2023 Best Catholic High Schools in the Philadelphia Area

• Malvern, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.64 out of 5  87 reviews

Parent: Malvern faculty and staff have such a special gift tapping into our son's inner strengths. My son went from parochial to public school before finding his home at Malvern. He was quiet and ok with coming to school, doing his best each day. After a few short weeks his team of teachers have worked with him to place him in challenging classes, encouraging his participation in campus events, and stepping out of his comfort zone to explore a student leadership role. His first year provided so much personal awareness and growth. He began his journey learning who he is and how to build on these strengths, as well as recognize where he needs to be challenged. Something we spent many years partnering with outside counselors and teachers in his previous schools with little success. We knew we were missing something and the Malvern staff have been able to help him so quickly and effectively. We can't thank Malvern enough and are so grateful he has 3.5 more years discovering his best self!... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 652

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Claymont, DE•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  179 reviews

Sophomore: I have truly enjoyed my experience at Archmere Academy. Coming from a large public middle school, to a small, Catholic school was a big transition for me. I love the academic opportunities at the school. Not only can I challenge myself and find classes that interest me, I also have teachers who are passionate about what they teach and are always willing to help students understand via one-on-one time, questions in class, or new lessons. I personally enjoy the arts program and the athletics program; both showcase the talent of the students and allows students to channel their energies. My suggestion would to be conscientious about coursework. Homework can pile up if you don't manage your time well. Overall, I love coming to school everyday!... Read 179 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 532

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  119 reviews

Junior: I love the Prep! It has a great location right in the heart of Philadelphia and manages to challenge students with an incredible academic rigor. The Prep is formed by its Jesuit character and commitment to service and forming men for and with others. It has great athletics as well with a nationally-ranked football program and great opportunities in other sports such as soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Overall, the Prep brings out the best in students forming great moral characters they will hold for the rest of their lives.... Read 119 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Devon, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  80 reviews

Junior: This school does a great job at accommodating to students and is a great learning atmosphere. When it comes to teachers, Devon Prep is very complicated. I have had the greatest, most proficient teachers ever, but I've also had teachers where I would question the obtention of their degree. Despite these awful teachers, some teachers make the entire school worth it and will change your life. I believe it is a great school and I am happy to go here. The social reputation isn't the best, but if your here for a fun time, rather than working, then this isn't the school for you.... Read 80 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 310

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Flourtown, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  134 reviews

Parent: Simply the most amazing academic, spritual and social experience for our daughter. Education is unsurpassed, SAT grades are phenomenal.Teachers are college level and so very kind. Campus is gorgeous. Thank you so much!... Read 134 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 462

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  112 reviews

Parent: I have had 3 daughters enrolled - 2 graduates and a current student (Class of '24), and all three LOVED the teachers, Sacred Heart traditions and the diverse makeup of their class. They also received an education that not only prepared them for college, it prepared them to THRIVE in college. You won't find better academics - particularly in STEM areas as they have several teachers who came from industries and provide real-world usage for the mathematics, biology and physics that they are learning. As far as activities, SHA has some really good sports teams, great music, theater and choir. Overall, teachers and staff are great to deal with! Visit SHA before you decide on a school, you won't be sorry!... Read 112 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 200

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Bensalem, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.66 out of 5  193 reviews

Parent: The Gold Standard! My son was a '22 HGP graduate. I was beyond impressed every step of the way, including how the pandemic/shutdown was handled. Everything is done with purpose and in the best interests of the students. Perfection doesn't exist but I have a genuine love for this school.... Read 193 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 426

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Wyndmoor, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  128 reviews

Parent: LaSalle is a brotherhood where Christian values guide faculty to instill character, a spirit of service, and hard work ethic in a rigorous academic curriculum. We love that the community, while large, gets to know each student individually, providing adequate support and equal opportunity to challenge the boys to stretch outside their comfort zones. The boys have an opportunity to become Microsoft certified at the end of their first year, participate in high level successful athletic programs, and study a wide variety of languages. I am confident that my son will emerge a renaissance man of great character, a leader poised to serve his community, and skilled to competently achieve at a high level in any profession he chooses to pursue.... Read 128 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,101

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Holland, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  198 reviews

Parent: The administration and staff are outstanding. They put their heart and soul into this school. The focus is on continued improvement. The school’s motto says it all...Always more, always better, always with love. When looking for that match for our daughter, we wanted a place she could feel comfortable, grow, learn, be involved in activities and excel academically. Don’t hesitate. This is the place. Our daughter has come out of her shell, has tried activities and sports we didn’t think she would. She loves the community, the kids are friendly and nice, and they all look out for each other. When visiting other schools students were not as engaged with each other, they were on their devices. The Villa girls go out of their way to be inclusive and engage with each other in person! The school is cared for, and has state of the art performance center, and new steam facilities on the way, as well as a new film design studio. This school has the culture and character you want.... Read 198 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 403

