The Best Private Schools in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Scranton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Jesuit Schools Network
Scranton Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Jesuit college preparatory school serving grades 9-12. Founded in 1940, the school maintains a rigorous academic curriculum with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and offers extensive Advanced Placement courses. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Students consistently achieve exceptional college acceptance rates to top-tier universities. The school emphasizes character development through community service and extracurricular programs including robotics, theater, and championship sports teams.
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All Saints Academy
Diocese of Scranton
All Saints Academy is a Pre-K through 8th grade Catholic school formed through the consolidation of several parish schools. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, science rooms, and gymnasium. The school provides specialized instruction in Spanish, music, art, and physical education. Extracurricular activities include sports, choir, and academic competitions. Parent satisfaction is high with particular praise for dedicated teachers and strong community atmosphere.
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Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School
Diocese of Scranton
Located in nearby Dunmore and serving the greater Scranton area, Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School provides education for grades 7-12 with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features a comprehensive STEM program, advanced placement courses, and extensive fine arts offerings. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and offers numerous extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams, theater productions, and community service programs. Notable for its strong alumni network and high college acceptance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Scranton, Pennsylvania
What are the primary types of private school options available for families in Scranton, PA?
Scranton offers a range of private school options, primarily centered around faith-based and college-preparatory institutions. The most prominent are Catholic diocesan schools like Scranton Preparatory School (Jesuit), Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School, and All Saints Academy (elementary). These schools provide a traditional academic core infused with religious values. Beyond these, there are smaller independent and faith-based academies. Notably, the Scranton area does not have a large number of secular independent day schools, making the Catholic-affiliated schools the dominant private choice. Many families from surrounding Lackawanna County communities also choose these Scranton-based schools.
How does the tuition for private schools in Scranton, PA, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in Scranton's private schools is generally more accessible than in major metropolitan areas, but varies by grade and affiliation. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high school tuition at schools like Scranton Prep or Notre Dame typically ranges from $12,000 to $16,000 annually. Elementary levels at schools like All Saints Academy are lower. All major schools offer need-based financial aid through their own funds and the Diocese of Scranton's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These Pennsylvania-specific programs provide scholarships to eligible families, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early in the admissions cycle.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are strengths of Scranton's top private high schools?
Scranton's private high schools have distinct academic identities. Scranton Preparatory School, as a Jesuit institution, emphasizes a rigorous classical curriculum with strong STEM, humanities, and service-learning programs, including extensive AP offerings. Notre Dame Junior/Senior High School often highlights its smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and robust arts and athletics programs. Both schools feature notable college counseling, with high rates of graduates attending four-year universities. A unique local aspect is the schools' deep involvement in the Scranton community through partnerships, internships, and service projects that leverage the city's history and institutions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Scranton, PA?
The enrollment process for Scranton's sought-after private schools begins early. Open houses are typically held in the fall (September-November). Application deadlines for the following academic year are often in December or January, with placement exams (like the HSPT for high schools) scheduled in winter. Admissions decisions are usually communicated in February or March. For families considering schools like Scranton Prep or Notre Dame, it's highly recommended to begin the process in the fall of your child's 7th grade year for 9th-grade entry. Many schools also have waitlists. Early inquiry and attendance at open houses are key, as spaces, especially in specific grades, can be limited.
For a family moving to the area, how do the private schools in Scranton compare to the public school districts in Lackawanna County?
The comparison hinges on priorities. Scranton's private schools (Scranton Prep, Notre Dame, etc.) offer a consistent, values-based education with typically smaller class sizes, a defined disciplinary environment, and a focus on college preparation. The public school options in Scranton itself (Scranton School District) are large and face different challenges, leading many city residents to seek private alternatives. However, the surrounding suburban districts in Lackawanna County (like Abington Heights, North Pocono, and Valley View) are highly rated public schools. Many families choose private schools for religious education or a specific pedagogical approach, while others opt for a top-tier public district by residing in its boundaries. The choice often involves weighing tuition costs against potential relocation to a suburban public district.
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