The Best Private Schools in Sharon, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sharon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kennedy Catholic High School
Diocese of Erie
Kennedy Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic school serving the Sharon area and broader Mercer County region. Founded in 1970, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character formation. The campus features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Students benefit from a robust Advanced Placement program, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention and strong student-teacher relationships.
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The Learning Center
Private Independent School
The Learning Center has been serving the Sharon and Hermitage communities since 1992, providing exceptional private education with a Montessori-inspired approach. The school specializes in individualized learning plans that cater to each student's unique needs and learning style. Their comprehensive program includes hands-on learning experiences, technology integration, and strong emphasis on social-emotional development. The school serves students from preschool through middle school and is particularly noted for its supportive environment and dedicated faculty. Facilities include modern classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and specialized learning centers.
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Grove City Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Located just 15 minutes from Sharon in nearby Grove City, Grove City Christian Academy has been providing quality Christian education to the region since 1996. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 program with strong academic foundations rooted in Christian values. Their college-preparatory curriculum includes advanced coursework, technology integration, and comprehensive fine arts and athletic programs. The academy features modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, gymnasium, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sharon, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and what grade levels do they serve?
Sharon, PA, offers a few key private school options, each with a distinct focus. **Kennedy Catholic High School** is the area's premier private secondary institution, serving grades 9-12 with a college-preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic values. **The Learning Center** typically serves younger students, often from preschool through elementary grades, with an emphasis on individualized learning and developmental support. **Grove City Christian Academy**, located a short drive from Sharon in neighboring Grove City, provides a Protestant Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. The limited number of options means many Sharon-area families also consider private schools in nearby Hermitage, Mercer, or Youngstown, Ohio.
How does tuition for private schools in the Sharon, PA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for private schools in the Sharon area is generally below the average for Pennsylvania's major metropolitan areas but aligns with regional norms in Mercer County. For the 2023-2024 school year, Kennedy Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $8,000-$9,000, while Grove City Christian Academy's is in a similar range. Pennsylvania offers significant financial aid opportunities that Sharon families can utilize. The most notable is the **Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs**, which provide need-based scholarships through approved organizations. Additionally, most local private schools offer their own need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for Catholic families, and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Sharon area that leverage local partnerships or resources?
Private schools in the Sharon area often create programs that connect students to the region's economic and cultural landscape. **Kennedy Catholic High School** has strong ties to local manufacturers and healthcare providers (like UPMC and Sharon Regional), offering robust STEM pathways, job shadowing, and internship opportunities. Its athletics programs compete in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) against schools across the region. **Grove City Christian Academy** emphasizes agricultural and environmental science, benefiting from the rural setting of Mercer County. Furthermore, given Sharon's proximity to the Ohio border, some schools facilitate academic or artistic collaborations with institutions in Youngstown, expanding students' resources beyond the immediate locality.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Kennedy Catholic in Sharon, and are there important deadlines for Pennsylvania tax credit scholarships?
The enrollment process for Sharon-area private schools often begins in the winter for the following academic year. For **Kennedy Catholic**, open houses are typically held in October-November, with application deadlines in early spring (February-March). Placement testing or assessments are common steps. The most critical timeline for families seeking financial aid involves Pennsylvania's tax credit scholarships (EITC/OSTC). The application period for these scholarships usually opens **January 1st**, and funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until depleted. It is imperative for Sharon parents to apply through an approved scholarship organization (like the Bridge Educational Foundation or OCEA) as early as possible in the new year, as demand often exceeds available funds.
For a family considering both the Sharon City School District and local private schools, what are the key comparative factors specific to this community?
The decision in Sharon often hinges on several local factors. **Academically**, private schools like Kennedy Catholic offer smaller class sizes and a specific religious or value-based education, while the public district provides a broader range of specialized programs, such as career and technical education through the Mercer County Career Center. **Extracurricularly**, Sharon High School (public) may offer a wider variety of sports and clubs due to its larger student body. **Financially**, choosing private school means committing to tuition, whereas the public district is tax-funded. A unique Sharon consideration is **demographic trends**; the area has experienced population decline, which can impact program offerings and resources in both sectors. Many families value the community continuity and faith formation offered by the local private schools as a stabilizing factor.
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