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Villanova, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  99 reviews

Freshman: ND has already impressed both me and my family ever since coming this year. I came from a school that had limited academic option, and ND had been the opposite! The new STEM building and programs that are being implemented are quite impressive, and it shows how much they want to invest in STEM! They also put an emphasis on the arts. The laptops each student get are also extraordinarily helpful or keeping up to date. Freshmen have the most limited options in courses for their first years, but there are still many different courses you can take in language and math. All other classes have honors options, which you must test into or be recommended for. Coming to ND was the best choice of my life because it is a place where academics are extremely valued but are never put onto a student in a way that harms them. I have already grown so much and I am already dreading graduation!... Read 99 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 537

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Wilmington, DE•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.65 out of 5  123 reviews

Parent: Sending our sons to Salesianum School was the best decision we ever made. I have three sons with very different interests. My boys have participated in band, theatre, Science Olympiad, basketball, soccer, baseball, tailgate club, ping pong club, guitar club and others. Academically I could not ask for more. My oldest two sons were both accepted into many colleges with scholarships and are currently in the Honors Program at UD. Sallies prepared them with the study and organizational skills to be independent and successful in college and later in life. The best part about Sallies is the brotherhood. My sons have each met "their people" and have made life long friends. My two sons in college still hang out with their Sallies friends on breaks. Sallies teaches the students about hard work and dedication as well as humility and compassion for others. Sallies develops the students to be well rounded respectful adults. I could not be happier with our experience at Salesianum.... Read 123 reviews

• grade A

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Merion Station, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  74 reviews

Senior: I like Merion Mercy Academy because its academics are rigorous and they push me to be the best that I can possibly be. Before I came to Merion Mercy, I was not super confident in myself as a student. I am now a rising senior and I am more confident than I have ever been! Merion Mercy has some of the best teachers that I have ever experienced throughout my entire academic career. The teachers are demanding, but they are easy to communicate with and they are more than willing to help you if you reach out and ask for it. Merion Mercy has given me the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends that I otherwise would have never met because they have students from many different counties in Pennsylvania and even counties in New Jersey. I am forever grateful for all of the opportunities that I have received as a student at Merion Mercy Academy.... Read 74 reviews

• grade A

• Students 363

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Wilmington, DE•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  137 reviews

Sophomore: Ursuline is a fantastic community full of amazing teachers, staff, and students. I have attended Ursuline since I was in kindergarden, and I am privileged to be a part of such a wonderful school! The classes are extremely immersive and the teachers are very supportive and able to offer one on one attention and guidance when needed. The classes are all focused on increasing confidence and leadership skills, while also challenging you to push yourself to learn on new levels. The sisterhood at Ursuline is also an incredible thing to experience. All of the girls are so kind and welcoming, and it truly makes you feel so accepted and connected to everyone. I am so honored to be a part of this amazing community, and it is something I look forward to everyday!... Read 137 reviews

• grade A

• Students 427

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Gwynedd Valley, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  145 reviews

Parent: My daughter just completed her first year at GMA! We are thrilled with the positive experience and environment offered to her. She was a part of student council, as well as a member of the soccer and track teams. Besides those activities, she loved being a part of multiple clubs from dance club to investment club. The opportunities were endless. Academically, she is a struggling learner so I was pleased to see the additional supports offered to her. We look forward to seeing her growth over the next few years and are confident she will continue to soar academically, socially, emotionally and more as a Monarch.... Read 145 reviews

• grade A

• Students 441

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Malvern, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  87 reviews

Alum: The best thing about Villa is the environment of its classrooms. Villa girls are encouraged to speak their minds and are expected to do so without fear of 'being wrong' or 'sounding stupid.' Villa girls become truly comfortable asking questions, sharing opinions, or even contesting the teacher; nor do they fear judgement from classmates when speaking their minds. Encouraging young women to feel comfortable in a classroom facilitates high performance in college and in the work force. Villa's dedication to encouraging young women to confidently articulate themselves in the classroom sets their graduates up for real success - I am truly grateful for this formative experience. The big drawbacks: some admin. individuals were difficult to deal with and enforced rules to a very intense degree - which fostered a culture more focused on fear of punishment than growth and self-discovery. The diversity at Villa needs to be improved - there was one person of color in my graduation class.... Read 87 reviews

• grade A

• Students 422

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  168 reviews

Sophomore: I love attending Nazareth. Teachers care about their students and have engaging topics in their classes. There's many clubs and sports and the girls that attend here have a great sense of school pride. The school real cares about our mental health and they prioritize us. A counselor is always available to a student throughout the day. I love the new block scheduling for students.It optimizes the students attention span and they include much needed breaks to avoid students to feel burn out.Class sizes are usually small and it leads to deeper connections between students and teachers.Food is great and staff is friendly.Art and Music is vital for our school community. The Music Department has played in the Vatican in Rome, and will traveled to Ireland in summer of 2022. The school is made up of girls from different classes and cultures and we are encouraged to celebrate other cultures. The school breeds strong, intellectual independent women, who are prepared for life after high school.... Read 168 reviews

• grade A

• Students 318

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Pennsauken, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  139 reviews

Senior: My experience at Bishop Eustace has been nothing but positive. I’ve had so many opportunities both in and out of the classroom. There is a strong sense of community. I feel supported by all my teachers. I believe I am ready for the challenges of college because of the rigor of the curriculum and my teachers. If I had to pick high school again, I still choose Bishop Eustace.... Read 139 reviews

• grade A

• Students 638

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Wilmington, DE•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  222 reviews

Alum: I am grateful for my time at Padua! My high school experience, going to an all girls Catholic school, really worked for me compared to a different kind of school setting. My teachers there were supportive and helpful and I was really challenged, especially in AP courses, to excel in academics. I believe Padua helped prepare me for college and I'm grateful that my transition to college was relatively easy. I know that a lot has changed since I've graduated, but overall I'm glad to have been at an enriching school that helped get me where I am today.... Read 222 reviews

• grade A

• Students 658

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Radnor, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  155 reviews

Parent: Archbishop Carroll is a wonderful coed Catholic school. Everyone at Carroll wants the school to succeed, from the students, parents to the teachers and administration. The campus is always busy with competitive sports, clubs, community activities and a wonderful theatre program. Carroll provides the students with everything they need to succeed and be prepared for success after high school. Families travel from all over our area to take advantage of all that Carroll has to offer.... Read 155 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 806

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Wilmington, DE•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  140 reviews

Parent: Our teen started at Saint Mark's as a Freshmen this year. Despite the pandemic, it has been a smooth transition academically. The faculty and staff truly care about the students. This is evident in the level of communication between both student-teacher and parent-teacher. There are many ways to get involved beyond the classroom- sports, clubs, performing arts. Safety has been a top priority especially due to COVID. Students' emotional well-being has also been a priority. In fact, the school brought in therapy dogs for students and the administration hosts Spartan Strong Days for classes to bond. Once the pandemic is behind us, I think the experience will only get better and better!... Read 140 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 719

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Cherry Hill, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  195 reviews

Senior: Attending Camden Catholic is the best decision that I have ever made. The school offers amazing academics, bettering the student in a well rounded environment. Camden Catholic also maintains a lively atmosphere, urging students to take part in their extracurricular. I especially love that both athletes and the arts are prioritized. Furthermore, Camden Catholic's Campus Ministry is like no other! Above all else, the staff strives to embrace the students. Between the school trips, clubs, spirit week, sporting events, and the performing arts, you will find a home here!... Read 195 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 698

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Gloucester City, NJ•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  124 reviews

Senior: Gloucester Catholic is the best environment you could ever place your child. It is safe, friendly, educational, vocational and most importantly a home to all of its students. Academically, athletically, and service wise GC is successful. I would recommend sending your child to GC out of all other catholic schools in the area because it truly is just different compared to all other schools. Roll rams!... Read 124 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 505

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Downingtown, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  186 reviews

Junior: Bishop Shanahan is an amazing school. You have the chance to succeed that you won't find anywhere else. We have an amazing related arts program along with many academically challenging courses in English, Math, Science, and History. Going to Shanahan has changed something in me and my peers who walk these halls with me. Here we encourage you to live up to your best relationship with God by holding annual masses each month and praying before anything we do as a school community. We have an amazing sports program whos always looking for new teammates. Bishop Shanahan has a welcoming atmosphere that can't wait to welcome you into our faithful community.... Read 186 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,130

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Delran, NJ•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.65 out of 5  43 reviews

Senior: Holy Cross Preparatory Academy High School was my first high school choice because of its kind, helpful, supportive, well-educated teachers, facility, and staff along with its similarity to a college classroom experience and scheduling. The students' interactions among the teachers, facility, staff, and with each other are super special because everyone is so supportive of each other and helpful. We are family. When I arrive at Holy Cross each morning and leave each afternoon, I know I am in a safe and secure environment. Overall, being a Senior in fall 2021, I know I am going to have an amazing experience despite the rules and measures set in the school because of COVID-19. I like the block scheduling that Holy Cross has because you have only four classes at a time which brings less stress upon me. I have had such a great experience that I do not see the need for any changes!... Read 43 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 297

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Wilmington, DE•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  122 reviews

Senior: There are many things to be said for Saint Elizabeth High School. The small environment allows for a close, familial feel, and I can say I know everyone in my graduating class. It also offers a good range of programs, sports, and classes. There is also an ease in connect with teachers and communicating issues with administrative staff. Nearly all teachers respond to emails quickly. I would not change much about the school, but I would’ve liked more AP classes, along with teachers who are more comfortable with the subject matter he or she is teaching. The arts programs also could be better supported and funded.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 320

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1