The Best Private Schools in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mount Pocono. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Jesuits of the Northeast Province
Scranton Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Jesuit college preparatory school serving students from throughout northeastern Pennsylvania, including the Mount Pocono area. The school maintains a rigorous academic program with a 100% college acceptance rate and offers 22 Advanced Placement courses. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and service to others. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and exceptional faculty.
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Notre Dame High School
Diocese of Scranton
Notre Dame High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving the Pocono region with a strong academic reputation. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 16 Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics and arts programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes.
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Allentown Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Allentown
Allentown Central Catholic High School serves students from across the Lehigh Valley and Pocono regions with a comprehensive college preparatory program. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing academic rigor and international perspective. Their STEM Academy prepares students for careers in science and technology, while robust arts and athletic programs offer well-rounded development. The school features modern academic facilities, recently renovated science labs, and competitive athletic programs with a strong tradition of excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private high school options for families residing in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, and what are their commuting realities?
While Mount Pocono itself has limited private high schools within its immediate borough limits, families typically look to several well-regarded institutions in the broader Pocono region and neighboring cities. Notable options include Notre Dame High School in East Stroudsburg (approx. 20-30 min drive), Scranton Preparatory School in Scranton (approx. 35-45 min drive), and Allentown Central Catholic High School in Allentown (approx. 45-55 min drive). The commute is a significant factor for Mount Pocono residents, as these schools are in different counties. Many families coordinate carpools or utilize limited school-provided transportation services that may extend into Monroe County.
How does Pennsylvania's tuition assistance landscape, like the EITC and OSTC programs, benefit Mount Pocono families considering private schools?
Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs are crucial for many Mount Pocono families. These programs allow businesses to divert state tax dollars to scholarship organizations, which then provide need-based scholarships to students attending private schools. Since the top private schools near Mount Pocono (e.g., Notre Dame, Scranton Prep) participate with these scholarship organizations, eligible families can receive substantial aid. It's important to apply for financial aid directly through the school *and* through approved scholarship organizations like the BLOCS Foundation or the Foundation for Catholic Education early in the application cycle.
Given Mount Pocono's location, do local private schools offer unique programs tailored to the region's environment or economy?
Yes, several schools leverage the Pocono Mountains setting. Notre Dame High School, for instance, incorporates environmental science and ecology studies that can utilize local state parks and forests as living laboratories. Some schools also have robust ski and snowboard clubs, taking advantage of nearby resorts like Camelback. Furthermore, with tourism being a key regional industry, business and hospitality programs at these schools often include relevant coursework and internships. Scranton Prep's strong STEM curriculum also connects with regional healthcare and technology sectors in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre corridor.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key deadlines for private high schools serving the Mount Pocono, PA area?
The timeline is highly standardized across the major Catholic and independent schools in the region. The process typically begins in the fall of a student's 7th or 8th grade year. Open houses are held between September and November. Application deadlines are usually in early to mid-December, with placement exams (like the HSPT) scheduled for January. Financial aid applications (using platforms like FACTS) are due shortly after the school application, often by February. Acceptance letters and financial aid awards are typically communicated in March for enrollment the following fall. Given the competitive nature of schools like Scranton Prep, early engagement is strongly advised.
How do the academic and extracurricular environments of private schools near Mount Pocono compare to the public schools in the Pocono Mountain School District?
The choice often involves trade-offs between scale and specialization. The Pocono Mountain School District offers a wide range of programs and a large, diverse student body. In contrast, private options like Notre Dame or Scranton Prep generally offer smaller class sizes, a more uniform college-preparatory curriculum, and often higher average standardized test scores. They typically have mandatory service and faith-based components (if religious). Extracurriculars may be more limited in sheer number than a large public district but can offer deep engagement. The private school commute is a factor, whereas public school provides a local community hub. The decision frequently hinges on a family's priority for a specific educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and willingness to manage the commute for a perceived academic advantage.
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