The Best Private Schools in Rowland, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rowland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Pleasant Valley Montessori School
Private Montessori Education
Pleasant Valley Montessori School serves families throughout the Pocono Mountains region, including Rowland. This accredited Montessori institution provides individualized education for children ages 18 months through 12 years. The school features purpose-built Montessori classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, and specialized enrichment programs in music, art, and foreign languages. With highly trained Montessori-certified teachers and low student-teacher ratios, the school emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and academic excellence. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, language arts, cultural studies, and practical life skills in a nurturing environment.
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Notre Dame High School
Diocese of Scranton
Notre Dame High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving the Pocono region, including Rowland. With over 60 years of educational excellence, the school offers a rigorous academic program featuring 14 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM curriculum. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a 100% college acceptance rate. The school emphasizes character development through community service and offers diverse extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams, performing arts, and academic clubs.
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Pocono Mountain Charter School
Public Charter School (Private School Alternative)
Pocono Mountain Charter School serves as a high-quality educational alternative for families in the Rowland area and surrounding Pocono communities. As a public charter school with private school-level flexibility and programming, it offers small class sizes, individualized attention, and innovative teaching methods. The school features comprehensive K-12 education with strong college preparatory tracks, career technical education programs, and integrated arts curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and computer labs, athletic facilities, and specialized learning spaces. The school emphasizes character education, community involvement, and preparing students for college and career success through personalized learning plans and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rowland, Pennsylvania
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Rowland, Pennsylvania?
Rowland, PA, offers a few distinct types of private education. The local options include a Catholic college-preparatory high school (Notre Dame High School), a Montessori school focusing on early childhood and elementary education (Pleasant Valley Montessori School), and a public charter school which operates independently (Pocono Mountain Charter School). It's important to note that charter schools in Pennsylvania are tuition-free and open to all students via lottery, while the other two are traditional private schools with tuition. This mix provides choices between religious, alternative pedagogical, and publicly-funded independent models for families in the Rowland area.
How does the tuition for private schools in Rowland, PA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition in Rowland varies by institution. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Notre Dame High School's tuition is approximately $10,000-$12,000, which is generally below the average for Pennsylvania Catholic high schools. Pleasant Valley Montessori's tuition is structured by program level. Pennsylvania offers several state-specific financial aid opportunities that Rowland families can access, most notably the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs provide scholarships for students attending participating private schools, and both Notre Dame and many private elementary schools in the region participate. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition, fees, and application processes for these tax-credit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Rowland area?
The private and charter schools near Rowland provide specialized programs leveraging the Pocono region's environment and community. Notre Dame High School emphasizes a college-prep curriculum with notable STEM and arts programs, and its location offers unique extracurriculars related to outdoor education. Pleasant Valley Montessori School provides the hallmark hands-on, child-led Montessori method from preschool through elementary, a specific pedagogical choice not found in local public schools. Pocono Mountain Charter School, while tuition-free, may offer thematic curricula or specialized focuses as part of its charter mission. A key differentiator for the area's private options is often smaller class sizes and specific religious or philosophical educational approaches not available in the public Stroudsburg Area or Pocono Mountain school districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Rowland, Pennsylvania?
Timelines differ between school types. For Notre Dame High School and Pleasant Valley Montessori, the traditional private school admission cycle begins in the fall (October-November) for the following academic year, with applications due in winter and decisions communicated in early spring. Open houses are typically held in the autumn. For Pocono Mountain Charter School, as a public charter school, it does not have a traditional admissions process but an annual enrollment lottery, usually in the spring, for any available seats. Due to limited seats, especially in the Montessori and charter schools, Rowland parents are advised to begin research and inquiries at least a year in advance. All schools require records transfers, and the private schools often require entrance exams (for high school) and family interviews.
For a family living in Rowland, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision hinges on several Rowland-specific factors. Academically, the public schools (likely Pocono Mountain or Stroudsburg Area School Districts) offer a broad curriculum, extensive extracurriculars, and specialized services like IEPs. Private options offer alternative approaches (Montessori, religious education) or potentially smaller class sizes. Financially, comparing the cost of private tuition against potential property taxes is a direct consideration. Logistically, transportation is a key factor; Pennsylvania law requires public school districts to provide transportation to private school students within certain distances, so Rowland families should confirm busing availability with their home district. Culturally, consider whether you seek a faith-based community (Notre Dame) or a specific educational philosophy (Montessori) that aligns with your family's values, which may not be as pronounced in the comprehensive public system.
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