The Best Private Schools in Paupack, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Paupack. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Jesuit Schools Network
Scranton Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Jesuit college preparatory school serving students from throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, including the Paupack area. Founded in 1940, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 23 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service as part of its Jesuit educational tradition.
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Faith Mountain Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Located in nearby Honesdale, Faith Mountain Christian Academy serves families throughout Wayne County, including the Paupack region. Established in 1996, this accredited Christian school offers comprehensive education from preschool through high school with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum integrates biblical principles with academic excellence, featuring advanced mathematics and science programs, competitive sports teams, and robust fine arts offerings. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes individualized attention, with many graduates attending competitive colleges and universities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic fields.
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Notre Dame High School
Diocese of Scranton
Notre Dame High School, located in East Stroudsburg, serves students from throughout the Poconos region, including the Paupack area. Founded in 1955, this Catholic college preparatory school offers a comprehensive academic program with multiple Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM offerings, and competitive athletic programs. The school features modern facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school provides personalized attention and maintains high college acceptance rates. The school community emphasizes faith formation, academic excellence, and service to others.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Paupack, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options serving families in Paupack, Pennsylvania, and what are their key characteristics?
While Paupack itself is a small, rural community, families typically look to nearby schools in the broader Pocono region and Scranton area. The top options include Scranton Preparatory School, a Jesuit, co-educational college preparatory school in Scranton known for rigorous academics; Notre Dame High School in East Stroudsburg, a diocesan Catholic school offering a comprehensive curriculum; and Faith Mountain Christian Academy in Newfoundland, providing a non-denominational Christian education. Due to Paupack's location, a significant consideration for families is daily transportation, as these schools are a 30-45 minute commute. Many families also explore private schools in the Honesdale or Hawley areas for slightly closer options.
How does the tuition for private schools near Paupack, PA, compare, and are there Pennsylvania-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly by school type. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Scranton Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $18,000, Notre Dame High School is around $12,000-$14,000, and Faith Mountain Christian Academy is generally lower, often under $10,000. Pennsylvania offers two key financial aid programs for eligible families: the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs provide scholarships through approved organizations, and all the mentioned schools typically participate. It's crucial to apply for these programs early, as funds are limited. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Paupack area offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the natural assets of the Pocono Mountains into their programs. For instance, several schools have robust environmental science and outdoor education programs, with potential for field studies in the nearby Lake Wallenpaupack area, state parks, and forests. Scranton Prep offers extensive advanced placement (AP) courses and global studies. Notre Dame High School may emphasize theology and community service aligned with Catholic diocesan initiatives. Given Paupack's proximity to major ski resorts, some schools have winter sports clubs or partnerships. The rural setting also influences a focus on close-knit community values and smaller class sizes compared to urban private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Scranton Prep or Notre Dame High School for a student from Paupack?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For fall admission, open houses are typically held in the September-November period of the prior year. Application deadlines for schools like Scranton Prep and Notre Dame are often in early December or January. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and taking a standardized entrance exam (like the HSPT) in January. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are communicated in February or March. For families in Paupack, it's essential to factor in transportation logistics during the application process and to inquire about carpool networks with other local families.
For a family living in Paupack, how do the local public school options compare with commuting to a private school in terms of community and educational approach?
The Wallenpaupack Area School District serves Paupack with a single, consolidated campus for all grades (K-12) located in Hawley. It offers a comprehensive public education with standard extracurriculars and is the center of the local community. Choosing a private school involves a deliberate trade-off: accepting a daily commute for a specific religious affiliation (Catholic or Christian), often a more rigorous college-prep curriculum with smaller classes, and a different social network. The private school community will be regionally drawn, not hyper-local to Paupack. The decision often hinges on whether a family prioritizes the convenience and deep local integration of the public school or seeks a specialized mission and is willing to manage the logistics of a longer school day.
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