The Best Private Schools in Solebury, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Solebury. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
New Hope-Solebury Friends School
Friends School
New Hope-Solebury Friends School is a highly-regarded independent Quaker school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located just minutes from Solebury in neighboring New Hope, the school emphasizes progressive education within a values-based framework. The curriculum integrates traditional academics with innovative STEAM programs and extensive outdoor learning opportunities on their 10-acre campus. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school is known for its strong sense of community and emphasis on social-emotional development alongside academic excellence.
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The Solebury School
Independent School
The Solebury School is an esteemed independent college preparatory school located directly in Solebury Township, serving day and boarding students in grades 9-12. With a 90-acre campus featuring state-of-the-art facilities, the school offers a rigorous academic program including 20+ AP courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. Known for its personalized approach to education, Solebury maintains a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and emphasizes critical thinking and global citizenship. The school has a long tradition of academic excellence and strong college placement records.
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George School
Friends Council on Education
George School is a prestigious Quaker boarding and day school located just 15 minutes from Solebury in Newtown. Serving students in grades 9-12, the school offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs within a global educational framework. The 240-acre campus features exceptional facilities including a new science center, arts buildings, and athletic complexes. With students from over 30 countries, George School provides a diverse, inclusive community focused on academic rigor, ethical leadership, and Quaker values. The school is particularly noted for its strong college counseling and extensive extracurricular offerings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Solebury, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available within Solebury Township, PA, and what are their educational philosophies?
Solebury Township, PA, is home to several distinguished private schools, each with a distinct approach. The Solebury School is a co-ed, college-preparatory day and boarding school for grades 9-12, known for its progressive, student-centered education and strong arts programs. New Hope-Solebury Friends School is a Pre-K through 6th grade Quaker school emphasizing community, simplicity, and social responsibility. While located just outside the township in Newtown, the George School, a Quaker boarding and day school for grades 9-12, is a major regional draw with a global outlook and robust service-learning programs. This concentration offers families in Solebury a range of philosophies from progressive to Quaker-based.
How does tuition for private schools in the Solebury, PA, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Solebury area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at The Solebury School is approximately $49,000 for high school, while New Hope-Solebury Friends School is roughly $25,000 for elementary grades. George School's day tuition is around $47,000. All these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. Pennsylvania also offers tax-advantaged programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC), which can provide scholarships for eligible families to use at participating private schools, including those in Bucks County.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Solebury that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in Solebury uniquely integrate the area's rich cultural and natural resources. The Solebury School's 90-acre campus allows for robust environmental science programs and outdoor education. Its proximity to New Hope's arts community facilitates partnerships with local galleries and theaters for student exhibitions and performances. George School utilizes its sprawling campus for sustainable agriculture programs and has a deep connection to local Quaker meetings and global service networks. New Hope-Solebury Friends School often incorporates field trips to the Delaware River and local historical sites into its curriculum, grounding learning in the immediate community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Solebury, PA, and how competitive is admission?
The timeline for Solebury-area private schools generally follows the independent school standard, with applications due in January or February for admission the following fall. Key steps include submitting an application, standardized test scores (like the SSAT or ISEE), teacher recommendations, school records, and a student interview/visit. Competitiveness varies: The Solebury School and George School, as boarding/day schools with regional reputations, have selective processes considering academic fit and character. New Hope-Solebury Friends School, being smaller, seeks families aligned with its Quaker values. Starting the process in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year is crucial, and attending open houses (often held in the fall) is highly recommended.
For families residing in Solebury Township, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated public school district and the local private schools?
This is a significant decision for Solebury families. The New Hope-Solebury School District is consistently top-ranked in Pennsylvania, offering an excellent, tuition-free K-12 education. Choosing a private school often comes down to specific values and needs. Parents may opt for private education for a different pedagogical approach (e.g., progressive at Solebury School or Quaker-based at the others), smaller class sizes, specialized arts or international programs, or a boarding option for high school. The private schools offer distinct communities and missions, whereas the public district provides a comprehensive, community-centered program. Many families consider the financial investment versus the free public option, visiting both to assess the best fit for their child's learning style and family's educational goals.
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