The Best Private Schools in Washington, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Washington. 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 for Girls
The Ellis School is a premier independent day school for girls located in Pittsburgh, serving families throughout the greater Pittsburgh region including Washington. With over a century of educational excellence, Ellis provides a transformative all-girls education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including innovation labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Academic programs emphasize leadership development, particularly in STEM fields where girls traditionally underrepresented. The curriculum includes extensive advanced placement offerings, international exchange programs, and comprehensive college counseling. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its empowering environment and outstanding college matriculation records.
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Trinity Christian School
Independent Christian School
Trinity Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, offering rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement opportunities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports teams, music ensembles, drama productions, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic outcomes.
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Sewickley Academy
Independent School
Sewickley Academy is one of Pittsburgh's most prestigious independent schools, serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 and drawing families from Washington and surrounding communities. As the only school in Western Pennsylvania authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, the academy provides a globally-focused education with exceptional academic rigor. The 15-acre campus features modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school emphasizes character education and community engagement alongside academic excellence. Programs include global online academy courses, championship athletic teams, and extensive visual and performing arts offerings. Parent satisfaction remains consistently high due to the school's outstanding college placement record and comprehensive student support services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Washington, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options available for families in Washington, Pennsylvania, and how do they differ in educational approach?
In Washington, PA, families have several notable private school options, though many of the region's top-ranked schools are located in nearby Pittsburgh suburbs. Within Washington County itself, Trinity Christian School is a prominent local option offering a faith-based, college-preparatory education from preschool through 12th grade. For families willing to commute, highly-regarded institutions like Sewickley Academy (in Sewickley) and The Ellis School (in Pittsburgh) are within a 30-45 minute drive. Sewickley Academy is a prestigious, non-sectarian Pre-K through 12 school known for its rigorous academics and global focus, while The Ellis School is an all-girls school emphasizing STEM and leadership. The key difference is between local, faith-based education and a broader commute to secular, independent schools with extensive resources.
How does tuition for private schools in the Washington, PA area compare to the Pennsylvania state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Washington, PA area varies significantly based on the school. Local options like Trinity Christian School often have lower tuition, typically ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 annually for K-12, which is below the state average for private schools. In contrast, premier independent schools like Sewickley Academy have tuition that can exceed $30,000, aligning with top-tier national averages. Pennsylvania offers several financial aid avenues. Most schools have their own need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, the state's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs provide scholarships for students from low- and middle-income families, especially those zoned for low-performing public schools. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Washington, Pennsylvania region offer that leverage local history or industry?
Private schools in and around Washington, PA, often integrate the region's rich history and economic landscape into their curricula. Given Washington County's deep ties to the energy sector and its historical significance in the Whiskey Rebellion and early American industry, schools may offer specialized programs. For example, a school might develop project-based learning units on energy economics, environmental science focused on the Marcellus Shale, or local history partnerships with the David Bradford House or the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Schools like Sewickley Academy, with their emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, might incorporate these themes into engineering or history courses. Furthermore, proximity to Pittsburgh's tech and healthcare hubs allows schools to facilitate internships or partnerships in robotics, biomedical engineering, and computer science.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Washington, PA families, and are there key deadlines specific to this region?
The enrollment timeline for private schools in this region generally follows an annual cycle, with key activities concentrated from fall to spring. For most schools, including Trinity Christian, Sewickley Academy, and The Ellis School, the process begins in September or October with open houses. Application deadlines for the following academic year are typically between January and February. Admissions testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) and student interviews often occur in the winter months. Financial aid applications usually have a deadline in early spring (February/March), coinciding with the state's tax credit scholarship application windows. Notification of acceptance and financial aid awards is typically sent in March, with enrollment contracts due by April. It's vital to start the process early, especially for the more competitive independent schools, as spaces can fill quickly.
For a family living in Washington, Pennsylvania, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school option?
Families in Washington, PA, should weigh several local factors. The Washington School District offers a public education with no tuition, while private options involve significant financial investment. Academically, private schools often boast smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like AP or International Baccalaureate at some schools), and potentially more resources per student. For faith-based education, Trinity Christian provides an explicit Christian worldview, which the public schools cannot. A major practical consideration is commute time; attending a top-tier independent school often means a daily drive to Pittsburgh's suburbs, impacting family logistics. Conversely, staying within the local public system or a local private school simplifies transportation. Families should also consider the student's social environment, as private schools can offer a different peer group and network. Ultimately, it's a balance of educational philosophy, financial capability, and daily practicality specific to living in Washington County.
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