The Best Private Schools in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saylorsburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Pen Ryn School
Independent
Pen Ryn School is an independent private school offering education from early childhood through middle school. The school combines Montessori principles with International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, providing a globally-focused education. Features include specialized STEM labs, extensive arts programs, and individualized learning approaches. The 26-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and dedicated arts spaces, serving families throughout Bucks County and the broader region including Saylorsburg.
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Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School
Diocese of Allentown
Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving the Pocono Mountain region. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 16 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletic programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities serving students from Saylorsburg and surrounding communities.
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Pius X High School
Independent Catholic
Pius X High School is an independent Catholic college preparatory school serving the Slate Belt region and surrounding areas including Saylorsburg. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with multiple Advanced Placement courses, strong fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, moral development, and college readiness. Campus facilities include modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, providing a well-rounded education in a faith-based environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options serving families in and around Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania?
Saylorsburg itself is a smaller borough, so families typically look to nearby towns for private school options. The most prominent local institutions include **Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School** in East Stroudsburg (a Catholic, college-preparatory school), **Pius X High School** in Bangor (another Catholic high school), and **Pen Ryn School** in Bensalem, which is a farther commute but serves a wider age range. Many families in the Pocono region also consider various faith-based academies and independent schools in the Stroudsburgs and Bethlehem areas. Transportation is a key consideration, as most require private arrangements.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Saylorsburg, PA area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, **Notre Dame HS** tuition is approximately $12,000-$14,000, while **Pius X HS** is slightly lower. Pennsylvania offers several aid programs that Saylorsburg residents can utilize. 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, the **Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) Program** is a newer initiative offering vouchers for students in low-performing public school districts, which may apply depending on your assigned district.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Saylorsburg?
Schools in this region often leverage their setting and mission for unique programs. **Notre Dame HS** features a notable **Engineering and Biomedical Sciences track** and a strong arts program. **Pius X High School** emphasizes its **Classical Christian curriculum** and offers a distinctive **House System** for student community and mentorship. Given Saylorsburg's rural location near the Pocono Mountains, several area private schools integrate environmental science and outdoor education into their curricula. For athletics, many compete in the **Colonial League** or other local conferences, offering robust sports programs despite smaller school sizes.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Notre Dame or Pius X for a family in Saylorsburg?
The process for these diocesan and independent schools generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year (e.g., Fall 2024 for the 2025-26 school year). Key steps include: 1) **Open Houses** (typically October-January), 2) **Application Submission** with deadlines often in January or February, 3) **Entrance/Placement Testing** (usually winter), and 4) **Financial Aid Applications** (due early spring). It's crucial to apply for EITC/OSTC funding as soon as applications open, as funds are distributed first-come, first-served. Given that these schools draw from a wide region, applying by the priority deadline is advised for Saylorsburg residents.
For a family in Saylorsburg, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Pleasant Valley) to the available private options?
The **Pleasant Valley School District** serves Saylorsburg and is a large, comprehensive public district. Key comparison points include: **Class Size** (private schools often have 15-20 students vs. larger public classes), **Curriculum Focus** (private schools offer mission-driven education, e.g., Catholic values, classical learning), and **Transportation** (PA law requires districts to provide transportation to private schools within 10 miles, but for Saylorsburg families attending schools like Notre Dame or Pius X, which are near that boundary, busing may be available but commute times can be longer). Additionally, consider the **cost vs. investment**: private tuition versus potential savings on extracurriculars or the need for supplemental religious education if choosing public school.
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