The Best Private Schools in Washington Boro, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Washington Boro. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lancaster Country Day School
Independent School
Lancaster Country Day School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located approximately 15 miles from Washington Boro, LCDS offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic complexes. Students benefit from extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports, performing arts, and community service programs. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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Lancaster Catholic High School
Diocese of Harrisburg
Lancaster Catholic High School is a comprehensive Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. Located about 12 miles from Washington Boro, LCHS combines academic excellence with faith-based education. The school offers advanced placement courses, honors programs, and specialized academies in STEM and business. Facilities include modern science laboratories, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school community emphasizes character development and service, with over 98% of graduates continuing to higher education institutions.
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York Country Day School
Independent School
York Country Day School is an independent school offering education from preschool through 12th grade, serving families throughout Lancaster and York counties including Washington Boro. The school features the International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college preparatory courses. YCDS provides a challenging academic environment with personalized learning plans and small class sizes. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global citizenship and offers extensive extracurricular activities including robotics, debate, and competitive sports teams.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Washington Boro, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Washington Boro, Pennsylvania, and what are their key characteristics?
While Washington Boro itself is a small borough, families typically look to nearby Lancaster and York counties for private school options. The most prominent include Lancaster Country Day School (PreK-12, college-prep with a strong arts and sciences focus), Lancaster Catholic High School (9-12, faith-based education with a rigorous academic and service curriculum), and York Country Day School (PreK-12, known for small class sizes and project-based learning). Commuting 20-40 minutes to these schools is standard for Washington Boro residents. There are very few, if any, private schools physically located within the borough limits, so transportation planning is a key consideration.
How does Pennsylvania's tuition assistance landscape, like the EITC/OSTC programs, benefit Washington Boro families considering private schools?
Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs are crucial for many families in Washington Boro. These programs provide scholarships to eligible students, often based on household income, to attend participating private schools. Most of the top schools in the area, including Lancaster Catholic High School, participate as scholarship organizations. The availability of these funds can significantly offset tuition costs. It's essential to apply for these scholarships early through the specific school or partner organization, as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
For a child with a strong interest in agriculture or environmental science, are there specialized private school programs near Washington Boro, PA?
Yes, Washington Boro's location in the heart of Pennsylvania's agricultural region provides unique opportunities. While the core private schools offer robust science programs, Lancaster Country Day School, for example, leverages its proximity to the Susquehanna River and local farms for environmental studies and fieldwork. Furthermore, some families complement traditional private schooling with courses or partnerships at the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center, which offers specialized agricultural sciences programs. This blend of college-prep academics and hands-on, local agricultural exposure is a distinctive advantage for students in this area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Lancaster Country Day School for a family from Washington Boro?
The process for schools like Lancaster Country Day School (LCDS) begins well over a year in advance. For fall entry, prospective Washington Boro families should initiate inquiries and campus tours in the prior fall (e.g., September-December). Application deadlines are often in January or February, requiring transcripts, teacher recommendations, and student visits or assessments. Financial aid and EITC scholarship applications typically have concurrent early deadlines. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in entry grades, starting early is critical. Unlike larger urban centers, a personal connection and demonstrated interest through visits are highly valued in the Lancaster County private school community.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Washington Boro compare to the local public school district (Penn Manor)?
This is a key differentiator. The Penn Manor School District, which serves Washington Boro, is a well-regarded public district but has larger average class sizes. Private options like York Country Day School often boast student-to-teacher ratios of 8:1 or 10:1, allowing for highly individualized attention. The community environment also differs; Lancaster Catholic High School fosters a close-knit faith-based community, while LCDS promotes a culture of extensive parent involvement and a consistent cohort from PreK through 12th grade. For Washington Boro families, the choice often hinges on whether they prioritize the specialized, intimate setting of a private school over the comprehensive, locally-based extracurriculars and no-tuition model of the Penn Manor public system.
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