The Best Private Schools in Olyphant, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Olyphant. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Society of Jesus (Jesuit)
Scranton Preparatory School is a highly regarded Jesuit college preparatory school known for its rigorous academic curriculum, with over 20 Advanced Placement courses and a 100% college acceptance rate. The school emphasizes holistic education through faith-based values, extensive extracurricular activities, and state-of-the-art facilities. It serves students from Olyphant and the broader Northeastern Pennsylvania region, fostering a close-knit community with strong parent and student satisfaction.
Programs:
Holy Cross High School
Diocese of Scranton
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Quality Private School 3
Independent School
A trusted private school serving the Olyphant community with quality education and personalized learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Olyphant, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, and are they located within the borough?
While Olyphant itself is a smaller borough, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate Scranton area. The most prominent options include Scranton Preparatory School (Jesuit, co-ed, grades 9-12) in Scranton, Holy Cross High School (Catholic, co-ed, grades 9-12) in Dunmore, and other local parochial elementary schools. Most students from Olyphant commute a short distance, typically 10-20 minutes, to these schools. There are limited, if any, private school campuses physically located within Olyphant's borders, making transportation a key consideration for local parents.
How does tuition for private high schools like Scranton Prep or Holy Cross compare, and what financial aid options are available for Pennsylvania residents?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at Scranton Preparatory School is approximately $19,000, while Holy Cross High School's tuition is around $14,000. These costs are typical for the region's college-preparatory and Catholic high schools. Pennsylvania offers several financial aid programs that benefit Olyphant families, including the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide need-based scholarships through approved organizations. Additionally, both schools offer their own substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarship opportunities. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Olyphant students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools like Scranton Prep and Holy Cross provide specialized programs that are a significant draw for Olyphant families. Scranton Prep offers a rigorous Jesuit curriculum with renowned STEM programs, extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings, and unique partnerships with local universities like The University of Scranton. Holy Cross High School features distinctive academies within the school, such as their STEM Academy and Humanities Academy, allowing for focused study paths. Both schools also have strong athletics and arts programs that compete at the regional and state levels, often with more specialized facilities and coaching than may be available in the public district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in the Scranton area that Olyphant students attend?
The enrollment process for schools like Scranton Prep and Holy Cross begins early in a student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include attending open houses (typically held in the fall), taking a mandatory entrance exam (usually the HSPT in December or January), submitting an application by a January or February deadline, and completing a financial aid application concurrently. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated in February or March. For Olyphant families, it's important to plan for this timeline, as spaces are limited and applying to multiple schools is common. Many families also attend "shadow days" where their child spends a day at the school.
For an Olyphant family, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the Mid Valley public school district and a private school like Holy Cross or Scranton Prep?
The decision involves several local factors. The Mid Valley School District serves Olyphant and provides a tuition-free education with proximity. Choosing a private school adds tuition costs and a daily commute to Scranton or Dunmore, but often offers smaller class sizes, a specific religious or values-based education (if desired), and a perceived competitive edge in college admissions. For many Olyphant families, the choice hinges on the desire for a particular educational environment, the availability of financial aid to offset costs, and the value placed on the extensive alumni networks and college counseling resources that schools like Scranton Prep are known for in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
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