable is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide scholarships to eligible students, especially those in lower-performing public school districts or meeting income guidelines. Additionally, all the local Catholic schools have their own need-based financial aid and offer multi-child discounts. It's crucial to apply for these programs early, as funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by the private schools accessible to Lilly residents?
The private schools near Lilly, PA, often emphasize a values-based education alongside strong academic and extracurricular programs. Bishop McCort and Bishop Guilfoyle both offer robust Advanced Placement (AP) course selections, STEM initiatives, and distinctive programs like Bishop Guilfoyle's Marauder Academy for personalized learning. Given the region's history, many schools have strong community service components. Extracurricularly, these schools are known for competitive athletic programs (particularly football and basketball) in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference, as well as thriving music, arts, and drama programs that draw students from across the region, including Lilly.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Lilly, PA, area, and are there geographic priority zones?
The enrollment process for schools like Bishop McCort, Bishop Guilfoyle, and Saint Michael usually begins in January for the following fall semester. While these schools serve a regional area and accept students from multiple towns, including Lilly, they do not have strict geographic boundaries like public schools. However, priority is often given to siblings of current students, children of alumni, and active parishioners of supporting Catholic churches. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. For high schools, placement exams are frequently required. Given the limited seats, especially in popular grades, Lilly families are advised to initiate inquiries by early winter.
For a family in Lilly, how does the choice between the local public school (Penn Cambria School District) and a private school like Bishop McCort impact daily life and community involvement?
Choosing a private school while living in Lilly involves distinct logistical and social considerations. The Penn Cambria public schools are centrally located within the community, fostering neighborhood-based friendships and easy access to local events. Opting for a private school like Bishop McCort means your child's core peer group and many daily activities (sports, clubs) will be based 20-30 minutes away in Johnstown. This can require a significant commitment to driving for parents. However, it also expands your child's network across the broader region and immerses them in a specific faith-based community. The academic and disciplinary environments will differ, with private schools offering smaller average class sizes and a required religion curriculum. Many Lilly families successfully navigate this balance, with children involved in both their school's activities and local community sports or organizations.
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