The Best Private Schools in Penn Run, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Penn Run. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oak Lane Private School
Independent
Oak Lane Private School is a highly regarded independent school serving the Penn Run and greater Indiana County area. With a 45-year history of academic excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong STEM programming and arts integration. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Extracurricular programs include robotics, theater, and competitive sports. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and nurturing environment that challenges students academically while supporting social-emotional development.
Programs:
The Kiski School
Independent
The Kiski School is a prestigious all-boys college preparatory school located just 15 minutes from Penn Run. As one of the oldest boys' boarding schools in the United States, Kiski offers both boarding and day programs serving students from Penn Run and surrounding communities. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with advanced STEM courses, extensive athletic facilities including a golf course and fitness center, and comprehensive arts programs. With an average class size of 12 students, Kiski provides individualized attention and maintains strong college placement records. The beautiful 350-acre campus includes modern dormitories, science centers, and extensive athletic complexes.
Programs:
St. Bernard Regional Catholic School
Diocese of Greensburg
St. Bernard Regional Catholic School provides faith-based education to families in Penn Run and throughout Indiana County. The school offers a balanced curriculum combining strong academics with character development and Catholic values. Programs include comprehensive STEM education, fine arts, foreign language instruction, and mandatory community service. The facility features updated technology labs, a chapel, gymnasium, and dedicated art and music rooms. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Bernard creates a supportive learning environment while maintaining high academic standards. The school serves students from preschool through eighth grade and maintains strong feeder relationships with local Catholic high schools.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Penn Run, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Penn Run, Pennsylvania?
Penn Run itself is a small community, so families typically look to the broader Indiana County area for private education. The most prominent options include The Kiski School, a prestigious all-boys college preparatory boarding and day school in nearby Saltsburg; St. Bernard Regional Catholic School in Indiana, offering a faith-based K-8 education; and Oak Lane Private School, which provides an alternative educational setting. For high school, besides Kiski, families may also consider commuting to private schools in the larger Indiana or Johnstown areas. The selection is defined by a mix of boarding, religious, and independent day schools, requiring consideration of commute times.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Penn Run, PA area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Penn Run area varies significantly by school type. St. Bernard Regional Catholic School typically has the most accessible tuition, often ranging from $4,000-$6,000 annually, supported by parish subsidies. The Kiski School, as a premier boarding institution, has a comprehensive tuition and boarding fee that can exceed $60,000, though day student tuition is lower. Pennsylvania offers several financial aid avenues that local families utilize, including the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide scholarships for students in low-performing public school districts or meeting income guidelines to attend participating private schools. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their participation in these state programs and institutional aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Penn Run community?
Schools in this region offer distinctive programs leveraging their settings and missions. The Kiski School is renowned for its strong college-prep curriculum, exceptional STEM facilities, and nationally recognized golf program, along with leadership development. St. Bernard Regional Catholic School integrates Catholic values throughout its curriculum and often emphasizes community service projects within Indiana County. Oak Lane Private School focuses on individualized learning plans and may offer more flexible, student-paced curricula. Given the rural nature of Penn Run, many schools also emphasize outdoor activities and environmental science, with Kiski utilizing its extensive campus for such programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Penn Run, PA?
Enrollment processes and deadlines differ. For a sought-after school like The Kiski School, the process for boarding spots begins a full year in advance, with applications due in January or February for the following fall. Their process includes standardized testing (SSAT/ISEE), interviews, and teacher recommendations. St. Bernard Regional Catholic School typically has a spring enrollment period for the upcoming academic year, with priority often given to parish members and siblings. It's essential to contact schools directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year, as spaces, especially in smaller schools and specific grades, can be limited. Many host open houses in the autumn.
For a family in Penn Run, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (United School District) and a private school?
The decision hinges on several factors unique to this rural area. The United School District serves Penn Run and offers a consolidated public education. Choosing a private school often involves a commute to Indiana, Saltsburg, or beyond, so transportation logistics are a major practical consideration. Parents may opt for private education for specific reasons: a desire for a single-gender, college-prep environment (Kiski); a faith-based curriculum (St. Bernard); or more individualized attention (Oak Lane). Academically, private schools may offer smaller class sizes and different curricular approaches. Financially, it involves weighing the cost of tuition against the potential use of Pennsylvania tax credit scholarships. The community aspect is also different—public schools center on the local township, while private schools create communities based on affiliation or educational philosophy.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities