The Best Private Schools in Stillwater, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stillwater. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Moravian Academy
Independent
Moravian Academy is a premier independent school serving the greater Lehigh Valley region, including Stillwater area families. Founded through the merger of historic Moravian institutions, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education from preschool through grade 12. The 120-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes academic excellence with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and a robust STEM program. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, extensive arts programs, and community service opportunities. The school maintains a strong college placement record with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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The Swain School
Independent
The Swain School is an independent day school serving students from preschool through eighth grade, drawing families from the Stillwater region. Founded in 1966, the school combines academic rigor with character development in a nurturing environment. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration through hands-on learning experiences. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. The school's technology integration program provides students with 1:1 device access and coding instruction. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains strong parent satisfaction through community events and transparent communication. Graduates consistently gain admission to top regional high schools.
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Notre Dame High School
Catholic Diocese of Scranton
Notre Dame High School serves students from Stillwater and surrounding Pocono Mountain communities as a regional Catholic college preparatory school. Established in 1964, the school offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values with a strong emphasis on service learning. The curriculum includes numerous Advanced Placement courses, honors programs, and college dual-enrollment opportunities. The campus features modern academic facilities, science laboratories, a chapel, and athletic complexes supporting competitive sports programs. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending prestigious universities. Extracurricular activities include performing arts, robotics, and numerous clubs, fostering well-rounded student development in a faith-based community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stillwater, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Stillwater, Pennsylvania, and how accessible are they?
While Stillwater itself is a small borough, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader Lehigh Valley region. The most prominent nearby options include Moravian Academy (with campuses in Bethlehem), The Swain School (in Allentown), and Notre Dame High School (in Easton). These schools typically serve students from a wide geographic area, including Carbon County where Stillwater is located. Accessibility involves a commute, often 30-45 minutes by car. It's important to inquire about transportation options, as some schools may offer busing from designated areas or have carpool networks organized by parents.
How does tuition at private schools near Stillwater, PA, compare, and what financial aid options are available under Pennsylvania state programs?
Tuition for the top schools near Stillwater varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges such as: Moravian Academy (approx. $25,000-$40,000 depending on grade), The Swain School (approx. $20,000-$30,000), and Notre Dame High School (approx. $15,000-$18,000). Pennsylvania offers significant financial aid opportunities that Stillwater residents 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, all these schools have their own substantial financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Stillwater, PA, area offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Schools in the Lehigh Valley region near Stillwater offer distinctive programs that connect to the area's heritage and landscape. Moravian Academy emphasizes global studies and sustainability, with outdoor education that can utilize the nearby Pocono Mountains. The Swain School has a strong focus on innovation and design thinking, often partnering with local businesses and colleges in the Lehigh Valley. Notre Dame High School offers robust college preparatory programs with a focus on community service, engaging with both the rural communities like Stillwater and the urban centers of Bethlehem and Easton. Many schools also integrate Pennsylvania history and ecology into their curricula in meaningful ways.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Stillwater, PA, families, and are there key deadlines we should know?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in this region begins early. The standard timeline involves: attending open houses in the fall (September-November), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, and completing student assessments/interviews shortly after. Financial aid applications (like SSS) are usually due in early February. Admission decisions are typically released in March. For Stillwater families, it's especially important to initiate the process early due to the commute factor; schools will want to ensure the family is committed to the travel logistics. Some schools may have rolling admissions for later grades if space is available.
For a family in rural Stillwater, PA, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in the Lehigh Valley?
The decision involves weighing several location-specific factors. The Stillwater Area School District is part of the Weatherly Area School District, offering a small, close-knit public school environment with potentially shorter travel times. Opting for a private school in the Lehigh Valley means a significant daily commute but access to broader academic resources, specialized programs (like advanced STEM or arts), and often smaller class sizes. Parents should consider the child's adaptability to a longer school day with travel, the desire for a religious education (offered by schools like Notre Dame), and exposure to a more diverse student population. The financial investment for tuition, transportation, and time must be balanced against the specific educational needs and goals for the child that may not be met in the rural public district.
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