The Best Private Schools in Taylor, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Taylor. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Scranton Preparatory School
Jesuits USA East Province
Scranton Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Jesuit college preparatory school serving the greater Scranton area, including Taylor. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school emphasizes character development and academic excellence. The 40-acre campus features modern science labs, athletic facilities, and technology resources. Graduates consistently achieve high college acceptance rates at selective universities nationwide.
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Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School
Diocese of Scranton
Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Taylor and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with honors and advanced placement courses, complemented by strong arts and athletic programs. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, a performing arts center, and athletic facilities. With a focus on faith-based education and academic achievement, Notre Dame maintains small class sizes and personalized attention. The school has a strong tradition of community service and student leadership development.
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All Saints Academy
Diocese of Scranton
All Saints Academy serves students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing from Taylor and surrounding Scranton communities. The school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong emphasis on core academics, technology integration, and faith formation. The curriculum includes STEM programs, literacy initiatives, and arts education. The school features modern classrooms, computer labs, library resources, and playground facilities. With a nurturing environment and dedicated faculty, All Saints Academy prepares students for success in high school and beyond while fostering spiritual growth and community values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Taylor, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Taylor, Pennsylvania?
While Taylor itself is a smaller borough, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the immediate Scranton area. The top options typically include Scranton Preparatory School (a Jesuit, college-preparatory school in Scranton), Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School (a diocesan Catholic school in East Stroudsburg, with a regional draw), and All Saints Academy (a Pre-K through 8th grade Catholic elementary school in Scranton). Many Taylor families also consider other parochial elementary schools in neighboring Lackawanna County. Transportation to these schools is often a parent responsibility, which is an important local consideration.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Taylor, PA area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Scranton Prep's tuition is approximately $15,000-$16,000, while Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School is around $10,000-$11,000. All Saints Academy, as an elementary school, is lower, typically around $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners. Pennsylvania offers important financial aid opportunities through the **Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)** and **Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC)** programs. These programs provide scholarships to eligible students, and applying for them is a critical step for families in Taylor seeking to offset private school costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Taylor community?
Schools in this region often emphasize strong college preparatory tracks and faith-based education. Scranton Prep is notable for its rigorous STEM programs, extensive AP course offerings, and signature Jesuit programs like service immersion trips. Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School offers a diverse selection of athletics and arts, along with college dual-enrollment opportunities. All Saints Academy provides a foundational Catholic education with a focus on community values. A unique local consideration is the proximity to universities like The University of Scranton, which some private high schools partner with for advanced coursework or facilities.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Scranton/Taylor area?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Key steps include: 1) **Open Houses** (often held October-January), 2) **Application Submission** (deadlines typically range from January to March for the following academic year), 3) **Entrance Exams** (required for high schools like Scranton Prep, usually held in January), and 4) **Financial Aid Applications** (due concurrently with admission applications for EITC/OSTC funds). For kindergarten or elementary grades at schools like All Saints, early inquiry is advised as spots can be limited. Rolling admission may be available if spaces remain.
For a family in Taylor, what are the key factors when comparing local public schools (like Riverside School District) to private school options?
The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors. **Academic Focus:** Private schools like Scranton Prep offer a focused college-prep curriculum with potentially smaller class sizes than the public Riverside Jr./Sr. High School. **Religious Education:** Private options provide daily faith-based instruction, which is a primary driver for many families in this region. **Cost vs. Investment:** Public schools are tuition-free, while private schools require significant financial investment, mitigated by tax credit scholarships. **Extracurriculars:** Larger public districts may offer a wider variety of sports and clubs, while private schools often have strong, tradition-rich programs in a more intimate setting. **Transportation:** Taylor residents are provided busing to public schools; private school transportation is usually the family's responsibility, impacting daily logistics.
Private Education Insights
Top Private Schools in Taylor PA: A Parent's Guide to Local Excellence
As a parent in Taylor, Pennsylvania, beginning the search for "good private schools near me" can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re looking for an environment that aligns with your family’s values, offers academic rigor, and fosters your child’s unique potential, all within a reasonable distance from our close-knit borough. The good news is that the Taylor area is situated within a region rich in longstanding private educational institutions, each offering distinct philosophies and communities. Understanding the local landscape is the first step in moving from a general search to finding the right fit for your child.
When considering options, it’s helpful to look at the pillars of private education accessible to Taylor families. Scranton Preparatory School, a Jesuit college-preparatory school just a short drive away, is renowned for its challenging curriculum and emphasis on forming "men and women for others." This approach integrates rigorous academics with a deep commitment to service and ethical leadership, preparing students for top-tier universities and purposeful lives. For families seeking a faith-based education woven into every aspect of the school day, Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School in nearby East Stroudsburg provides a comprehensive Catholic education from middle school through graduation. Its community-focused environment often appeals to parents who value moral development alongside strong academics and athletics.
For younger children, All Saints Academy, with campuses in Scranton, offers a Pre-K through 8th grade model rooted in Catholic tradition. This can be an attractive option for Taylor parents desiring a consistent, values-based educational foundation before the high school years. The benefit of a K-8 structure is the close-knit, familial atmosphere where students are known and nurtured over many years. When evaluating these and other schools, the concept of "near me" extends beyond simple geography. Consider your daily commute, carpool possibilities, and the school’s transportation policies. Many families in Taylor find that the drive to these schools is a manageable part of their routine, especially for the specific community and program they seek.
Your research should extend beyond websites and brochures. The most valuable insights often come from connecting locally. Attend open houses and schedule shadow days where your child can experience a typical school day. Take the opportunity to speak with current parents from the Taylor and Lackawanna County area; their perspectives on the daily reality, community feel, and how the school handles challenges are invaluable. Ask specific questions about how each school supports different types of learners and what extracurricular opportunities truly thrive. Remember, a "good private school" is one where your child will be seen, challenged, and inspired. By focusing on the unique communities and educational approaches available near Taylor, you can transform a broad search into a confident decision that supports your child’s journey for years to come.
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