Education Guide 25

Bucks County Magazine’s 2025

EDUCATION GUIDE

A GUIDE TO EDUCATION

educational philosophies. This has to do with how a parent wants their child educated. An example is Montessori education, which is based on eight principles that Montessori schools put into practice.

Other philosophies may include classical education, progressive education and so on. The point is that private schools have the ability to adopt and be consistent with a particular philosophy of education, and well-informed parents can choose among these philosophies and methods.

Finally, there is no doubt that private schools have an edge when it comes to academic outcomes. U.S News reports, “The most recent NAEP data shows what other research has found: Private school students score better in almost all subjects … On college entry tests such 120 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

as the SAT, NAIS found that students in private schools consistently outperformed their public-school peers in all subject areas.”

Students attending private schools make up 25 percent of all students. They are there because of parental choices based on intangibles like community, values and a sense of belonging, and more tangible things such as smaller classrooms, more individual attention, better academic outcomes, specialization, and choices between educational philosophies. Private schools offer parents and students more choices and better outcomes. v Mary Crystal is a freelance writer who specializes in business, education and public relations.

A GUIDE TO EDUCATION

George School

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t George School, we’re brighter together. Our academic experience for students in grades 9–12 is a collective effort to cultivate each student’s highest ambitions. The George School Academic Program re-imagines the school day. It empowers teachers to be bold, creative, and collaborative. It empowers students to choose their own challenges: the IB diploma, IB courses, APs, adventurous opportunities for global study, artistic expression, service learning and more. The result: an education that gives students the freedom and the support to become their most authentic selves.

Our graduates go forth with a lifelong connection to George School and apply what they've learned—core values, adaptability, transformative habits of heart and mind—to advance the common good. As mentors to current students, as facilitators and leaders in organizations and communities across the country and around the world, they're living proof that we're brighter together.

v 1690 Newtown Langhorne Road, Newtown, PA 18940 215.579.6547 • www.gerogeschool.org

highest ambitions.

Our community leads with kindness and proceeds with hope.

Our Quaker values—centuries old—are a force for good.

All-gender • Grades 9–12 • Quaker Boarding and Day • Newtown, PA

an education that gives students the freedom and the support to become their most authentic selves.

Scan to learn how we cultivate graduates with sharp minds, big hearts, and a global consciousness.

A GUIDE TO EDUCATION

Notre Dame High School

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601 Lawrenceville Road • Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 609.882.7900 • www.ndnj.org

otre Dame High School, established in 1957, provides an exceptional college-preparatory xperience on 100 beautiful acres in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. We challenge students to think critically, imagine, and engage in extraordinary moments, fostering new levels of understanding. Our curriculum offers diverse academic opportunities, including handson learning, AP courses, and internships, with pathway in Biomedical Sciences, Political Science, Multimedia Communications, and International Business.

Generous scholarships and financial aid ensure accessibility. Our faculty and staff are committed to stude success, helping them chart their course to college and beyond through robust partnerships with prominent col leges and universities. Rooted in our Mercy core values and Catholic faith, Notre Dame prepares students for a life of purpose and service, fostering passion and comm ment in the classroom, on stage, in athletics, and in the community.

Notre Dame showcases its academic excellence through SAT, ACT, and AP scores that surpass national averages. An impressive 98% of graduates continue thei education at top-tier institutions and secure millions in scholarships. At Notre Dame, the values of hard work and commitment are respected and valued. The community provides every student a safe and welcoming en vironment to thrive and feel a sense of belonging.

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A GUIDE TO EDUCATION

Newtown Friends School

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ewtown Friends School is a private independent school serving pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students in historic Newtown, PA. We give students throughout Bucks County and nearby New Jersey communities an exceptional academic foundation, stimulating enrichment opportunities, and an affirming campus community that builds confidence and inspires a love for learning. Students and their parents find Newtown Friends to be a place of warmth and acceptance where they can truly feel at home.

Open to families of all faiths, Newtown Friends School embodies the timeless Quaker traditions of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship — values that prepare our students to make a difference in the world.

v 1450 Newtown - Langhorne Road, Newtown, PA 18940 215.968.2225 • www.NewtownFriends.org

1450 Newtown - Langhorne Road - Newtown, PA 18940 A Private Pre-K through 8th Grade Coed Day School

215.968.2225 - www.NewtownFriends.org SUMMER

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A GUIDE TO EDUCATION

Nazareth Academy High School

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azareth Academy High School is the only private, Catholic high school for young women in Philadelphia. Offering more than 40 clubs, 13 athletic teams, and 10 performing arts groups, Nazareth Academy empowers its students to develop their interests and become lifelong learners in a global society. Young women who attend Nazareth live out the school’s mission each day by embracing faith, family, and education as they are challenged to attain their full potential academically, spiritually, and personally.

For more information, visit NazarethAcademyHS.org/Admissions, or contact Ms. Ashley Figaniak '08, Director of Admissions, at 215.268.1026 or at Admissions atNazarethAcademyHS.org.

