Education
Public schools across Somerset County’s 12 districts serve about 7,900 students each year, fostering close-knit learning in familiar settings, where kids connect with teachers and peers amid our rolling hills, building foundations that anchor families right here. Beyond public options, 12 private schools – including some Amish-led – enroll around 670 students, offering faith-based and hands-on approaches.
The Somerset County Technology Center (SCTC) has stood as a county cornerstone since 1972, delivering hands-on vocational training to over 500 high schoolers and adults yearly. Drawing from eight districts – Berlin Brothersvalley, Meyersdale Area, North Star, Rockwood Area, Shade-Central City, Shanksville-Stonycreek, Somerset Area, and Turkeyfoot Valley – its 15 programs launch careers in high-demand fields. Evening adult classes – from aviation to collision repair – bridge gaps to steady jobs, partnering with employers for seamless transitions. SCTC turns potential into purpose, keeping talent local and thriving
Higher education blooms close by, tackling our skilled worker needs in trades, health, and tech. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College at the Somerset County Education Campus offers associate degrees in accounting, behavioral sciences, business management, and criminal justice, plus certificates in bookkeeping and cybersecurity offering flexible blends of in-person, online, and evening formats for valley-rooted learners.
PennWest Clarion’s Somerset campus powers a two-year Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program, training 30 students per cohort with early clinicals and holistic care focus. Graduates sit for the NCLEX-RN, filling vital roles in our hospitals.
Top Notch Academy
North Star Middle School
Allegany College of Maryland’s Somerset site emphasizes early college credits for high schoolers, alongside general education and allied health courses – a commute-free boost to degrees.
Top Notch Prep Academy shines as a vital spark for our youngest, repurposing Somerset’s historic Daily American building into a nurturing early learning center for infants through pre-K. Launched in 2024, it serves children up to age 5 in tailored programs. Led by certified educators in small groups, their affordable rates ensure every family has access.
Through adult education at SCTC and the Chamber-led Success in Somerset County program, we spotlight careers like wind techs and welders across districts, mapping training and internships. In Somerset, our education system builds skills that last.