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2020 Best Catholic Schools in the Philadelphia AreaAbout this List

Explore the best Catholic schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 250
Best Schools
250 results

  1. St. Joseph's Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 9-12
    • 98 reviews
    #1 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    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 98 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 902 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Malvern Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Malvern, PA
    • 6-12
    • 50 reviews
    #2 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Alum: My time at Malvern was amazing their mission with setting a young man up for success is one of its best aspects. My favorite thing about Malvern was the brotherhood and bond that was created with my class, I am sure if you ask anyone at Malvern about the class of 2019 they can go on and on about how close we were with each other!
    Read 50 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 642 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Holy Ghost Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Bensalem, PA
    • 9-12
    • 107 reviews
    #3 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Alum: Holy Ghost Prep is premier. My experience goes above and beyond just the education that I received. The school has fantastic extracurricular activities for students including both athletic and non-athletic opportunities robotics and forensics. I still remain in contact with several of mine. The school has active parents groups that coordinate many events. The school offers generous scholarships. Having come from the city that was extremely helpful. Ghost is a brotherhood. I truly believe the education I received their helped me to grow as a man. Likewise, HGP has an active alumni association that puts on events throughout the year including a networking reception. I know early in my career this was helpful to be able to network with my former classmates and older alumni who helped mentor me to get where I am today. Holy Ghost is an excellent choice to not only prepare you for the next level in education but also in life. I hope to one day send any sons that I have to the school.
    Read 107 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 468 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Devon Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Devon, PA
    • 6-12
    • 72 reviews
    #4 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    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 72 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 280 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Archmere Academy

    • Private School
    • Claymont, DE
    • 9-12
    • 115 reviews
    #5 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Junior: Archmere Academy is a private catholic high school located in Claymont, Delaware with a stunning campus and wonderful atmosphere. The students are always lively as they walk to and from their college prep classes to their AP classes. With excellent teachers in the Math, Science, Literature departments, to the Arts and Music, students are able to develop character along with strong academics. Students become leaders for clubs, such as community service and conspiracy theory club, while also continuing leadership commitments to their sports team everyday after school. The constant motivation of a student to become the best version of themselves and to represent who they want to be is cultivated at Archmere Academy.
    Read 115 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 507 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Academy of Notre Dame de Namur

    • Private School
    • Villanova, PA
    • 6-12
    • 88 reviews
    #6 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    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 88 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 559 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Villa Maria Academy High School

    • Private School
    • Malvern, PA
    • 9-12
    • 73 reviews
    #7 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Senior: I love villa! It has always challenged me to be better version of myself. The homework amount is a lot but I have found that I am more than ready for college. The music department is awesome, I have had to work really hard and show my qualifications by learning to be organized and practicing violin a lot but I am now President of Orchestra and Tri-M International music honors society and concert master. The teachers here really believe in their students that we can be amazing.
    Read 73 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 430 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. La Salle College High School

    • Private School
    • Wyndmoor, PA
    • 9-12
    • 110 reviews
    #8 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Sophomore: The phrase “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve” is one of the keys to success here at LaSalle and every one of us has this in the back of our mind at all times. Another big factor at our school is getting involved. Our school offers over 120 different courses in all academic subjects combined. We also have almost 100 different clubs so there is something for everyone at LaSalle. Most kids would say that they hate going to school every day, but here at LaSalle, that is completely different. Each one of us is excited and ready to learn every day and discover new opportunities that we never imagined was possible.
    Read 110 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,108 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Mount Saint Joseph Academy

    • Private School
    • Flourtown, PA
    • 9-12
    • 108 reviews
    #9 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Alum: Forever grateful to the Mount for preparing me not just for college but also a meaningful and joyous life filled with career, family, hobbies, athletics, and service. This is not a school for young women who are not interested in being or becoming well-rounded and independent. The environment is competitive and urges students to resist complacency in all aspects of life. Clubs are largely student driven- the lesson being that if you don’t like something or want it to be better step up and take responsibility. There isn’t a lot of hand holding which at the time stressed me out but as an adult I appreciate.
    Read 108 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 530 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Merion Mercy Academy

    • Private School
    • Merion Station, PA
    • 9-12
    • 54 reviews
    #10 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: My daughter is a freshman at MMA. She has had a wonderful experience thus far. She entered this school as the only one from her elementary school and has gained many friends. MMA has an assortment of activities and I love the opportunities they create for the girls to make connections from the very first day of acceptance. The Academics are very rigorous, but they make sure that they include fun and spirit in their curriculum. There are many girls who look like my daughter, which was very important to my husband and I. Finally the support that she has received from the faculty has been amazing. We are very happy with the choice she made to attend MMA.
    Read 54 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 445 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr

