2023 Best Catholic Schools in Pennsylvania

• 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

• 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  81 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 81 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 332

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Flourtown, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  136 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 136 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  196 reviews

Parent: HGP was an amazing high school experience for my son. He was able to take many higher level courses along with many AP courses. The HGP community, from teachers to admin to athletics to clubs to students, is a true Brotherhood that supported my son every step. He will be attending an elite university in the fall ( 75% scholarship) thanks to the HGP education he received!... Read 196 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

• 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

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  147 reviews

Niche User: Pittsburgh Central Catholic is a highly esteemed institution that turns young boys into men and is well worth the investment. Although it is a steep tuition the lessons a young man will learn from the brotherhood simply cannot be matched. Along with the lifelong relationships you will make at Central Catholic they provide an education that is undoubtedly one of the best in the sate and maybe the country. It truly exemplifies what a 'college prep' high school should be like. The teachers never push a religion onto there students and allow them to think for themselves as that is apart of becoming a man. Most students have an outstanding relationship with their teachers and counselors. The sense of pride you get while attending this institution is something any one watching from a distance can see. Always remember Tradition Never Graduates!... Read 147 reviews

• grade A

• Students 790

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Gibsonia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  93 reviews

Alum: Aquinas Academy helped me to flourish to become the person I am today. I know that by attending Aquinas for 13 years, I am confident that I have the skills for university and later life. Most teachers are brilliant individuals who know their subject matter very well, always willing to stay after or come before school to help me out with any specific questions I had. The school is rapidly growing, and it is evident that Aquinas' successes are growing as well. It might seem that Aquinas doesn't have as many opportunities in niche areas that future students are passionate about, as compared to other schools. From my own experience, students actually are better prepared to lead because they are so strongly encouraged and guided by the administration to start and intentionally lead meaningful clubs, extracurricular activities, or sports that they are interested in. Aquinas gives so many opportunities to its young Catholic graduates of tomorrow and helps them to grow in so many ways.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A

• Students 504

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• 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

• Scranton, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  140 reviews

Senior: I can honestly say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Scranton Prep, from the clubs and sports to academics, I really feel I’ve gotten a taste for college life. I do wish the pandemic was handled better, as we stayed open despite the increasing number of positive COVID tests throughout the building. Luckily, outbreaks were avoided, but remote learning should’ve been the route the school took. I also wish there was a bit more diversity, as it is a predominantly white school, but nonetheless a decent amount of my classmates are minorities. As far as applying to college goes, the college admissions councilors are very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, easing the stress. Overall I couldn’t have asked for a better high school experience!... Read 140 reviews

• grade A

• Students 780

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• 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

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  428 reviews

Junior: I moved to Oakland Catholic sophomore year. I went to a school before that really did not match my needs. I knew someone from middle school that transferred here for high school. I always knew about the school, but never imagined myself there. I brought up the idea to my parents and they were hesitant. After months and months of conversation regarding the subject, they agreed to let me tour it. I still remember the day I toured, I was so nervous but pleasantly surprised by this environment. After the tour, I begged my parents even more to let me go. And my last day of freshman year my parents told me that I could go if I followed a list of rules they had for me. I've been here ever since and it has been an amazing journey. I've made friends I know I will have for life and amazing experiences and opportunities that not all girls are lucky enough to have. The all girls environment has helped me grow along with the amazing teachers who I know are setting me up for a successful future.... Read 428 reviews

• grade A

• Students 454

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• 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

• Cranberry Township, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  90 reviews

Parent: I daughter has been at NC for 3 years and is doing great academically and socially! She loves the small class size, the ability to take Honors and AP a classes to challenge herself and the opportunity to play a sport. I also like that the teachers know her and me personally and make themselves available even after school. They also support the Catholic faith.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A

• Students 202

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Allentown, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  162 reviews

Junior: Allentown Central Catholic High School is different from most schools as it connects young men and women to faith. The guidance counselors are great and have enlightened to apply to several scholarships! The teachers and staff are very kind! Friday night football games at J. Bernie Crum Stadium are always fun and memorable. The changes the school should undergo in following years are as follows; the school lunch is great, but very expensive. The school is clean, but very old and damaged. Other than that, the school, the academics, the club, the teachers and staff are great. I would definitely suggest sending your child to this school, because other school districts in the area lack great academics which Allentown Central Catholic High School provides.... Read 162 reviews

• grade A

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  82 reviews

Junior: Bishop Canevin is constantly growing! Adding new features like a cafe, and updated fitness center, a new gym floor, and remodeling classrooms every year. The small environment is a positive (in my opinion), but is growing each year. School spirit is extremely high and very involved. All of the teachers are helpful and open to help you if you are struggling at anytime. With a faith based education and and wonderful athletics, this school is home to many people.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A

• Students 220

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Mt. Lebanon, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  105 reviews

Senior: Seton LaSalle Catholic High School prepares its students academically for graduation while instilling high moral values that will shape over all lives. The teachers are knowledgeable and take a vested interest in the students. Administration strives to provide the most up to date technology to assist the students in the classroom. Students at Seton LaSalle feel at home, in a safe environment which encourages creativity, individuality, and spirituality. Although it is a Catholic school there are students of many religions who are all treated with respect. Students are encouraged take charge of their academics with a variety of AP and Honors classes. There are many college fairs and very helpful guidance counselors available to ensure that your future plans are attainable. You are given all the tools needed for sucess and a compassionate staff to assist when needed with the process of completing your high school career. Seton LaSalle provides a wonderful high school experience.... Read 105 reviews

• grade A

• Students 410

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Erie, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  118 reviews

Freshman: Mercyhurst Preparatory School is a highly rated, private, boarding, Catholic school located in Erie, PA. I chose to attend Mercyhurst Preparatory School due to its size and location. I chose Mercyhurst Preparatory School because it is a great place to go education-wise. Another great thing about Mercyhurst Preparatory School is that there is a selection of places to live, eat, and hang out. I knew my heart was in Mercyhurst Preparatory School after I tried to transfer schools and ended up back here. I highly recommend!... Read 118 reviews

• grade A

• Students 506

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Natrona Heights, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  40 reviews

Parent: Our oldest child is currently a freshman at St. Joe's. We could not be more pleased about the experience or education our daughter is receiving. The school has exceeded any expectations we had coming in. The administration and staff are extremely supportive and make it feel as though it is not just a school community, but a school family. They make sure that each student's needs are being met- not just academically, but emotionally, spiritually, and socially as well. Highly recommend!... Read 40 reviews

• grade A

• Students 140

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• East Stroudsburg, PA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  68 reviews

Senior: My high school experience at Notre Dame was wonderful. The atmosphere is welcoming and the teachers and students are genial. The academics definitely shadow the college prep school reputation this school has, for students are pushed to be the best version of themselves. With this being said however, I wish there were more class options, and the way scheduling works sometimes prohibits students from taking the classes they want due to scheduling conflicts. This school echoes the feeling of a family and a small community of close friends. If you love small schools, this id definitely the atmosphere for you. I would not change anything about Notre Dame except for the fact that I think the school needs to update certain aspects to fit the more modern time we live in.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 317

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• 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