PUBLIC
SCHOOL DISTRICTS (K12):
BALD EAGLE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Main number: 355-4860
www.beasd.org
Elementary Schools
Howard 625-2423
Mountaintop 387-6861
Port Matilda 692-7429
Wingate 355-4872
Jr./Sr. High Schools
Bald Eagle Area 355-4868
BELLEFONTE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Main number: 355-4814
www.basd.net
Elementary Schools
Bellefonte 355-5519
Benner 355-2812
Marion-Walker 357-2425
Pleasant Gap 359-2739
Middle School
Bellefonte Area 355-5466
Jr./Sr.
High Schools
Bellefonte Area High 355-4833
PENNS VALLEY AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Main number: 422-8814
www.pennsvalley.org
Elementary Schools
Centre Hall-Potter 364-1481
Gregg Township 422-8822
Miles Township 349-8868
Penns Valley 422-8824
Jr./Sr. High Schools
Penns Valley Area 422-8854
PHILIPSBURG-OSCEOLA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Main number: 342-1050
www.pomounties.org
Elementary Schools
North Lincoln Hill 342-4906
Osceola Mills 339-6812
Philipsburg 342-2870
Wallaceton Boggs 342-2457
Jr./Sr. High Schools
P.O. Junior High 342-4860
P.O. Senior High 342-1521
STATE COLLEGE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Main number: 231-1011
www.scasd.k12.pa.us
Elementary Schools
Boalsburg 466-5040
Corl Street 231-1185
Easterly Parkway 231-1170
Fairmont Avenue 231-1122
Ferguson Township 231-4119
Gray’s Woods 235-6100
Houserville 231-5026
Lemont 231-5034
Panorama Village 466-5059
Park Forest 231-5010
Radio Park 231-4115
Middle Schools
Mount Nittany 466-5133
Park Forest 237-5301
Jr./Sr.
High Schools
State College Area High School
231-1111 – north building
231-5020 – south building
The Delta Program 231-1000
CHARTER SCHOOLS (K-8):
Centre Learning Community Charter School
www.clccharter.org
2643 W. College Ave.
State College, Pa. 16801
861-7980
Contact: Kosta Dussias
Grades: 5-8
Total enrollment: 100
Teacher to student ratio: 1:12
Admission: lottery
Educational Philosophy: “We emphasize technology and project-based
learning where students learn by doing. Project-based learning
is the core of our curriculum. Our teachers design ‘real-world’ projects
that integrate a variety of knowledge and skills. Students create
museums, educational games, movies, and give presentations to their
peers and outside visitors at end-of-project conferences.” ~Kosta
Dussias
Nittany Valley Charter School
www.nvcs.org
1612 Norma St.
State College, Pa. 16801
867-3842
Contact: Carolyn Maroncelli
Grades: 1-8
Total enrollment: 48
Teacher to student ratio: Varies
Admission: lottery
Educational Philosophy: “Recognizing and caring for the child
as a whole person is central to teaching. We welcome the differences
in background, abilities, and styles that each child brings to
the school. There is no one right program for every child; rather
each child must receive instruction at a level and in a manner
that best meets his or her educational needs. Our mission states
that we will provide a variety of learning experiences for the
child, utilizing the resources in our families and community to
enrich the learning experience. We believe that parent involvement
is vital for the success of the education process and that developing
a personal understanding of the natural environment is vital for
the future of our world.” ~Carolyn Maroncelli
Wonderland Charter School
www.wonderlandcharter.com
2112 Sandy Drive
State College, Pa. 16803
234-5886
Contact: Harold Ohnmeis
Grades: Kindergarten
Total Enrollment: 34
Teacher to student ratio: Approx. 1:8
Admission: registration
Educational Philosophy: “To develop an individual education
plan for every child, setting an educational foundation for the
child, as it’s his or her introduction to formal schooling.
We have three missions: Teach cognitive material. Teach how to
go to school. And lastly, teach how to love school.” ~Harold
Ohnmeis
Young Scholars of Central PA Charter School
www.yscp.org
3020 Research Drive
State College, Pa. 16801
237-9727
Contact: Bulent Tarman
Grades: K-5 (Grades 6-8 to be added annually beginning
fall 2007)
Total Enrollment: 120
Teacher to student ratio: Approx. 1:10
Admission: open enrollment, lottery if necessary
Educational Philosophy: “We seek
to establish, a unique, proactive alternative to traditional public education
which provides an ideal ‘Global Learning’ environment for the intellectual
and social development of its students. We focus on two student constituencies:
those whose native language is not American English, during their transition
into the American educational system and culture, and those native speakers of
American English who wish to engage a curriculum which fosters a global perspective
and promotes appreciation and understanding of world regions, cultures, and global
issues. Through an innovative language immersion program, which relies heavily
on a rigorous academic curriculum for mastery of core knowledge and skills, we
seek to develop students who are conversant in at least two major world languages
(in addition to English), who understand the interdependence of the world’s
peoples, and who attain proficiency not only in basic academic subjects, but
also in knowledge of other countries, their people, and their roles in influencing
world history and present international issues.” ~Bulent Tarman
PRIVATE SCHOOLS (Infant-Grade 12)
(RELIGIOUS)
Bellefonte Playschool of FUMC
www.faithworking.com/playschool.html
512 Hughes St.
Bellefonte, Pa. 16823
357-9086
Contact: Carol-Beth Book
Affiliation: Methodist
Grades: PreK
Total enrollment: 60
Teacher to student ratio: Approx. 1:12 Educational
Philosophy: “Our purpose is to enrich
the lives of participating children. We provide a safe environment for socialization
through play, and for learning of basic readiness skills. Our teachers and assistants
are persons of Christian faith and character who promote traditional moral standards
and values.” ~Carol-Beth Book
Centre County Christian Academy
www.cccacademy.org
100 Hertzler Drive
Bellefonte, Pa. 16823
355-7805
Contact: Robert Baylor
Affiliation: Non-denominational Christian
Grades: PreK-12
Total enrollment: 94
Teacher to student ratio: Approx. 1:10
Educational Philosophy: “We provide
a primary and secondary education for children in the local Bible-believing church
and Christian home, and nurture its children to achieve their fullest potential
spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially, in the light of the Word
of God, The Holy Bible.-Our education’s chief end is the pursuit of truth,
and that no education can truly take place where the Author of Truth is denied.” ~Robert
Baylor
Fairbrook
First Steps Preschool
www.fairbrookumc.org
4201 W. Whitehall Road
Pennsylvania Furnace, Pa. 16865
235-7040
Contact: Christy Hulek
Affiliation: United Methodist
Grades: Ages 3 to 4 and PreK
Total Enrollment: 30
Teacher to student ratio: 2:15
Educational Philosophy: “We believe
that each child is an individual with his/her own ideas, preferences, abilities,
and interests. We seek to connect with the students on his/her own level, nurturing
them to grow developmentally, socially, academically and spiritually. It is the
goal of this preschool that your child will leave prepared for kindergarten and,
more importantly, that your child will leave prepared to enter the world with
a foundation of Christian values that will help them to display compassion and
respect in all situations.” ~Christy Hulek
Good Shepherd Lutheran Christian
Preschool
www.goodshepherdsc.org/preschool/index.html
851 N. Science Park Road
State College, Pa. 16801
234-1388
Contact: Dianne Sefter
Affiliation: Lutheran
Grades: 2 1/2 to 5 years of age
Total enrollment: 80
Teacher to student ratio: 1:4 (2 1/2 - 3 year olds) and
1:8 (3-5 year olds)
Educational Philosophy: “Our Christian
program ministers to the spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and intellectual
needs of young children through a play-based curriculum in a family atmosphere.” ~Dianne
Sefter
Grace Lutheran Dayschool
www.glcpa.org/dayschool
205 S. Garner St.
State College, Pa. 16801
238-2478
Contact: Carol Lebold
Affiliation: Lutheran
Grades: ages 2 1/2-K
Total enrollment: 144
Teacher to student ratio: 1:5 (age 2 1/2); 1:7 (age 3);
1:8 (ages 4-5)
Educational Philosophy: “1) Develop
a positive self-image, feeling of belonging, and a sense of security. 2) Discover
and nurture an individual creative expression. 3) Cultivate a desire of knowledge
and a love of learning. 4) Make a transition from home to school by learning
to listen and follow directions. Work and play cooperatively. 5) Respond to a
structure outside of home.” ~Carol Lebold
Grace
Prep
www.graceprep.com
1117 Williams St.
State College, Pa. 16801
867-1177
Contact: Bob Gresh
Affiliation: Christian
Grades: 9-12
Total enrollment: 50
Teacher to student ratio: 1:5
Educational Philosophy: “Grace Prep
is a school where students love to learn, where they’re encouraged to wonder
out loud, challenged to question until they understand, and required to do more
than learn. It’s a place where our teachers are also mentors, because the
people training our students are not there just to transmit facts, but to produce
life and be role models for the future.” ~Bob Gresh
Mt. Nittany Preschool
1500 East Branch Road
State College, Pa. 16801
234-3938
Contact: Bonnie Spotts
Affiliation: Methodist
Grades: Ages 2-K
Total enrollment: 45
Teacher to student ratio: 2 years 1:6; 3 years 1:7; 4 years
1:8
Educational Philosophy: “We strive
to provide a safe, nurturing, rich atmosphere where children feel welcome and
excited to come. Our motivated curriculum balances academic, social, emotional,
and physical skills promoting a strong background for kindergarten.” ~Bonnie
Spotts
St Andrews Episcopal Preschool
208
W. Foster Ave.
State College, Pa. 16801
237-7659
Contact: Carolyn Scheetz
Affiliation: Episcopal
Grades: Nursery School
Total enrollment: 55
Teacher to student ratio: 2 and 7 months of age 1:4 (additional parent volunteer),
3 years 1:8, 4 years 1:9
Educational Philosophy: “We provide
a stimulating, safe environment for the child, a place to learn physical and
social skills and develop intellectually and emotionally. We strive to nurture
a Christian, caring behavior—that is, getting along with others, developing
positive friendships and becoming part of an empathic group. Through free play,
semi-structured and guided activities, creative arts, music and dance, science
exploration, field trips and daily outdoor play, we provide a rich environment
for the individual growth and development of each child. In a nurturing manner,
we encourage positive feelings of self worth and seek to foster a love for learning
and life itself.” ~Carolyn Scheetz
Jewish Community Center Nursery & Religious
School
620 E. Hamilton Ave.
State College, Pa. 16801
237-1109
Contact: Julie Taubman
Affiliation: Jewish
Grades: 2 years 7 months to 5 years
Total enrollment: 16
Teacher to student ratio: Approx. 1:3
Educational Philosophy: “Our preschool
program is designed to meet the developmental needs of young children. It provides
experiences that enrich each child’s cognitive, emotional, social, spiritual,
physical and creative development. The school’s curriculum is play-based
balanced with planned activities including daily circle time and center times.
The children come to school for supervised rather than directed play. Each child
is free to choose from the many activities available each day. If they choose,
they may also just observe. The following are a few examples of our curriculum’s
goals: to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, to learn about
Jewish holidays and values, to learn to become a member of a group and relate
to others, and to appreciate individual differences and value diversity.”
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State College Friends School
www.statecollegefriendsschool.org
1900 University Drive
State College, Pa. 16801
237-8386
Contact: Margy Frysinger
Affiliation: Society of Friends
Grades: K-8
Total enrollment: 125
Teacher to student ratio: 1:10
Educational Philosophy: “We believe that ‘education
is a journey, not a destination.’ We view learning as a process
of exploration and self-discovery, with students actively constructing
knowledge from experience.-The teacher’s role in this process
is to provide a careful balance of challenge and nurture.-Consequently,
our expectations are high, both for intellectual learning and for
developing self-discipline and responsible independence.-At the
same time, we nurture the capacities of the spirit that enable
students to do their best:-confidence, self-esteem, imagination,
caring.” ~Mary Ziegler
Nittany Christian School
www.nittanychristian.com
1221 W. Whitehall Road
State College, Pa. 16801
234-5652
Contact: Robert Fravel, Alan Kohr
Affiliation: Christian
Grades: PreK-8
Total Enrollment: 103
Teacher to student ratio: 1:10
Educational Philosophy: “We address mental, physical, and
social needs of the students as well as freely, openly, and personally
addressing spiritual issues (relationship with God) with them,
while providing a solid academic curriculum. We believe that by
incorporating the power of God as a part of the daily school day,
students have a better understanding of success.” ~Alan Kohr
St. John the Evangelist Catholic School
www.saintjohnsch.com
116 E. Bishop St.
Bellefonte, Pa. 16823
355-7859
Contact: L. Pamela Vaiana
Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Grades: PreK-5
Total enrollment: 119
Teacher to student ratio: 1:14
Educational Philosophy: “Education is not limited to the
classroom or school building, but involves the family and community
as well as professional educators. Education is a process that
starts at birth and lasts a lifetime. It involves the accumulation
of knowledge, but more importantly involves personal and spiritual
development. We teach, and encourage an appetite for learning and
the tools to continually seek out new knowledge. We must also continually
look to the future and realize that the world is changing and becoming
more complex, and as a result, requires new approaches to education.” ~L.
Pamela Vaiana
St. Paul’s Christian Preschool
www.stpaulsc.org/ministries/preschool.htm
127 McAllister St.
State College, Pa 16801
237-1245
Contact: Cindy Schultz
Affiliation: United Methodist
Grades: Infant-PreK
Total enrollment: 100
Teacher to student ratio: 1:4 (increases with age)
Educational Philosophy: “Our logo is: ‘We are caring.
We put the C-A-R-I-N-G across the paper. C stands for Christian.
A stands for arms. R stands for reaching out. I stands for individuals
while. N stands for nurturing with. G stands for God’s love.’ We
provide the highest quality and age appropriate care for every
child. Each child forms the center piece of our activities while
working in partnership with families.” ~Cindy Schultz
Our Lady of Victory Catholic School
www.olvcs.org
800 Westerly Parkway
State College, PA 16801
238-1592
Contact: Kathy Bechdel
Grades: K-8
Enrollment size: 288
Teacher to student ratio: 1:17
Educational Philosophy: “We integrate Catholic truths, values,
and attitudes with the intellectual, emotional, social and physical
development of our students.-We are committed to teaching students
how to live in the world as productive citizens, life-long learners,
and witnesses of Jesus Christ.” ~Kathy Bechdel
NONSECTARIAN (Infant-Grade
12):
Meadows School
132 The Meadows Drive
Centre Hall, Pa. 16828
364-2161
Contact: Bobbi Jo Wakefield
School type: Special Education
Grades: PreK-12
Total enrollment: 26 (over 30 for 8-12)
Teacher to student ratio: Varies for how many kids are enrolled
at that time
Educational Philosophy: “We have a high turnover of students.
We teach every subject, and any subject that the student is learning
at that time.” ~Bobbi Jo Wakefield
Bennett Family Center
The Pennsylvania State University
www.hhdev.psu.edu/hdfs/cp/bfc
123 Bennett Family Center
University Park, Pa. 16802
865-4057
Contact: Wendy Whitesell
Grades: PreK-K
Total enrollment: 127
Teacher to student ratio: varies by age
Educational Philosophy: “Our program is based on the belief
that we are an extension of the family.-We are strongly committed
to working with children and families.-We share an open door policy
with all of our families and welcome parents’ participation
in our program.-Our curriculum is designed by the emerging interests
of the children and their families in each classroom.-Our goal
is to provide a supportive and nurturing environment by building
a sense of community among parents, children, and staff. We value
and celebrate each child’s unique cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic
background.-In consideration of the whole child we strive to nourish
the mind, body, and sense of self for continued growth.-We strongly
believe that parents are the first and most important teachers
of their children.” ~Wendy Whitesell
Cooperative Playschool
www.cooperativeplayschool.coop
611 E. Prospect Ave.
State College, Pa. 16801
238-3922
Contact: Katherine L. Alden
Grades: PreK
Total Enrollment: 25
Teacher to student ratio: 1:5
Educational Philosophy: “We enrich the lives of participating
children and their parents in an atmosphere of relative freedom.
Emphasis is placed on social interaction and the individual growth
of each child within a play-based curriculum. The children receive
help in developing a feeling of belonging to a group which is interested
in them and makes them feel secure. In addition to the professionally
educated teachers, the program is enhanced by the involvement of
the parents through observation, participation and discussion.
The preschool provides a unique opportunity for parents to grow
and learn as they see their children from a different perspective.” Source:
website
Kinder Station
3035 Enterprise
State College, Pa 16801
237-5652
Contact: Judy Burgess
Grades: Infant-K
Total enrollment: 80
Teacher to student ratio: Toddler 1:4, infant 1:4, PreK 1:10, K
1:18
Educational Philosophy: “We allow children to realize their
potential. We want them to become very competent and confident,
giving them experiences that allow this to happen. Our program
is developmental, focusing on the whole child academically, socially,
and physically. The students participate in many nontraditional
activities such as ice skating, swimming, skiing and sailing. We
want them to be able to solve any problem they come across. Our
school focuses on getting students interested in the whole wide
world, so they themselves, will be interesting people.” ~Judy
Burgess
Magic Years
228 Farmstead Lane
State College, Pa. 16803
238-3955
Contact: Bettie Miller
Grades: PreK-K
Total enrollment: 95
Teacher to student ratio: Infant 1:4, PreK 1:10, K 1:12
Educational Philosophy: “Childhood is a time of growing curiosity
and boundless imagination.-It’s a special time when experience
and exploration create the foundation upon which all future learning
is built.-We offer children opportunities to grow in an enriched
environment that promotes self-confidence, social competence and
lifelong love of learning.” ~Bettie Miller
MONTESSORI (PreK-K):
