The Best Private Schools in Penns Park, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Penns Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Newtown Friends School
Friends Council on Education
Newtown Friends School is a highly-regarded Quaker day school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located just 4 miles from Penns Park, the school offers a nurturing environment with strong academic foundations. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, social responsibility, and hands-on learning experiences. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The school community is known for its inclusive atmosphere and strong parent involvement, with graduates consistently accepted into top secondary schools throughout the region.
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Buckingham Friends School
Friends Council on Education
Buckingham Friends School is an acclaimed Quaker day school located approximately 8 miles from Penns Park. Serving students from age 3 through 8th grade, the school combines academic excellence with character development through Quaker principles. The 44-acre campus features historic buildings alongside modern facilities, including dedicated science labs, art rooms, and extensive athletic fields. The school's outdoor education program utilizes the natural surroundings for hands-on learning. Small class sizes ensure individual attention, and the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and community engagement.
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George School
Friends Council on Education
George School is a prestigious Quaker boarding and day school located just minutes from Penns Park. Founded in 1893, the school offers a rigorous academic program featuring the International Baccalaureate Diploma alongside Advanced Placement courses. The 240-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, art studios, athletic complexes, and sustainable farm programs. With small class sizes and a 7:1 student-teacher ratio, students receive personalized attention. The school emphasizes global citizenship, community service, and ethical leadership through its Quaker values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Penns Park, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Penns Park, Pennsylvania?
Penns Park itself is a small, rural community, so families typically look to the surrounding Bucks County area for private schools. The most prominent and accessible options are the three Quaker-affiliated institutions nearby: George School (a 9-12 boarding/day school in Newtown), Newtown Friends School (Pre-K through 8th grade in Newtown), and Buckingham Friends School (Pre-K through 8th grade in Lahaska). These schools are all within a 15-20 minute drive from Penns Park and represent the core of the local independent school community, known for their strong academics and values-based education.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Penns Park, PA, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition varies by grade level and school. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at George School for grades 9-12 is approximately $49,000, while Newtown Friends and Buckingham Friends School tuition for middle school grades ranges from $30,000 to $35,000. All three schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Pennsylvania also has tax-advantaged programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC), which these schools participate in, providing additional tuition assistance to eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private schools in the Penns Park area?
The Quaker schools near Penns Park offer distinctive programs rooted in their philosophies. George School is renowned for its global curriculum, including mandatory service learning and a strong International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Both Newtown Friends and Buckingham Friends School emphasize outdoor education and environmental stewardship, leveraging the rural Bucks County landscape. Buckingham Friends, for instance, has a dedicated farm and garden program. Additionally, the close-knit community feel and emphasis on conflict resolution through Quaker meeting for worship are unique hallmarks of these schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like George School near Penns Park?
The admission process for these selective schools begins early. For fall entry, applications are typically due between January and February for the following academic year. The process involves a campus tour/interview, submission of applications and teacher recommendations, and standardized testing (such as the SSAT for George School). For the younger grades at Newtown Friends and Buckingham Friends, early application is strongly advised, as spaces fill quickly. Many families in Penns Park start the process 12-18 months in advance, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade.
As a Penns Park resident, how do the local private school options compare to the public schools in the Council Rock School District?
Penns Park is part of the highly-regarded Council Rock School District (CRSD), which is a major consideration for families. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and scale. CRSD offers a large, comprehensive public education with extensive AP courses, sports, and arts at no direct tuition cost. The nearby private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), a specific values-based Quaker education, and different pedagogical approaches like IB. For families seeking a close-knit community aligned with Quaker principles or a specific program like IB, the private options are compelling, despite the significant tuition investment.
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