FAQs

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

• Why choose an independent school?

  Independent schools…
  

  • Have the freedom to create environments and experiences that meet the needs of each individual child.
  • Encourage independence.
  • Invest in professional development for faculty, who are experts in their fields.
  • Educate the whole child—nurturing academic, creative, physical, social and emotional growth.
  • Offer small class sizes that allow for close connections between faculty and students.
  • Partner with families so that parents can be actively engaged in their child’s education.

• How many students are enrolled at Valley School of Ligonier?

  Valley School enrolls approximately 200 children in grades K to 8.

• What is the average class size?

  Classes in K-5 average 20 students, and most Upper Schoolers take courses with no more than 16 students per class.

• What high schools do Valley School students attend?

  Valley School graduates choose a variety of independent, public, and private secondary schools. Approximately 55% of our graduates enroll in a local public school system, while 45% choose an independent or private school. We work closely with Upper School students and their families to identify the best next step in each child’s educational journey.

• In what communities do Valley School families reside?

  We enroll from a wide geographic radius extending approximately 30 miles. Families from over 20 communities across Westmoreland, Cambria, Somerset, and Fayette counties choose Valley School for their children.

• Is busing available?

  Busing to Valley School is available from many local communities, including Ligonier, Latrobe, Greensburg, Derry, Mount Pleasant, Johnstown, and Somerset. Transportation costs vary based on the school district within which a family resides. There is no charge for busing for families residing in school districts within 10 miles of Valley School. For families residing in other school districts, Valley School charges a transportation fee of $1,310 per year to offset the cost of transportation provided by the school.

• Do students wear uniforms?

  Yes. Uniform requirements vary based on a student’s gender and grade level. While Lands End is our uniform partner, families may choose to purchase uniform items that meet our requirements at other retailers.

• How can parents be involved?

  We value and encourage a strong school-family partnership. Parents (and other family members) are welcomed as volunteers in many capacities. Class ambassadors assist with tasks like organizing the snack stand at Fall Tournament and planning Teacher Appreciation Week, while other volunteers assist the Development Office with fundraising events or help the Admissions Office welcome new families to the school. Regardless of your schedule, there are ways to get involved!

• Is there childcare available before or after school hours?

  Students at all grade levels may arrive at the school as early as 7:45 AM and spend supervised time in the library prior to the 8:10 AM start of the school day. Students in grades K-3 may enroll in our Aftercare program, which provides care after their regular dismissal. Aftercare is available Monday through Thursday until 4:00 PM, and is offered to families at a cost of $6 per day.

• Does Valley School offer tuition assistance?

  Valley School offers a range of tuition rates through our Tuition Within Reach program, charging a level of tuition that is customized to—and fairly reflects—each family’s ability to contribute to educational expenses. Tuition rates are based on factors that influence a family’s financial circumstances, including but not limited to, income, assets, expenses, and family size. For some families, full tuition may be the best fit for their financial situation. While families must apply for Tuition Within Reach each year, unless there are dramatic changes in a family’s financial circumstances, their tuition rates can be expected to fluctuate only nominally.