The Best Private Schools in Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pocono Lake. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Swain School
Independent
The Swain School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located approximately 30 minutes from Pocono Lake, it offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Known for its strong community values and excellent teacher-student relationships, Swain emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence with comprehensive arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs.
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Notre Dame High School
Private Catholic
Notre Dame High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the broader Pocono region. With a strong academic reputation and comprehensive extracurricular offerings, the school provides a values-based education with rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Notre Dame offers numerous Advanced Placement courses, competitive sports teams, and extensive community service opportunities, preparing students for college success while maintaining a supportive, faith-based environment.
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Evergreen Community School
Independent
Evergreen Community School offers a unique Montessori-based education with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and outdoor learning. Located in the Pocono Mountains region, the school serves students from preschool through elementary grades with a child-centered approach that fosters independence and critical thinking. The campus includes indoor classrooms, extensive outdoor learning spaces, gardens, and natural play areas. The school is known for its strong sense of community, experienced faculty, and innovative curriculum that integrates traditional academics with hands-on, experiential learning in natural settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Pocono Lake, PA, and are they located directly in town or in nearby communities?
While Pocono Lake itself is a smaller community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader Pocono region. Notable options include The Swain School (Pre-K through 8th grade) in Allentown, about 45 minutes south, which offers a progressive, project-based curriculum. Notre Dame High School in East Stroudsburg, approximately 30 minutes away, is a popular Catholic college-preparatory choice for grades 9-12. Evergreen Community School in Stroudsburg, around 25 minutes from Pocono Lake, provides an alternative, nature-based education from preschool through middle school. Most commuting is required, so transportation planning is a key consideration for Pocono Lake residents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Pocono Lake, PA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the Pocono region tends to be moderately below the average for Pennsylvania's major metropolitan areas but is a significant household expense. For the 2024-25 school year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for elementary grades and $15,000-$20,000 for high school. Pennsylvania offers unique state-sponsored financial aid programs that benefit private school families. The most significant is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide need-based scholarships through approved organizations. Additionally, individual schools like Notre Dame High School and The Swain School offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Pocono Lake, PA, offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the Pocono Mountains area often integrate the natural landscape into their programs. Evergreen Community School’s curriculum is centered on environmental stewardship and outdoor learning, with regular forest explorations. The Swain School emphasizes sustainability and has robust science programs that can connect to local ecology. Notre Dame High School offers strong college-prep academics but also features extracurriculars like skiing/snowboarding clubs and outdoor adventure teams that take advantage of the nearby mountain resorts and state parks. This connection to nature is a distinctive feature of education in this region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Pocono Lake, PA, families, and when should we start?
The admissions process for schools like The Swain School, Notre Dame High School, and Evergreen Community School generally begins in the fall, one year prior to desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, completing student assessments or shadow days, and receiving decisions by March. For Pocono Lake families, starting research and visits 12-18 months in advance is wise due to commuting logistics and potential waitlists, especially for coveted spots in lower grades. Many schools also host summer tours by appointment.
For a family moving to Pocono Lake, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Pocono Mountain School District) and a private school?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to the Pocono Lake context. The Pocono Mountain School District provides a no-tuition, comprehensive K-12 education with diverse programs. Opting for a private school often involves a commute but can offer smaller class sizes, specific religious education (e.g., Notre Dame), or distinct pedagogical approaches (e.g., Swain's progressive model or Evergreen's nature focus). Private schools may also provide more consistent academic programming unaffected by local district budget votes. Families should weigh the commute time, financial investment, and alignment of the school's mission with their values against the convenience and community integration of the local public schools.
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