The Best Private Schools in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pocono Manor. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Jesuits
Scranton Preparatory School is a highly-acclaimed Jesuit college preparatory school that serves students from throughout northeastern Pennsylvania, including the Pocono region. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM facilities, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The Jesuit educational philosophy emphasizes intellectual excellence, moral development, and service to others. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, modern athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide.
Programs:
Notre Dame High School
Diocese of Scranton
Notre Dame High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Pocono region. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 14 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. With small class sizes averaging 18 students, the school provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
Programs:
The Pennington School
Independent
The Pennington School (operating as Pennsylvania Montessori Schools) offers a comprehensive private education program serving the Pocono Mountain region. The school provides a challenging college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on individualized learning. Programs include advanced mathematics and science courses, comprehensive arts education, and competitive athletic teams. The school maintains small class sizes and features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and performing arts spaces. Parent satisfaction is consistently high with praise for academic rigor and supportive faculty.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Pocono Manor, PA, and what are their key characteristics?
While Pocono Manor itself is a small, private resort community, families typically look to the broader Pocono Mountains region and nearby Scranton for private school options. The notable schools you mentioned, such as Scranton Preparatory School (a Jesuit, co-ed college preparatory school in Scranton) and Notre Dame High School (a private, Catholic school in East Stroudsburg), are popular choices. The Pennington School is actually in New Jersey, a significant commute away. For Pocono Manor residents, the most accessible options are often Catholic diocesan schools in Monroe County or independent day schools within a 30-45 minute drive, requiring careful consideration of transportation logistics in this mountainous region.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Pocono Manor, PA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the Pocono/Scranton region generally ranges from approximately $10,000 to $18,000 per year for secondary schools, which is slightly below the average for Pennsylvania's major metropolitan areas but significant relative to local median incomes. Pennsylvania offers unique financial aid opportunities that Pocono Manor families should explore, primarily the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs provide scholarships funded by business donations, and many local private schools participate. Additionally, most schools, like Scranton Prep and Notre Dame, offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Pocono Manor, PA, offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Pocono region often integrate the unique local geography and community into their programs. For example, schools may offer robust environmental science and ecology programs that utilize the Pocono Mountains as a living laboratory for fieldwork. Outdoor education, including hiking, skiing, and conservation projects, is a common extracurricular focus. Furthermore, given the area's mix of resort, residential, and natural resource-based economies, some schools develop specialized business or hospitality tracks. Scranton Preparatory School, for instance, offers strong STEM and humanities programs with a Jesuit emphasis on service, which can involve local community engagement projects within the Poconos.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Pocono Manor, PA, families?
The enrollment process for sought-after schools like Scranton Preparatory School or Notre Dame High School often begins a full year in advance. Prospective families should initiate inquiries in the fall (September-October) for admission the following academic year. Key steps include attending open houses (often held in October and November), submitting applications by January deadlines, taking required entrance exams (like the HSPT), and completing interviews. Given that these schools draw from a wide regional area, applying early is crucial. Pocono Manor families should also inquire about transportation services, as some schools may offer bus routes from central locations in Monroe County.
For a family in Pocono Manor, what are the major considerations when comparing the local public school district (Pocono Mountain School District) with area private schools?
The primary considerations involve educational approach, logistics, and cost. The Pocono Mountain School District provides a large, comprehensive public education with diverse programs but in larger class settings. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, often with a specific religious or pedagogical mission (e.g., college-prep, Catholic), and may have more rigorous homework and discipline policies. Logistically, the commute to a private school can be substantial, while public school busing is provided within Pocono Manor. Financially, paying private tuition versus potentially higher local property taxes for public schools is a key trade-off. Many families choose private options for religious alignment or a perceived stronger academic focus, especially if seeking entry into competitive colleges.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities