The Best Private Schools in Marietta, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Marietta. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lancaster Country Day School
Independent School
Lancaster Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located approximately 15 minutes from Marietta, LCDS offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, the school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and offers extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service. The school community is known for its inclusive environment and strong parent involvement.
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Linden Hall
Independent Boarding and Day School
Linden Hall is the oldest independent boarding and day school for girls in the United States, located approximately 25 minutes from Marietta in historic Lititz. The school serves grades 6-12 and offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses. Notable programs include their renowned equestrian center, competitive athletic teams, and comprehensive arts education. The school features beautiful historic campus buildings alongside modern academic and athletic facilities. Linden Hall provides both boarding and day options, with a strong track record of college placements and individualized student support.
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Lancaster Mennonite School
Mennonite Education Agency
Lancaster Mennonite School is a comprehensive Christian school serving students from preschool through grade 12 across multiple campuses in Lancaster County. The main campus is approximately 20 minutes from Marietta and offers both traditional college preparatory and International Baccalaureate programs. LMS emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based framework, featuring modern facilities, competitive athletic programs, and robust arts education. The school serves a diverse student body and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including mission trips, service learning, and international student programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Marietta, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Marietta, PA, and what are their key characteristics?
While Marietta itself is a small borough, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Lancaster County area. Top options include Lancaster Country Day School (PreK-12, college preparatory with a strong arts and sciences focus), Lancaster Mennonite School (PreK-12, offering a Christian Anabaptist education across multiple campuses), and Linden Hall (all-girls, grades 6-12, the oldest female boarding/day school in the U.S., known for equestrian and STEM programs). It's important to note that these schools are located in nearby Lancaster or Lititz, requiring a commute from Marietta. Many families also consider smaller parochial schools affiliated with local churches.
How does the tuition for private schools near Marietta, PA, compare, and what financial aid options are available under Pennsylvania state programs?
Tuition in the Marietta/Lancaster area varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect a range from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for day schools like Lancaster Mennonite to over $30,000 for boarding at Linden Hall. Pennsylvania offers specific financial aid programs that Marietta 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. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school and investigate scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) early in the application process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Marietta, PA, that leverage the local region's character?
Schools in this historic region often integrate local culture and resources into their programs. Lancaster Country Day School emphasizes environmental science and sustainability, with potential field studies along the Susquehanna River. Lancaster Mennonite School offers unique courses in peace studies and service learning, reflecting its Anabaptist heritage and the area's strong community values. Linden Hall provides a renowned equestrian program, leveraging Pennsylvania's horse country, and a specialized Center for the Arts. Many schools also incorporate Pennsylvania history, agricultural science, and partnerships with local businesses and cultural institutions in Lancaster City into their curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Marietta, PA, families, and are there important local deadlines?
The process generally begins 12-18 months before the desired start date. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, and completing student assessments/interviews. For highly sought-after schools like Lancaster Country Day, applying by their priority deadline (often in January) is critical. Financial aid applications usually have a concurrent winter deadline. Given that some schools, like Linden Hall, have boarding populations, day student spots can be limited, so early inquiry is advised. Rolling admissions may be available for some grades, but planning ahead is the standard for Marietta-area families.
For a family in Marietta, PA, what are the practical considerations when comparing the local public school district (Penn Manor) with area private schools?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. The Penn Manor School District serves Marietta and is known for solid academic programs. Choosing a private school often entails a daily commute of 20-40 minutes to Lancaster or Lititz. Considerations include: class size (private schools typically offer smaller ratios), desired religious or philosophical alignment, and specialized programs (e.g., intensive college prep, arts, or single-gender education). Financially, it involves weighing private tuition against Pennsylvania property taxes that fund public schools. Many families value the close-knit community of Marietta but seek the specific educational approach or community offered by the private institutions in the broader county.
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