The Best Private Schools in Littlestown, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Littlestown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Delone Catholic High School
Diocese of Harrisburg Catholic Schools
Delone Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory school serving the Littlestown area and surrounding communities. With a 60-year legacy of academic excellence, the school offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for top universities. The campus features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a strong emphasis on character development. The school's STEM Academy provides advanced opportunities in science and technology, while extensive extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, performing arts, and community service programs.
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St. Joseph School
Diocese of Harrisburg Catholic Schools
St. Joseph School has been providing exceptional private education to families in the Littlestown region for over seven decades. Serving students from preschool through eighth grade, this Catholic school combines strong academic foundations with moral development. The school features updated technology labs, dedicated science classrooms, and modern learning spaces. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and STEM education while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports teams, choir, band, and various clubs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong community atmosphere.
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St. Francis Xavier School
Diocese of Harrisburg Catholic Schools
St. Francis Xavier School serves families from Littlestown and the broader Adams County region with a comprehensive educational program from preschool through eighth grade. The school maintains a strong academic reputation with accelerated programs in mathematics and language arts. Facilities include smart classrooms, a dedicated computer lab, science laboratory, and gymnasium. The school emphasizes character education and community service while providing a well-rounded education that includes music, art, physical education, and foreign language instruction. With experienced faculty and a supportive parent community, the school consistently prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Littlestown, Pennsylvania
What are the main private school options available for families living in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, and what grade levels do they serve?
Littlestown, PA, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. Delone Catholic High School in nearby McSherrystown serves grades 9-12. For younger students, St. Joseph School in Hanover (Pre-K to 8) and St. Francis Xavier School in Gettysburg (Pre-K to 8) are common choices for Littlestown families, though they require a commute. There are no private schools physically located within Littlestown borough limits for elementary or high school, so parents should be prepared for transportation to these surrounding Adams County communities. Exploring these schools' specific missions and feeder patterns is an important first step.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Littlestown, PA, area compare, and are there any Pennsylvania-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Delone Catholic High School tuition is approximately $9,000-$10,000, while elementary schools like St. Joseph are typically $4,000-$5,000 for parishioners. A key Pennsylvania-specific resource is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs provide need-based scholarships funded by business donations, and all the mentioned local private schools participate. Additionally, many parishes offer subsidized tuition for active members, which can significantly reduce costs for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Littlestown offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Littlestown emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum. Academically, they often feature smaller class sizes than the public Littlestown Area School District. Delone Catholic offers distinctive programs like its "Squire Scholars" honors program, extensive theology courses, and a strong tradition in athletics and arts. St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier provide structured environments with daily religion classes and sacramental preparation. For families seeking a college-prep environment with a specific moral framework, these programs are a primary draw, though they may offer fewer elective choices than the larger public high school.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Littlestown interested in schools like Delone Catholic or St. Joseph?
The process typically begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year (e.g., October-January for the following fall). It involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, and often a pastoral reference for Catholic schools. Many schools host open houses in the autumn. A critical local consideration is that Delone Catholic gives priority to students from its "feeder" elementary schools (like St. Joseph and St. Francis Xavier), so planning for a K-8 Catholic education can streamline admission to the high school. Non-Catholic families are usually welcome to apply, but spaces may be limited after Catholic students are placed.
For a family in Littlestown deciding between the Littlestown Area School District and a private school, what are some key local factors to consider?
Key local factors include commute, cost, and educational philosophy. The Littlestown Area School District provides a tuition-free, comprehensive K-12 education within the community, with diverse extracurriculars and AP courses. Choosing a private school involves a daily commute to Hanover, Gettysburg, or McSherrystown and significant tuition, offset potentially by financial aid. The decision often hinges on the value placed on a religious education, smaller class sizes, and a specific community environment. Many local families appreciate the close-knit, tradition-rich atmosphere of the area's Catholic schools, viewing it as worth the investment and travel for their child's formative years.
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