The Best Private Schools in Preston Park, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Preston Park. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Jesuits East
Scranton Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Jesuit college preparatory school serving the greater Scranton area, including Preston Park. Founded by the Society of Jesus, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and extensive extracurricular activities. The 40-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school emphasizes character development and academic excellence, consistently achieving high college acceptance rates to top universities.
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Fell Charter School
Fell Charter School System
Fell Charter School serves students from Preston Park and surrounding communities in northeastern Pennsylvania. As a public charter school with private school-level academic standards, it offers small class sizes and individualized attention. The school focuses on project-based learning with strong STEM components and comprehensive arts programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and recreational spaces. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through its community-focused approach and strong academic outcomes, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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All Saints Academy
Diocese of Scranton
All Saints Academy provides Catholic education to families in the Scranton region, including Preston Park residents. The school offers a comprehensive PreK-8 program that integrates faith formation with rigorous academics. Features include modern technology integration across all grade levels, specialized music and art instruction, and strong community involvement. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. With a dedicated faculty and active parent community, All Saints Academy creates a nurturing environment that prepares students academically and spiritually for future success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Preston Park, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Preston Park, Pennsylvania?
While Preston Park itself is a small borough, families typically look to schools in the broader Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region. The most prominent local options include Scranton Preparatory School (a Jesuit, co-ed college preparatory school in Scranton), All Saints Academy (a private, independent Catholic school in Scranton), and Fell Charter School (a public charter school in Simpson, which functions like a tuition-free school of choice). It's important to note that true private schools like Scranton Prep and All Saints require tuition, and commuting from Preston Park to these schools is common. There are also other parochial and independent schools within a 20-30 minute drive in Lackawanna and Wayne counties.
How does the tuition for private schools near Preston Park, PA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Scranton area serving Preston Park families is generally below the state average for similar institutions in major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at schools like Scranton Preparatory School ranges approximately from $15,000 to $18,000. Pennsylvania offers significant financial aid opportunities through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which fund need-based scholarships for students attending participating private schools. Most local private schools have robust financial aid offices and actively help families apply for these state-sponsored funds, as well as offering their own institutional aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Preston Park area offer that leverage the local region?
Private schools in the Scranton/Pocono region near Preston Park often incorporate the area's distinctive geography and community into their programs. For example, Scranton Prep offers robust environmental science and outdoor education programs that utilize the nearby Pocono Mountains for fieldwork and study. Several schools have strong partnerships with local universities like The University of Scranton and Marywood University for dual-enrollment courses. Furthermore, given the area's historical significance in industry and transportation, many schools integrate local history, architecture, and economic studies into their social sciences curricula. Extracurriculars often emphasize outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and environmental clubs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Scranton Prep that serve the Preston Park community?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the area begins early. For a fall start, the timeline typically opens in the prior August or September with open houses. Application deadlines are often in early winter (December or January), with entrance exams (like the HSPT for Scranton Prep) scheduled for January. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in February or March. Given the limited seats and the number of applicants from across Lackawanna and surrounding counties, including Preston Park, it is crucial for families to begin the process at least a year in advance. Many schools also encourage prospective student shadow visits during the fall semester.
For a family in Preston Park considering the choice between the local public school and a private school, what are the key logistical and community factors to weigh?
The key consideration for Preston Park families is the commitment to commuting. The local public school is likely the Abington Heights School District, which is highly regarded. Choosing a private school like Scranton Prep or All Saints Academy involves a daily commute of 20-40 minutes into Scranton, which impacts carpooling, extracurricular participation, and family schedules. On the community side, private schools offer a distinct, often faith-based or mission-driven community that draws from a wider geographic area, which can expand your child's network beyond the immediate borough. Academically, the choice may come down to specific program offerings, class size (typically smaller in private schools), and college preparatory resources versus the no-tuition cost and strong athletics/arts programs often found in the Abington Heights district.
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