    • Private School
    • Bryn Mawr, PA
    • K-12
    • 91 reviews
    #11 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: I am the parent of 2 daughters who have attended SHA since kindergarten. We are currently in our 17th year at SHA. Both my husband and I have been extremely happy with the education our daughters have received and the warm, nurturing environment that is SHA. Both of my daughters have had everything they needed at SHA in terms of clubs, classes and athletics..Both of my daughters were in the highest curriculum of AP classes and honors classes. The teachers are passionate and truly care about their students. My girls have been happy and did not want to transfer for high school. We have spent a lot of money to send our daughters to SHA for 17 years and I don’t regret one penny of it. I feel so very fortunate that my daughters had this opportunity to attend this wonderful school. I respected Sister Matthew and I also respect Ms. Cryor. I believe both leaders are passionate for SHA and in providing the best education for our girls. I thank them both for their hard work and dedication.
    Read 91 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 239 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Bishop Eustace Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Pennsauken, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 122 reviews
    #12 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Senior: Excellent choice for high school. College atmosphere with excellent faculty. BEST decision. Loved everything about Bishop Eustace. Strong athletics and student activities too! Amazing service program which allowed me to become part of something bigger and more important in life, helping others.
    Read 122 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 638 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Salesianum School

    • Private School
    • Wilmington, DE
    • 9-12
    • 89 reviews
    #13 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: Excellent school in every aspect. Academically my son was well prepared for college. He received many huge scholarships to wonderful colleges and has transitioned easily. He was involved in many sports and activities and enjoyed his four years there immensely. The brotherhood is something that can not be found at any other school. For those concerned with lack of interaction with female students, my son had exchange classes at Ursuline and Padua both junior and senior year. He attended many sporting events, shows, dances and proms and had many female friends at these schools that he is still friends with now. We loved Salesianum...best choice!
    Read 89 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,034 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Ursuline Academy

    • Private School
    • Wilmington, DE
    • PK, K-12
    • 93 reviews
    #14 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Sophomore: The sisterhood at Ursuline is incredible, the bonds you form with your sisters will last a lifetime. The education is outstanding as well, and many alumni say their first year of college was a breeze because of how well Ursuline prepared them. Serviceis incorporated into students' daily lives and will stay with them long after graduation. I am proud to attend such a wonderful school!
    Read 93 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 406 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Saint Mark's High School

    • Private School
    • Wilmington, DE
    • 9-12
    • 127 reviews
    #15 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: St. Marks has provided my daughter with an exemplary education. Foundational skills such as service, leadership and integrity are equally important in the day to day environment. When we were looking for the right high school fit our family focus was making sure college preparation was at the forefront. Not only did we find and learn that this was apart of the package but the student, faculty and staff all embody the passion and drive everyday to be great humans and successful in everything that’s ahead. I am thankful that my daughter has an exceptional place to live out her spartan years and know that she will be set up for success moving into college. She enjoys school everyday and comes home excited to talk about her experiences. Looking for high schools is certainly a personal choice but I highly recommend St. Marks High School. Sign up for a shadow day, you won’t regret it!
    Read 127 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 501 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School

    • Private School
    • Gwynedd Valley, PA
    • 9-12
    • 107 reviews
    #16 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Senior: I love Gwynedd Mercy Academy. It truly encompasses my top three most desired school elements: academics, athletics, and spirituality. I have had the most amazing experience with a welcoming environment, vigorous curriculum, and motivating faculty. The faculty truly cares for the students and is working to help advance the student's goals to the best of their ability. All students are challenged to do their very best while also enjoying the new material. Gwynedd Mercy Academy is the #1 Catholic, all girl high school for girls looking to be challenged while also being welcoming into their second home day after day!
    Read 107 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 376 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Nazareth Academy High School

    • Private School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 9-12
    • 151 reviews
    #17 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Sophomore: Nazareth Academy is an all girls college preparatory school in North East Philadelphia. The school has a great dynamic. It is as if the students and faculty are one big family. Students even come back often from college to visit their past teachers. The technology use in the school could be approved upon. However, recent advances like QR scanning to check into Activity Period do show progress in the right direction. Nazareth's block scheduling system prepares students for college by exposing them to longer class periods. The Academy's courses are challenging and many honors and AP options are available. Overall, it is a well rounded school that offers a complete education in academics, sports, and the arts.
    Read 151 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 361 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Padua Academy

    • Private School
    • Wilmington, DE
    • 9-12
    • 184 reviews
    #18 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: Excellent school that prepared my daughters very well for college. They both were awarded huge college scholarships to many great schools. Their college transitions were easy because Padua prepared them so well. They were both involved in many activities at Padua and loved their years there. The sisterhood can not be found anywhere else. For those concerned with no interaction with male students, my daughters had many, many friends at Salesianum. They attended countless sporting events, Salsthon, dances, proms, etc. at Sallies. To this day, they are still friends with many of their Salesianum friends. We are look forward to being back at Padua in two years with our youngest daughter!
    Read 184 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 658 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Villa Joseph Marie High School

    • Private School
    • Holland, PA
    • 9-12
    • 156 reviews
    #19 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Alum: Villa is a small catholic girls school which was ideal for me. The administration and teachers are always available to the students and parents. I really liked having this close relationship with the staff. The course work is challenging which has prepared me for college. Villa offers variety of college prep, honors, and AP courses.

