The Best Private Schools in State College, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in State College. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
State College Friends School
Religious Society of Friends (Quaker)
ReligiousState College Friends School is a highly-regarded independent Quaker school serving preschool through 8th grade. Founded on Quaker principles of peace, simplicity, and community, the school emphasizes progressive education with a strong focus on social-emotional development alongside academic excellence. The school features small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a curriculum that balances traditional academics with hands-on learning experiences. Facilities include modern classrooms, art studios, science labs, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school is known for its inclusive community, strong parent involvement, and commitment to developing confident, compassionate learners.
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The Grace Prep School
Grace Presbyterian Church
The Grace Prep School is a classical Christian school offering education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school follows a rigorous classical curriculum rooted in the Christian worldview, emphasizing critical thinking, logical reasoning, and rhetorical skills. Academic programs include advanced placement courses, comprehensive fine arts instruction, and competitive athletics. The school features dedicated science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With a strong college preparatory focus, Grace Prep graduates consistently gain admission to selective colleges and universities. The school community is characterized by strong faculty-student relationships and active parent partnership.
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Bellefonte Academy
Independent
Located just 10 miles from State College in historic Bellefonte, Bellefonte Academy serves families throughout Centre County with its authentic Montessori program for children ages 18 months through middle school. The school features certified Montessori teachers, carefully prepared learning environments, and a curriculum that fosters independence, creativity, and academic excellence. The campus includes specialized Montessori classrooms, extensive outdoor learning areas, gardens, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and movement. The academy is known for its strong sense of community, individualized approach to learning, and successful transition of students to competitive high school programs. Many State College families choose this school for its proven Montessori methodology and nurturing environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in State College, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available within the State College, PA area, and what are their educational philosophies?
The State College area offers a few distinct private school options, each with a unique approach. The State College Friends School is a Pre-K through 5th grade school grounded in Quaker values, emphasizing peaceful conflict resolution, community, and inquiry-based learning. The Grace Prep School is a Christian college-preparatory school serving grades 6-12, focusing on rigorous academics integrated with faith. Bellefonte Academy, located just outside State College in Bellefonte, offers a structured, classical education model. Notably, the immediate area has a limited number of private K-12 institutions compared to larger metropolitan areas, making early research and application important for local families.
How does tuition for private schools in State College, PA, compare to the state average, and are there any Pennsylvania-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for private schools in the State College area is generally competitive but can vary. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000 to $18,000 annually, which is often slightly below the average for private schools in major Pennsylvania cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania offers specific financial aid opportunities that State College families can utilize. The most significant is the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide scholarships to eligible students through approved organizations. Additionally, individual schools like Grace Prep and State College Friends School offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
Given Penn State's presence, do private schools in State College, PA, offer unique STEM or research-oriented programs?
Yes, the proximity to Penn State University creates unique opportunities for private school students in State College. Schools like The Grace Prep School often leverage local resources by organizing university lab tours, inviting guest lecturers from Penn State faculty, and facilitating independent study projects that can tap into university expertise. While the smaller private schools may not have the vast lab facilities of a large public high school, they compensate through personalized projects, partnerships, and a curriculum designed to prepare students for competitive STEM programs at universities like Penn State itself. This integration with the local academic powerhouse is a distinctive advantage of the area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in State College, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment timeline for State College private schools typically begins in the fall, with open houses occurring from September to January, and application deadlines set for February or March for the following academic year. Admission competitiveness varies by school and grade level. The State College Friends School, with its small class sizes and unique philosophy, often has waiting lists, particularly for early elementary grades. The Grace Prep School, as the main private secondary option, has a selective process that includes academic records, recommendations, and a family interview. Due to the limited number of seats available in the local private school market, it is highly advisable for parents to initiate the process at least a year in advance.
For families moving to State College, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated State College Area School District (SCASD) and a local private school?
This is a central decision for new families. The SCASD is consistently ranked among the top public school districts in Pennsylvania, offering extensive AP courses, large-scale arts and athletics, and significant resources. Choosing a private school in State College is often less about escaping a "failing" system and more about seeking a specific educational environment. Key considerations include: a desire for a faith-based education (Grace Prep), a specific pedagogical approach like Quaker values or classical curriculum, smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, or a particular community feel. The decision often hinges on alignment with family values and the child's learning style, rather than academic quality alone, given the strength of the public option.
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