The Best Private Schools in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Cumberland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Harrisburg Academy
Independent School
Harrisburg Academy is one of Pennsylvania's oldest independent schools, offering a comprehensive educational program from preschool through 12th grade. The school is an International Baccalaureate World School, providing both the IB Diploma Programme and Primary Years Programme. Located just minutes from New Cumberland, the Academy features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, art studios, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes global citizenship, critical thinking, and personalized learning with small class sizes. Extracurricular offerings include robotics, theater, and competitive sports.
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Trinity High School
Diocese of Harrisburg
Trinity High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12 from the greater Harrisburg area, including New Cumberland. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM opportunities, and championship athletic programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Trinity provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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The Covenant School
Christian School Association
The Covenant School provides a classical Christian education for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, serving families throughout the Harrisburg metropolitan area including New Cumberland. The school's curriculum emphasizes the trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric, integrated with biblical worldview. Covenant offers a strong college preparatory program with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The school features comprehensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and community service opportunities. Located just across the river from New Cumberland, the campus provides a nurturing environment focused on academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and what grade levels do they serve?
New Cumberland itself is a smaller borough, so many of the prominent private schools are located in the immediate surrounding area of the West Shore and Harrisburg. Top options include Trinity High School (9-12) in nearby Camp Hill, Harrisburg Academy (Pre-K through 12) in Wormleysburg, and The Covenant School (Pre-K through 12) in Harrisburg. For younger students, there are also several private elementary and middle schools in the West Shore towns. This means New Cumberland families have a strong cluster of reputable K-12 private institutions within a short commute, offering both single-sex (Trinity) and co-educational environments.
How does the tuition for private schools in the New Cumberland, PA, area compare, and are there Pennsylvania-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the New Cumberland area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for elementary grades at many schools to $18,000-$25,000+ for high school at institutions like Harrisburg Academy. Pennsylvania offers two key financial aid programs for eligible families: the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC). These programs provide scholarships through approved organizations, and all major local private schools participate. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school and explore these state tax credit scholarships early in the application process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from New Cumberland, PA, that distinguish them from local public schools?
Schools in this area often leverage their independence to offer specialized tracks and global perspectives. For example, Harrisburg Academy features a renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, rare in the region, and a Center for Global Citizenship. Trinity High School offers extensive STEM initiatives and a distinctive corporate internship program for seniors. The Covenant School provides a classical Christian education model focused on great books and rhetoric. Additionally, many have robust arts programs, competitive athletic conferences (like the Mid-Penn for Trinity), and smaller class sizes that allow for more individualized attention than the larger Central Dauphin School District public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving New Cumberland, Pennsylvania families?
The admissions process for most private schools in the Greater Harrisburg area begins in the fall, about a year before desired enrollment. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held September-November), submitting an application by January or February priority deadlines, completing student assessments/interviews, and providing teacher recommendations and transcripts. Financial aid applications usually have a concurrent winter deadline. Notification of acceptance and financial aid awards typically goes out in March, with a spring deadline for families to secure their spot with a deposit. It's highly advised to start research and visits in the fall of the year prior to enrollment.
For a family living in New Cumberland, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school outside the borough?
A major practical consideration is transportation, as most private schools in the area do not provide district busing. Families are responsible for driving their children to schools in Camp Hill, Wormleysburg, or Harrisburg, which can mean a 10-25 minute commute each way. However, many schools facilitate carpool connections among families from the West Shore. Regarding community, choosing a school like Trinity, which draws heavily from the West Shore Catholic feeder schools, or Harrisburg Academy, which has a diverse regional draw, can shape your child's social network. Engaging with the school community often requires active participation in events that may not be hyper-local to New Cumberland, but you'll join a network of families from across the metro area.
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