    I participated in track and cross country while at Villa. It was great experience and our teams competed against many of the larger public high schools. The cross country team won the District title three years in row! The team also advanced to the State Championship each of those years. Villa offers many other sports as well - soccer (state champions), softball, crew, swimming, basketball, and many others.
    Read 156 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 389 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Gloucester Catholic Junior Senior High School

    • Private School
    • Gloucester City, NJ
    • 7-12
    • 115 reviews
    #20 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: Gloucester Catholic is a family! My son is thriving there! The administrators, teachers, coaches and classmates are wonderful, caring people. They foster the spirit of service to God, community and family.
    Read 115 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 505 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Bishop Shanahan High School

    • Private School
    • Downingtown, PA
    • 9-12
    • 155 reviews
    #21 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Sophomore: For the tuition, Bishop Shanahan is a good school if you are already placed into honors. I can’t speak for those in CP, but from what I hear it is hard to track up or enroll in classes you like because of your rank. However, my personal experience has been what I consider a standard experience. Decent people, decent classes, and a lot of fun clubs to try out. However, as a Catholic school it is almost entirely a white student body, so if you’re a person of color it may be difficult to find other diverse people to hang out with (unless you’re Filipino, there’s a lot of us here too).
    Read 155 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,130 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Archbishop John Carroll High School

    • Private School
    • Radnor, PA
    • 9-12
    • 131 reviews
    #22 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Works Here: Carroll is an excellent school! Their teachers and academics are top notch and their athletics are incredible! This year alone the Girls have won Championships in Field hockey, Volleyball and Basketball. The culture is one of caring and kindness and the diverse atmosphere makes all feel welcome!
    Read 131 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 806 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Pope John Paul II High School

    • Private School
    • Royersford, PA
    • 9-12
    • 88 reviews
    #23 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Junior: I transferred to Pope John Paul II High School in my sophomore year. The school is very safe place, and teachers and students are very nice. There are around 25-30 students in most classes and if it is small classes there are around 15-20 students. A lot of school events, clubs, sports and academic activities are going on. Faculties try to make better place for students and always care about them. School provides a lot of academic opportunities and, as Catholic school, students get a lot of benefits from it. Students and teacher always show school spirit and love being together.
    Pope John Paul II High School is where you should be!
    Read 88 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 879 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. St. Elizabeth High School

    • Private School
    • Wilmington, DE
    • 9-12
    • 110 reviews
    #24 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Alum: Since the school is small you really get the opportunity to find who you are. The teachers are committed to students’ success and truly care about our well being. There are so many opportunities to find what you love from different classes, clubs, sports, and activities! Just don’t be afraid to sign up and try something new!
    Read 110 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 320 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Camden Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • Cherry Hill, NJ
    • 9-12
    • 156 reviews
    #25 Best Catholic High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: As a parent, I am very happy with the overall experience my children have had at Camden Catholic. Two of my children are now in college and I can see that they were extremely well-prepared! They earned some college credits while in high school, learned to manage their time, prioritize work, face challenges, work with their teachers, and participated in a variety of extracurricular activities. There are levels of support when needed, and challenges are provided. The education is tailored to meet your child's needs. The diversity of the school is a definite advantage -- my children have befriended students from around the world! The Arts are fantastic. The alumni base is strong and lots of connections are made that will last for years to come! Camden Catholic is a warm community and the students and staff are like a family when you attend or even come to visit, tour, shadow, etc. I highly recommend Camden Catholic and will be sending my fourth child there next year!
    Read 156 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 780 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Orchard House School

    • Private School
    • Richmond, VA
    • 5-8
    • 9 reviews

    Parent: Our daughter attended Orchard House School and is now a senior in high school, preparing to transition to college next fall. OHS was the perfect place for her to learn, grow, and navigate the challenges of adolescence, while gaining a level of confidence that has propelled her throughout the past four years. She learned to think critically, write clearly and succinctly, and develop and articulate her opinions. We love OHS.
    Read 9 Reviews

    • 78 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Conwell-Egan Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • Fairless Hills, PA
    • 9-12
    • 113 reviews

    Parent: Our son is a Sophomore at CEC and we couldn't be happier. The community is one where students thrive in multiple areas including academics, fine arts, sports and community service. With the new Center for Student Leadership, CEC students will be able to make more informed decisions about their future through real life discussions with experts from many careers. The Fine Arts department is second to none with dedicated instructors and opportunities for students to build upon their interests and talent.
    I wholeheartedly recommend CEC!
    Read 113 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 432 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Abington Friends School

    • Private School
    • Jenkintown, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 88 reviews

    Parent: My son and I moved to Pennsylvania on our own in the midst of a very difficult personal situation. Every single Abington Friends School staff member, and so many families, embraced us immediately and gave us both a lot of support and love. Although we were sad to leave our Quaker school in Maryland, we could not have asked for a better academically rich and emotionally supportive place to which to come "home." The struggles we had were overcome throughout the next few years, and now we are the ones embracing, welcoming and mentoring new families. If you want a positive, uplifting, loving, and caring setting -- on top of an outstanding academic environment, in which your child can learn, grow, and thrive then this is the place to be. Welcome, friends!
    Read 88 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 583 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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