The Best Private Schools in Taylorstown, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Taylorstown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Ellis School
Independent School
The Ellis School is a highly-regarded independent day school for girls in grades K-12, located approximately 30 miles from Taylorstown. Founded in 1916, Ellis offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, leadership development, and arts integration. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, innovation spaces, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Ellis provides personalized attention and has an excellent track record of college placements at top universities.
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Sewickley Academy
Independent School
Sewickley Academy is one of Pittsburgh's oldest and most prestigious independent schools, serving students from pre-K through grade 12. Located about 25 miles from Taylorstown, the academy offers both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The 15-acre campus features modern academic buildings, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community values, diverse student body, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including championship athletic teams and extensive arts offerings.
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The Campus School of Carlow University
Carlow University
The Campus School of Carlow University provides education for students from early childhood through eighth grade, located approximately 30 miles from Taylorstown. As part of Carlow University, the school offers a unique educational environment with access to university resources and facilities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development while integrating technology throughout all grade levels. The school maintains small class sizes and focuses on developing the whole child through arts, physical education, and community service programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Taylorstown, Pennsylvania
What are the realistic private school options for a family residing in Taylorstown, Pennsylvania, given that the top-named schools are in Pittsburgh?
While Taylorstown itself is a small borough without its own private schools, families in the area typically look to institutions in the greater Pittsburgh region. The schools mentioned, like The Ellis School and Sewickley Academy, are in Allegheny County, approximately a 45-60 minute commute from Taylorstown. This commute is a significant local consideration. Other options might include private schools in Washington, PA, which are geographically closer. It's essential for Taylorstown parents to factor in transportation logistics, as busing services from these private schools to such a distant rural location are often not provided, making carpooling or independent transport a necessity.
How does Pennsylvania's tuition assistance landscape, like the EITC/OSTC programs, benefit Taylorstown families considering private schools?
Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs are crucial for Taylorstown families. These programs provide scholarships to eligible students, which can make attending participating private schools more affordable. Many of the top Pittsburgh-area private schools participate. Eligibility often depends on household income and, for the OSTC, residing within the boundaries of a low-achieving public school as defined by the state. Taylorstown is served by the McGuffey School District; parents should check the annual list from the PA Department of Education to see if their specific school is designated, which could unlock additional scholarship opportunities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs at Pittsburgh-area private schools might appeal to a student from a rural community like Taylorstown?
For a student from Taylorstown, private schools in Pittsburgh offer exposure to specialized programs not typically available in smaller, rural public districts. For example, The Ellis School is a renowned all-girls college preparatory school with strong STEM and leadership programs. Sewickley Academy offers a global studies curriculum and extensive arts facilities. The Campus School of Carlow University provides a lab school environment with a focus on innovative, student-centered learning. These schools offer robust theater, robotics, debate, and advanced language programs, providing a breadth of opportunity that can be a compelling reason for the daily commute from Washington County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Taylorstown, and how far in advance should we plan?
The enrollment process for top-tier Pittsburgh private schools is highly competitive and begins well over a year in advance. For a fall entry, the process typically starts in the prior summer or early fall with open houses and inquiry submissions. Application deadlines are often between January and February, with entrance exams (like the ISEE or SSAT) taken in the fall or winter. Financial aid applications are due concurrently. Given the distance from Taylorstown, it's imperative to plan multiple visits (open houses, interviews, shadow days) and account for travel time. Families should initiate research and school visits 18-24 months before desired enrollment, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, or 9th grade.
How do the educational environments and outcomes of private schools in the Pittsburgh area compare to the public schools serving Taylorstown, specifically the McGuffey School District?
This is a key local consideration. The McGuffey School District, which serves Taylorstown, is a well-regarded public district with a rural/suburban character. The choice often comes down to scale, specialization, and college preparation. Pittsburgh-area private schools like Sewickley Academy or The Ellis School typically have much smaller class sizes, extensive college counseling networks, and a focus on preparing students for highly selective universities. They may offer more Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate options. However, McGuffey provides a strong, tuition-free K-12 community experience with its own extracurriculars. The decision for Taylorstown families often hinges on whether the significant investment in tuition, time, and commute for a private, urban education aligns with their child's specific needs and aspirations versus the quality local public option.
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