The Best Private Schools in Shawnee On Delaware, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shawnee On Delaware. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Pleasant Valley Montessori School
Independent Montessori School
Pleasant Valley Montessori School is an acclaimed independent Montessori school serving the Shawnee region since 1996. The school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 18 months through 12 years, with programs spanning toddler, primary, and elementary levels. The campus features purpose-built Montessori classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, and specialized materials that support hands-on, individualized learning. The school is known for its highly qualified AMI-trained teachers, peaceful learning environment, and strong emphasis on developing independence and critical thinking skills. Parent reviews consistently highlight the school's exceptional educational approach and the remarkable academic and social development of students.
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Notre Dame Elementary School
Notre Dame School System
Notre Dame Elementary School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Shawnee Mountain region. Founded in 1979, the school offers a comprehensive elementary education program from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a robust STEM program that integrates technology across all grade levels. Extracurricular activities include sports, music, art, and community service programs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, small class sizes, and strong academic preparation for high school.
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Stroudsburg Christian School
Independent Christian School
Stroudsburg Christian School is a well-established private Christian school serving the Shawnee On Delaware area since 1984. The school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses. The biblically-integrated academic program is complemented by extensive fine arts offerings, competitive athletics, and technology integration across all grade levels. The campus features modern science labs, computer labs, athletic facilities, and dedicated art and music spaces. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's academic rigor, character development focus, and the caring, qualified faculty who maintain small class sizes for personalized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shawnee On Delaware, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Shawnee On Delaware, Pennsylvania?
Shawnee On Delaware itself is a small, unincorporated community, so families typically look to the broader Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania for private education. The most referenced local options include Notre Dame Elementary School in East Stroudsburg (a Catholic school for grades Pre-K to 8), Pleasant Valley Montessori School in Brodheadsville (offering Montessori education for early childhood), and Stroudsburg Christian School in Stroudsburg (providing a Christian-based education from Pre-K through 12th grade). Additionally, families in this area may also consider private schools in nearby Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, and even across the river in New Jersey, which are within a reasonable commuting distance.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Shawnee On Delaware, PA, area compare, and are there any Pennsylvania-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Shawnee On Delaware region varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $6,000-$10,000 annually for elementary grades at schools like Notre Dame or Stroudsburg Christian, with higher rates for upper grades. Montessori programs often have different fee structures. Pennsylvania offers two key financial aid programs for eligible families: the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC). These programs provide scholarships through approved organizations, and many local private schools participate. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition, fees, and application process for these state-sponsored scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Shawnee On Delaware community?
Private schools in this region leverage their unique settings and educational philosophies. For instance, Pleasant Valley Montessori School emphasizes hands-on, child-led learning in a natural environment conducive to the Pocono landscape. Stroudsburg Christian School often integrates outdoor education and may offer programs that utilize the local recreational resources. Notre Dame Elementary provides a structured, faith-based curriculum with traditional academic rigor. A notable aspect for families in Shawnee On Delaware is that some schools offer before and after-care programs tailored for working parents in this resort and commuter-heavy area, which can be a significant logistical benefit.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Shawnee On Delaware, PA?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Poconos generally begins in the fall or winter for the following academic year, with many schools hosting open houses from October through January. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces are available, but popular grades fill quickly. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For schools like Notre Dame Elementary, priority is given to parish members and siblings of current students. Given the limited number of seats in these smaller community schools, initiating inquiries by early winter is highly recommended for Shawnee On Delaware families.
How do the class sizes and educational environments of private schools near Shawnee On Delaware compare to the public schools in the Stroudsburg Area School District?
The most distinct difference is class size. Private schools like Notre Dame Elementary, Pleasant Valley Montessori, and Stroudsburg Christian School typically maintain much smaller student-to-teacher ratios, often ranging from 10:1 to 15:1, compared to the larger class sizes in the public elementary schools of the Stroudsburg Area School District. This allows for more individualized attention. Furthermore, the private schools offer specific educational environments—Montessori, Catholic, or Evangelical Christian—that provide a consistent value-based framework throughout the curriculum, which is not available in the public system. However, public schools in the district offer a wider array of specialized programs, advanced placement courses at the high school level, and extensive extracurricular activities due to their larger scale and funding.
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