The Best Private Schools in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stroudsburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School
Diocese of Scranton
Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving the Stroudsburg area with a rigorous academic program. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence, with a strong track record of college placements.
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Moravian Academy
Moravian Academy
Moravian Academy is one of the oldest independent schools in the United States, serving the broader Lehigh Valley region including Stroudsburg area families. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, global education opportunities, and robust arts and athletic programs. With historic campuses and modern facilities, the school provides small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong community atmosphere. The academy has a long tradition of academic excellence and character development.
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Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School
Lehigh Valley Academy
Lehigh Valley Academy is an International Baccalaureate World School serving students from multiple counties including Monroe County. The school offers the full IB continuum from primary years through diploma program, providing a globally-focused education with strong emphasis on critical thinking and inquiry-based learning. The curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, foreign languages, and comprehensive arts education. The school features modern facilities and serves as a regional educational hub for families seeking rigorous academic preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in the Stroudsburg, PA area, and how do they differ?
In the Stroudsburg area, families have several distinct private school models. Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School is a private, Catholic, diocesan school offering a faith-based education from grades 7-12. Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, while publicly funded and tuition-free, operates as an independent charter school with a private-school-like approach, following an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Nearby options like Moravian Academy (located in Bethlehem) represent a traditional, independent day school with a comprehensive Pre-K through 12 program. This mix means parents in Stroudsburg can choose from religious education, publicly-funded charter models with specialized curricula, and prestigious independent schools within a commutable distance, each with different philosophical and financial structures.
How does the tuition for private schools near Stroudsburg, PA compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Stroudsburg region varies significantly by school type. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School's tuition is approximately $10,000-$12,000, with active parishioner discounts and diocesan financial aid available. As a public charter, Lehigh Valley Academy has no tuition. Independent schools like Moravian Academy have a higher tuition range, often $20,000-$35,000+, reflecting their extensive facilities and programs. Pennsylvania offers state-sponsored aid programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC), which many participating private schools, including Notre Dame, utilize to provide need-based scholarships. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages, deadlines, and eligibility requirements.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Stroudsburg, PA students?
Schools in the region offer specialized programs leveraging local resources and affiliations. Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School provides strong college-prep academics alongside theology and community service requirements. Lehigh Valley Academy stands out as the only IB World School in the region serving the area, offering the IB Diploma Programme for grades 11-12. While not in Stroudsburg proper, Moravian Academy offers renowned global studies and language immersion programs. Given Stroudsburg's location in the Pocono Mountains, several area private schools incorporate environmental science and outdoor education into their curricula. Additionally, partnerships with local colleges like East Stroudsburg University can provide dual-enrollment opportunities for advanced students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Stroudsburg, PA area?
Timelines can differ, but a general process applies. For schools like Notre Dame, open houses often begin in early fall, with application deadlines in January or February for the following academic year. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or shadow day. As a public charter, Lehigh Valley Academy holds an annual lottery in spring for any open seats, with a pre-lottery application period typically in the winter. It's essential to start research 12-18 months in advance, especially for schools with competitive admissions or limited seats. Many families in Stroudsburg begin attending open houses in the fall of the year prior to desired enrollment.
For a family living in Stroudsburg, what are the key considerations regarding transportation to area private schools?
Transportation is a major logistical factor. The Stroudsburg Area School District may provide busing for students attending Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School if it is within a certain distance (often 10 miles), per Pennsylvania laws for non-public schools. However, this is not guaranteed and requires annual arrangement with the public school district. For charter schools like Lehigh Valley Academy, state law requires the resident school district to provide transportation if the school is within 10 miles; given its location, this may involve a longer bus ride. For independent schools outside the immediate area, such as Moravian Academy, families are almost always responsible for transportation, which can mean a significant daily commute. Investigating transportation policies is a critical early step in the school selection process for Stroudsburg residents.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Schools in Stroudsburg, PA: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, the search for “good private schools near me” is often driven by a desire for a specific educational environment that aligns with family values and academic aspirations. Nestled in the scenic Pocono Mountains, our community offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to diverse educational pathways. The decision to explore private education here is not just about academics; it’s about finding a supportive community that fosters individual growth in a region known for its natural beauty and tight-knit feel. Your search is likely centered on finding a school that provides a rigorous curriculum, dedicated faculty, and a values-based approach, all within a reasonable commute from our Stroudsburg neighborhoods.
When considering options, it’s essential to look beyond the label “private” and understand the distinct missions of local institutions. Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School, for instance, offers a co-educational, college-preparatory experience rooted in Catholic tradition. For many Stroudsburg families, this provides a consistent moral framework alongside strong academics, which can be a significant draw. Alternatively, Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School, while technically a public charter, is often part of the “private school” conversation due to its application process and specialized International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Its focus on inquiry-based learning attracts parents seeking a globally-minded education without venturing far into the Lehigh Valley. Then there’s Moravian Academy, with a campus in nearby Bethlehem, representing a more traditional independent school model with a renowned reputation, albeit with a longer commute down Route 33.
The local context in Stroudsburg is crucial. Our area serves a mix of long-standing residents and families who have moved from busier metropolitan areas seeking a different pace of life. This means your definition of a “good private school near me” might balance academic excellence with character development, outdoor activities, and perhaps smaller class sizes than those found in larger districts. Visiting these schools is paramount. Drive the routes during your typical commute time to gauge traffic, especially in winter months. Attend open houses and ask specific questions about how the school integrates the local environment—does Notre Dame utilize the Poconos for science or retreats? How does LVA’s IB curriculum connect to our community?
Ultimately, the best private school for your child in Stroudsburg is one where they will be known, challenged, and inspired. It’s about the feeling you get when you walk the halls and the alignment you see between the school’s philosophy and your own parenting goals. The investment is significant, not just financially but in time and engagement. Talk to other local parents at the Stroud Mall or community events; their firsthand experiences are invaluable. Your search for good private schools near you is a proactive step toward crafting an educational journey as unique and promising as the Pocono landscape itself. Take your time, trust your instincts, and you’ll find a community where your child can truly thrive.
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