Montessori School of the Nittany Valley
http://montessori.centrecounty.org
138 Limerock Terrace
State College, Pa 16801
861-3988
Contact: P. Lynn Chaplin
Grades: PreK-K
Total enrollment: 45
Teacher to student ratio: 1:8
Educational Philosophy: “Our school is in a natural setting
with a nature trail and gardens. We encourage participation in
daily practices that help children come to respect the earth and
each other. We offer after-school care until 5:30 p.m. with an
emphasis on art in the afternoon.” ~P. Lynn Chaplin
Park Forest Montessori School
www.parkforestmontessori.com
1833 Park Forest Ave.
State College, Pa. 16803
237-9274
Contact: Rose Park
Grades: PreK-K
Total enrollment: 43
Teacher to student ratio: 1:8
Educational Philosophy: “Dr. Montessori felt that children
should choose their own work, and learn by doing things by themselves,
specifically with their hands and senses, and should have an environment
to help them perfect their natural tools for learning. Birth to
age six is the most important period of life, when the child’s
mind absorbs and develops from its environment. There are special,
sensitive periods when it’s easier for a child to learn a
particular skill than at any other time. Our school applies these
beliefs.” ~Rose Park
Red Satchel
www.redsatchel.com
1015 S. Pugh St.
State College, Pa. 16801
234-1464
Contact: Carla Glisan
Grades: PreK-K
Total enrollment: 12 children per class
Teacher to student ratio: 1:18
Educational Philosophy: “We stress the importance of the
interactions between the child, the teacher, and the prepared environment.
This prepared environment has the aim of rendering the child independent
of the adult. Through the use of didactic apparatuses, and orderly
and sequential materials, this is achieved. The classrooms are
designed to appeal aesthetically to the child. The shelving, furniture,
and activities are constructed in proportion to the children and
their needs. Materials and activities abound on the shelves throughout
the classrooms. Both the preschool and kindergarten classrooms
contain the core areas of the Montessori prepared environment:
Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Science.” ~Carla
Glisan
Children’s House Montessori
School
www.pencilfence.com
632 W Beaver Ave
State College, PA 16801
235-5437
Contact: Brooke Miller
Grades: 2 1/2- 2nd grade
Total Enrollment: 41
Teacher to student ratio: Approx. 1:8 (1:7 in the elementary school)
Educational Philosophy: “We offer Montessori schooling in
a home-like setting.” ~Brooke Miller
Our Children’s Center
www.occmontessori.com
411 S. Burrowes St.
State College, Pa. 16801
237-1585
Contact: Patricia Cossick
Grades: PreK-K
Total enrollment: 60
Teacher to student ratio: 1:10
Educational Philosophy: “Our Children’s Center (OCC)
is a private, non-profit Montessori pre-school and Kindergarten
welcoming families from diverse religious, cultural, and economic
backgrounds. Located in downtown State College, OCC offers a variety
of educational programs with flexible options for children ages
2 yrs. 7 months – 6 years of age.
Montessori education uses a “whole child” approach
and activities are designed to promote social skills, emotional
and cognitive growth and physical coordination. Teachers prepare
the classroom environment so that activities offered are attractive
to children, developmentally appropriate, multi-sensory and self-correcting.
Most of the learning is self-directed. Respect for self, others
and the environment are core Montessori principles. The goal of
Montessori education is to develop autonomous, competent, empathic,
responsible problem solvers who one day will make a difference
in the world. ~Patricia Cossick
And Don’t Forget
Central Pa. Institute of Science and Technology
www.cpi.edu
540 N. Harrison Road
Pleasant Gap, Pa. 16823
359-2793
Contact: Gregory W. Michelone
Grades: Secondary students (grades 10 to 12) to post-secondary
students
Total enrollment: 540 (grades 10 to 12)
Teacher to student ratio: Approx. 1:18
Educational Philosophy: “The mission of the Central Pennsylvania
Institute of Science and Technology is to provide exceptional educational
opportunities for career oriented central Pennsylvanians and to
provide our region’s employers with well-trained and motivated
employees who are fully prepared for the highly paid technical
jobs of the 21st century.” ~Gregory W. Michelone |
