The Best Private Schools in Ursina, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ursina. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mount Carmel Catholic School
Diocese of Greensburg Catholic Schools
Mount Carmel Catholic School provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Located approximately 45 minutes from Ursina, the school serves families throughout the region with transportation options available. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities.
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Bishop McCort Catholic High School
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Bishop McCort Catholic High School is a regional college preparatory school serving students from multiple counties, including Somerset County where Ursina is located. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and comprehensive arts programs. With a 100% college acceptance rate, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Transportation services are available for students from surrounding areas.
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Saint Peter School
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Saint Peter School offers Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong focus on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. Located in Somerset, approximately 30 minutes from Ursina, the school serves as a regional educational hub for families seeking quality private education. The curriculum integrates technology throughout all grade levels, with smart classrooms and computer labs. The school features dedicated music and art programs, modern facilities, and a supportive community atmosphere. Extended care options and transportation arrangements are available for families in outlying areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ursina, Pennsylvania
What are the private school options for families in Ursina, Pennsylvania, and what grade levels do they cover?
Ursina, PA, is served by a small cluster of Catholic private schools, reflecting the area's strong faith-based education community. The primary options are Mount Carmel Catholic School (typically Pre-K through 8th grade), Saint Peter School (elementary and middle school grades), and Bishop McCort Catholic High School in nearby Johnstown for grades 9-12. Due to Ursina's rural setting in Somerset County, these schools often draw students from surrounding townships. There are no large, independent secular private schools within Ursina itself, so families seeking non-religious private education typically need to look toward larger population centers like Somerset or Johnstown.
How does tuition at Ursina-area Catholic schools compare to the Pennsylvania state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Ursina's Catholic schools (Mount Carmel, Saint Peter) is generally below the Pennsylvania private school average due to the region's lower cost of living and significant parish subsidies for active church members. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition often ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Pennsylvania offers several state-specific financial aid programs that Ursina families can utilize, most notably the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, which provide need-based scholarships. Additionally, the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown and individual parishes often have dedicated scholarship funds for local families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Ursina area offer that leverage the local environment?
Ursina-area private schools integrate the region's cultural and natural resources into their programs. For instance, schools may emphasize environmental science and stewardship through projects related to the nearby Laurel Highlands, Forbes State Forest, and the Youghiogheny River. Agricultural science and sustainability are also common themes, connecting to Somerset County's farming community. Furthermore, given the historical Catholic presence, these schools often have strong community service programs tied to local parishes and charities. While they offer standard college-prep curricula, their small size allows for personalized attention, and many participate in regional Catholic athletic leagues (like the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference) for sports.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Mount Carmel or Saint Peter in Ursina, PA?
The enrollment process for Ursina's Catholic schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active parish families. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing sacramental records (for Catholic families), recent report cards, and sometimes a placement assessment. Given the small, community-oriented nature of these schools, a family interview or meeting with the principal is common. It's highly advisable for Ursina parents to contact the school office directly by early winter, as some grades have very limited seats. Many schools also host open houses in the fall, which are excellent opportunities to visit in this close-knit community setting.
For a family in rural Ursina, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Turkeyfoot Valley Area School District) and a private Catholic school?
The decision hinges on several Ursina-specific factors. The local public school, Turkeyfoot Valley, offers the convenience of a single, community-centered K-12 campus with no tuition. Private Catholic schools provide a faith-based education with consistent religious instruction throughout the curriculum. Academically, the private schools often have smaller class sizes, which can mean more individual attention. Logistically, attending a private elementary school in Ursina may still involve a commute, as might attending the affiliated Bishop McCort High School, whereas the public school is the district's central location. Extracurricularly, the public high school may offer more variety due to its size, while private schools focus on core sports and activities. Ultimately, for Ursina families, the choice often centers on the value of a religious education versus the financial and logistical simplicity of the local public system.
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