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4001 Grant Ave., Philadelphia PA 215.637.7676 • www.NazarethAcademyHS.org

Villa Joseph Marie

Always more, Always better, Always with love

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illa Joseph Marie is a private Catholic college-preparatory high school for young women located on 55 scenic acres in Bucks County. The Villa experience is fully focused on the needs and strengths of young women, empowering them through exceptional expectations and support. With small class sizes, Villa delivers a global education on a personal scale, developing women with character, confidence, and a passion for learning. Life at Villa is filled with friendship and fun, enriching extracurricular activities, local and international travel, and opportunities to serve.

Whatever the challenge, Villa girls work together to exemplify the Villa mission—Always more, Always better, Always with love.

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1180 Holland Road, Holland PA 215.357.8810 • www.vjmhs.org 124 B U C K S C O U N T Y M A G . C O M

A GUIDE TO EDUCATION

Buckingham Friends School

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t Buckingham Friends School, an independent K-8 school, we believe deeply that each individual, at every age, offers unique and powerful promise. We cultivate that promise through our flexible and responsive curriculum, within our comprehensive specials programs that add breadth and depth to their individual learning experience, across our expansive 44-acre campus that encourages play and risktaking, and within a diverse and inviting community. We are excited to get to know you and discover together how your child can thrive with Buckingham Friends School.

Individual Promise. Inspiring Curriculum.

Inviting Community.

The best way to truly understand our community and what BFS can offer your child is to visit our school. To learn more, register for an open house, or schedule personal tour, visit www.bfs.org or contact our Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Melissa Clayton, directly at mclayton@bfs.org.

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5684 York Road, Lahaska, PA 215.794.7491 • www.bfs.org

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The Value Is Clear Bucks County Community College’s 2+2 Dual Admission Pathways Help Families Save Money

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ou may already know that Bucks County Community College provides access to high-quality, affordable education. But did you know that the College’ s 2+2 dual admission transfer agreements with topranked universities allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree for 26% - 72% less when they complete their first two years at Bucks? Savings can range from $11,330 to more than $178,000 based on 2024-25 tution and fee.s Bucks has more than 25 dual admission university partners to choose from including Penn State, Temple, West Chester, Holy Family, Drexel, Rider, Gwynedd Mercy, Kutztown, Delaware Valley, and Bloomsburg.

Students complete their first two years at Bucks, and their second two years at the dual admission university partner. They simply need to sign an intent-to-enroll form before accruing 30 credits and complete their associate degree at Bucks before transferring. They’ll receive guaranteed admission, junior status, and an application fee waiver at the four-year university.

They’ll also be eligible for exclusive merit scholarships at the four-year partner that can amount to substantial savings.

By taking advantage of the 2+2 dual admission transfer opportunities, students will minimize student debt while receiving a high-quality education and be in a better financial position to launch their career upon graduation.

To learn more, visit bucks.edu/save.

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Earn a bachelor’s degree at a top-ranked university for lesss with our 2+2 dual admission transfer pathways. Complete yourr first two years at Bucks and your second two years at one of our dual admission n partners to save thousands.

LEARN MORE! bucks.edu//save

At Bucks, B you can: an: Save monney and minimize student dent debt ion and Receive a high-quality education o a top university transfer to

Benefit froom 125+ transfer agrreements with 55+ institutions

Be in a beetter financial position to our career upon graduation launch yo

NEWTOWN | BRISTOL | PERKASIE | ONLINE Bucks County Community College complies with applicable state and federal civil rights laws and does not discriminaate in its educational programs, activities or employment practices.

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Here We GROW Again!

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n 2026, FCA will unveil our new Health and Wellness Building, which will emphasize STEM education, nutrition, athletic training, nursing, and science with dedicated laboratories. This facility will also provide 250 seats for aspiring individuals who have the potential to make a significant impact on our world for Christ. We are seeking students in grades 6-12 who desire an innovative learning experience in an environment that encourages them to dream ambitiously and think critically, all while emphasizing the importance of contributing to their community. As the saying goes, 'To whom much is given, much is required.' FCA has been fortunate to serve this community for the past 50 years (19732026), and by God’s grace, we’ve only just begun.

Advantages Of An Independent Curriculum Private school education isn’t obligated to follow the National Curriculum, so they can offer a wider range of subjects and unique programs.

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rivate Schools, which are not tethered to governmental guidelines and have freedom to create their own programs, have several advantages that can benefit students, teachers and families. An example would be a school that wants the students to be able to think critically and be creative in their studies can focus more on challenging projects that stretch their intellectual powers without worrying about teaching students to memorize facts in order to pass standardized tests.

Teachers are more creative and effective when they have some control over what they teach and are more likely to be passionate about the subjects they teach. Subjects overlooked in public school curricula can be offered without worry about whether they are not on the standardized tests. Students can learn at a faster pace and in areas where they are gifted and be given more help in areas where they are behind. Only private schools are able to provide such a flexible curriculum that is more productive for students, teachers and parents.

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