The Best Private Schools in New Brighton, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Brighton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sewickley Academy
Independent School
Sewickley Academy is a prestigious independent school serving the greater Pittsburgh region, including New Brighton families seeking exceptional educational opportunities. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through Grade 12 program with both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement pathways. Known for academic excellence, the school features state-of-the-art facilities including innovation labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and highly qualified faculty, students achieve outstanding academic results and college placements. The school offers extensive extracurricular programs and maintains a diverse, inclusive community.
Programs:
Quigley Catholic High School
Diocese of Pittsburgh Catholic Schools
Quigley Catholic High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Beaver County area, including New Brighton. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with multiple AP courses and a strong emphasis on character development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers comprehensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
Programs:
Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School
PA Cyber Charter Schools
Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School is a leading online public charter school serving students throughout Pennsylvania, including New Brighton residents. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 curriculum with flexible learning options and individualized instruction. PA Cyber provides advanced placement courses, gifted education programs, and strong special education support services. Students benefit from innovative technology platforms, certified teachers, and numerous virtual extracurricular activities. The school has a strong track record of college preparedness and offers extensive family support services.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Brighton, Pennsylvania
What are the main private school options available for families residing in New Brighton, Pennsylvania?
While New Brighton itself is a smaller borough, families have access to several notable private institutions in the immediate region. These include Quigley Catholic High School in Baden (a diocesan Catholic high school), Sewickley Academy in nearby Sewickley (a prestigious Pre-K through 12 independent school), and the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (a statewide, tuition-free online public charter option that operates as an alternative to district schools). Additionally, there are various parochial elementary schools in neighboring Beaver County communities. Transportation to schools outside the district is typically a parent responsibility.
How does tuition for private schools near New Brighton, PA, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school. For the 2024-2025 year, Quigley Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $10,000-$11,000, with active parishioner discounts and need-based financial aid available. Sewickley Academy's tuition is substantially higher, ranging from around $30,000 for lower school to over $40,000 for upper school, but they also offer a robust need-based financial aid program. Pennsylvania offers tax-advantaged programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC), which provide scholarships for eligible students to attend participating private schools, a key financial consideration for Pennsylvania residents.
What unique academic programs or specializations do private schools in the New Brighton area offer?
Schools in the region provide distinct academic pathways. Sewickley Academy is known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum, global studies program, and extensive arts and athletics. Quigley Catholic offers a faith-based education with college-prep and honors tracks, and has strong community service requirements. The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School provides a fully virtual, flexible learning model with self-paced options, which can be ideal for students pursuing elite athletics, performing arts, or those who thrive outside a traditional classroom. This blend of traditional parochial, elite independent, and innovative cyber education is unique to the Pennsylvania landscape.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private high schools like Quigley Catholic or Sewickley Academy for a New Brighton student?
The process is school-specific and requires early planning. For Sewickley Academy, the process for fall entry often begins 12-18 months in advance, involving an inquiry, campus tour, application, standardized testing (ISEE/SSAT), student interview, and teacher recommendations. Deadlines are typically in January. For Quigley Catholic, the process is generally less protracted, with open houses in the fall, an application deadline in the spring prior to the freshman year, and placement tests. For both, financial aid applications (like FAST) are due early in the calendar year. It's crucial to contact admissions offices directly, as a New Brighton address does not affect priority.
For a New Brighton family, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district to area private schools?
Key considerations include educational approach, cost, and community. New Brighton Area School District offers a no-tuition, community-centered K-12 education. Comparing it to private options involves evaluating: 1) **Class Size**: Private schools often have smaller student-teacher ratios. 2) **Curriculum & Specials**: Sewickley Academy offers languages from a young age and extensive AP courses; Quigley provides a structured, values-based environment. 3) **Extracurriculars**: Larger public districts may offer more varied sports and clubs, while private schools offer different niches. 4) **Logistics & Cost**: Public school includes transportation; private school adds tuition, aid logistics, and daily commuting to Beaver or Allegheny County. Many families use the state's public cyber charter option as a third, tuition-free alternative.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Top Private Elementary Schools in New Brighton, PA for Your Child
For families in New Brighton, the search for the “best private elementary schools near me” is about more than just academics; it’s about finding a community that aligns with your values and sets a strong foundation for your child’s future. While New Brighton itself is a tight-knit community within Beaver County, your search will naturally extend to the surrounding areas, offering a blend of traditional parochial schools, independent academies, and innovative educational models. Understanding the local landscape is key to making an informed decision that fits your family’s lifestyle and educational philosophy.
A great starting point is to consider the established pathways. While Quigley Catholic High School in Baden serves secondary students, its presence highlights the strong tradition of faith-based education in the region. Many families seeking a continuous parochial education from elementary through high school will look to affiliated elementary schools in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. Schools like St. Monica in Beaver Falls or St. Cecilia in Rochester provide a structured, values-centered environment that feeds directly into Quigley, offering a seamless K-12 journey for families who prioritize this continuity. This is a significant local consideration for parents planning long-term.
For families interested in a highly rigorous, independent school education, expanding your search slightly south is essential. Sewickley Academy, located about a 25-minute drive from New Brighton, is a premier independent school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Its elementary program is renowned for its challenging curriculum, exceptional faculty, and emphasis on global citizenship. The commute from New Brighton is manageable for many families who seek this top-tier, comprehensive education. It represents a significant investment, but for those desiring a robust program with extensive resources and a track record of college preparatory success, it is a leading contender in any “best near me” search.
The definition of “best” is also evolving with technology. The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, headquartered in Midland, is a fully accredited, tuition-free online public charter school that many local families consider as a private-school alternative. It offers a structured, home-based education with certified teachers and curriculum flexibility. For families in New Brighton seeking a non-traditional setting, perhaps due to scheduling needs, extracurricular commitments, or a desire for a more personalized pace, this can be an excellent option. It underscores that the “best” environment isn’t always a physical classroom.
Ultimately, your personal definition of “best” will guide you. We recommend creating a shortlist based on your core priorities—whether that’s faith integration, academic prestige, or schedule flexibility. Then, take the crucial step of visiting. Attend open houses, tour the campuses in Beaver Falls, Sewickley, or even explore the virtual setup of a cyber charter. Talk to administrators, observe classrooms, and feel the community vibe. The best private elementary school for your New Brighton family is the one where your child will be known, challenged, and inspired, within a community that feels like the right fit for your home life and your hopes for their future.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities