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2020 Best Charter High Schools in PennsylvaniaAbout this List

The 2020 Best Charter High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and charter school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 83
Best Schools
83 results

  1. The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts

    • Public School
    • Bethlehem, PA
    • 9-12
    • 166 reviews
    #1 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: My school has such a healthy focus on taking care of yourself by splitting your day to do the art that you're passionate about. The teacher's are genuine in their concerns, and the guidance department is not just focused on college, but also a lot on mental health. The environment that the school possess allows for one to grow both emotionally, but also academically. After transferring to my school from two other public schools, my mental health has improved and my grade's have grown to be higher!
    Read 166 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 600 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Franklin Towne Charter High School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 9-12
    • 291 reviews
    #2 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Franklin Towne because I was encouraged to be involved. My teachers and staff saw my potential and then pushed me to see it to. I feel the curriculum prepared we well for college. We had a block schedule where we sat in the same class for about an hour - hour and a half period which is very similar to college courses, an idea that is not encouraged at many other schools so I was honored. I felt my teachers looked out for me personally while also pushing me to educate myself more and broaden my horizons. For change, I would like Franklin Towne to maintain those small relationships within their larger knit community because I feel that it is very important. They are at a time where their school is on television and receiving awards which is phenomenal but I think it is key to ensure that the children and their knowledge is always put first. Overall, my experience at this school was amazing and I am so fortunate to attend such a school.
    Read 291 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,162 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School

    • Public School
    • Harrisburg, PA
    • 9-12
    • 34 reviews
    #3 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: I transferred into Capital Area School for the Arts my senior year and CASA has been nothing but welcoming. Upon coming to the school I have learned to appreciate art in a way I had never expected all while immersing myself in the practice of theatre. Additionally while the school focuses on the arts they definitely do not skimp on normal school classes. My academic classes all provide me with a wonderful opportunity to learn in an interactive way which helps me retain all the information I learn. CASA also has an amazing close knit school community! Even though I have only met these people this year I feel as if I will be friends with them for the rest of my life. This school truly cares about its students and wants them to attain their artistic and educational dreams.
    Read 34 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 199 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Renaissance Academy Charter School

    • Public School
    • Phoenixville, PA
    • K-12
    • 121 reviews
    #4 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Sophomore: Teachers are very helpful, there is always more teacher in the classroom for students with disabilities, always motivating us, having the best resources, that best school ever! Everyone is super nice and humble and being a small school, it's really easy to make friends. I'd recommend that anyone in PA come to this school!
    Read 121 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,066 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Mast Community Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 162 reviews
    #5 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Mast Community Charter School is a completely modern, technologically advanced, state of the art 21st century school which prepares students for life in the 21st century. The have the largest telescope in any school on the east coast, a robotics lab, a Makerspace with a 3D printer, a full HD TV studio, a computer lab and a fully advanced library! For students who want to become more involved in their school, they offer something for everyone! They have everything from varsity sports to clubs of all kinds and even a music and drama program!
    Read 162 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,356 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Avon Grove Charter School

    • Public School
    • West Grove, PA
    • K-12
    • 146 reviews
    #6 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Parent: My grandson attends AGCS and his younger sisters are chomping at the bit to enroll there next year.

    After sending 3 daughters through the public school system, I am so impressed with this Charter School. My grandson has access to so many resources and loves being able to learn independently and as a team member.

    Part of my three daughters' public education was in the Coatesville School District. When we moved to another public district, they were a year behind the other students and we had to keep them back a year to catch up. They got good grades at Coatesville, but that district settled for just average students. If Avon Grove Charter School was available to us then, we would have enrolled the girls there in a heartbeat! AGCS guides their students to excel and the students love the challenges and accomplishments they achieve.

    Thank you teachers and staff for working with my grandson to help him be the best student and person that he can be!
    Read 146 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,723 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School

    • Online School
    • West Chester, PA
    • K-12
    • 245 reviews
    #7 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Parent: I started 'PALCS" this year, and i have nothing but good to say about this school! I will start by saying i've been with palcs for almost a year, i have to say it was the ultimate best decision for my family. Everyone i came in contact with at "PALCS" is kind, understanding, always there to help and just brings a good vibe. I am highly impressed by the curriculum, my son learned so much more than i expected him to learn in this time. I feel like the work is advanced and yet to my sons understanding, which i love and always looked for in every school. And "PALCS" offers just that.I've never been the parent to homeschool, i've always been against doing it for many reasons, but "PALCS" changed my outlook on homeschooling completely.
    Read 245 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,594 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School

    • Public School
    • Midland, PA
    • 7-12
    • 202 reviews
    #8 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: I have loved my time at LPPACS! I've been going since my 7th grade year. It really shaped me as person and helped me discover my passion, Musical Theater. I major in it there and now I realized this is what I want to do forever! The facility are really nice and they have a way of bringing you in, and making Lincoln Park become a second home for you. If I had to change anything, I just would love for there to be more diversity. I wish more kids of color would audition and be accepted into the school. Being the only women of color in my theater department has had some hardships, but only has made me stronger as a person.
    Read 202 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 760 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School

    • Public School
    • Bethlehem, PA
    • K-12
    • 118 reviews
    #9 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Parent: We have very few complaints about LVA. The classes are small, the available subjects & subject concentrations is wonderful. The IB program is unique & challenging, and the overall curriculum does a great job teaching from different angles so all kinds of learners have a chance to excel.
    Their current facility has a lot of limitations (ie no cafeteria = catered meals, no auditorium, no full-size gymnasium, no sports fields, no traditional playground). We are, however completely confident that the new facility will address most, if not all of these issues once it’s built.
    We feel very fortunate to have LVA as an option for our kids
    Read 118 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,719 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Collegium Charter School

    • Public School
    • Exton, PA
    • K-12
    • 170 reviews
    #10 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: I really enjoy the diversity within the school. The learning environment is great! They offer many different classes, electives, Advanced Placement courses, and other learning opportunities, such as dual enrollment programs where high school students can earn college credit while continuing their education. Collegium is also very dedicated to both its art's programs and its athletic department. It is currently building a performing arts center.
    Read 170 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,887 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. City Charter High School

    • Public School
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 9-12
    • 251 reviews
    #11 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: I’m a senior at City High and I’ve been the since 2016. The my teachers are awesome and easy to understand and most of them traveled with use from Freshman year to Senior year! In all classes we discuss real world issues and evaluate it through literature, mathematics, world history, and etc. We have digital work and tech classes. We learn how to build our futures and accomplish our goals from day one. There’s a lot to say about CCHS, but most importantly it’s just a please where you can grow with your peers and teachers!
    Read 251 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 573 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Evergreen Community Charter School

    • Public School
    • Cresco, PA
    • 6-12
    • 9 reviews
    #12 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Very compassionate staff who are passionate about seeing their students succeed. It's a small school population, so it's very easy to get to know everyone. Academics are flexible to help give you the best experience as possible. No athletic teams, but the gym/physical activities are unique (i.e. rollerblading, snowboarding, hiking, bowling, etc.) Because of the limited number of staff, their is not a wide-range of courses. If you were interested in taking an AP nutrition course, mechanics, athletic management, or other more specific courses, you may need to go to the local community college or other after-school programs. Overall, the staff and students try very hard to make sure everyone feels like they belong and can achieve their goals.
    Read 9 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 98 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. 21st Century Cyber Charter School

    • Online School
    • West Chester, PA
    • 6-12
    • 207 reviews
    #13 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: I absolutely LOVED attending 21st Century for the last 2 years of high school! I was blessed with amazing teachers and academic opportunities, as well as great recognition in the most unique ways and DAILY support and check-ins! Everything and everyone was so personal, so much that I've been more than encouraged to keep in contact with my teachers even over a year after graduation! The cyber-charter style allowed me to manage my own time (and learn how to do so!) and gave me the opportunity to work while participating in music performances and sports. Everything from time management, to learning how to use a Mac and Moodle, to teaching myself, to doing schoolwork on the go (especially since I am a college athlete!) made my college transition seamless and I have 21CCCS to thank for that.
    Read 207 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,039 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. New Foundations Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 144 reviews
    #14 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Personally, I enjoyed my time at New Foundations Charter School a lot. Most people have very mixed reviews, but I enjoyed my education. I was surrounded by great teachers through all four years of school. I had opportunities to take a variety of different courses, many of which are unavailable at other schools in the surrounding area. The social atmosphere at the school is great, I participated in many sports and clubs and had a great experience. The school also made sure I was prepared for college. The college application process can be very difficult, but the counselors provided help for everybody and personally helped me through the process. The teachers made an effort to help students and get to know them personally. They simplified things when needed, and the school was always sure to hire great teachers. Overall, I had a great experience and education. I would recommend New Foundations Charter School to anyone.
    Read 144 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,471 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Preparatory Charter School of Mathematics, Science, Tech & Careers

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 9-12
    • 194 reviews
    #15 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: I graduated from Prep Charter in 2007 and I can’t express how much this school has changed my life. My class was one of the first graduates in the new building on Point Breeze! When I started 9th grade @ Prep, we had class at a Church on Monday’s and @ a 3-story house on Tuesdays,Thursdays & Friday’s. Wednesday’s we had Career Development Day (each year a different profession)- 9th grade: I worked as a secretary for the Common Wells in City Hall. 10th grade: at Daycare center working as an assistant with 2yr olds. 11th grade: Elementary school as a tutor for 3rd graders. 12th grade: A secretary assistant for a Judge at CJC building. Not to mentioned every other Saturday we had college courses at community. 9th grade: Biology class. 10th grade: Chemistry. 11th grade: Physics and by 12th grade I was taking Psychology and some Math course at community. By time I graduated High School I had a total of 6 transferable college credits. So many beautiful memories.
    Read 194 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 610 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. School Lane Charter School

    • Public School
    • Bensalem, PA
    • K-12
    • 9 reviews
    #16 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Overall my school did a great job of preparing myself, as well as other students, for their career to follow after secondary school. Something that they could improve upon is their extra curricular activities. For example, them not having sports.
    Read 9 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,257 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Reach Cyber Charter School

    • Online School
    • Harrisburg, PA
    • K-11
    • 17 reviews

    Senior: Reach cyber school would be the best cyber school for PA by far! I am a current senior and I went to public school before I went to Reach Cyber Charter and I had horrible experiences at the public school I was bullied not only by the students but as well as the staff which I feel should not be allowed so I told administration and I was faulted later I looked into cyber schools in Pa. and Reach cyber charter school stood out to me so I enrolled the year after and my first-month attending reach I knew I loved it the students are so kind and the staff cares about every single child and I love how Reach Cyber Charter school is STEM-based as well and have many clubs and science field trip and internship opportunities. I would recommend Reach Cyber Charter School to any family looking into online schooling.
    Read 17 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 250 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School

    • Online School
    • King of Prussia, PA
    • K-12
    • 256 reviews

    Parent: My daughter and I have had a very good experience with PA Virtual. We needed something flexible for our family and this is it! We can even take school "on the go" when we need to. This allows for appts and such without her having to miss or make up much class work. The teachers are wonderful with keeping in touch about what needs completed, when, and where to find informatin. It was a bit tricky in the beginning to nagivate the sites used for all the curriulum and material but we both quickly picked up on those. My daughter is 8 and has little trouble following accessing what she needs. The only change I would suggest is having a little more synchronous time for the classes that the parents (as the learning coach) have to help teach. It is a little tricky for parents that work (as do I) to sometimes get everything organized and completed for those classes.
    Read 256 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,200 Students
    • 29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Multicultural Academy Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 9-12
    • 116 reviews

    Senior: I love this school. The teachers help you to become successful. If you don’t understand something they try there hardest to help you. The students themselves are unique. Everyone has a different characteristic that makes them themselves. It’s an amazing learning environment. The only thing I disliked is that you only get gym in 12th grade. And that you only get it for 1 semester. Plus we don’t have any sports teams. We just have clubs that aren’t good. For basketball club, we go to the park to play. And those park courts are terrible. Other than that this is a good school to apply to.
    Read 116 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 279 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Center for Student Learning - Charter School at Pennsbury

    • Public School
    • Levittown, PA
    • 6-12
    • 4 reviews

    Senior: I love this school! All the teachers are amzing. They are willing to help you understand the subject you are struggling with.
    Read 4 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 143 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Philadelphia Academy Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 106 reviews

    Senior: My experience as a senior is great. I have great teacher support and enjoy the interaction with every class lesson. I believe that senior year is key for college readiness and also having that teacher student bond, being able to approach your teacher for any small or big question that you may have. I believe that every student should create a bond that is comfortable to their own with their teacher to make it a prosperous one . I believe that I am ready to face the new challenge and challenges that are to come. Work hard and Never give up!
    Read 106 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,143 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Tidioute Community Charter School

    • Public School
    • Tidioute, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 6 reviews

    Alum: Graduated 3 years ago and it was by far the best education action I got! The teachers are able to work on one one with students due to the fact we are such a small school. The community is very close knit and very involved with the school!
    Read 6 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 296 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Commonwealth Charter Academy

    • Online School
    • Harrisburg, PA
    • K-12
    • 390 reviews

    Parent: Our daughter started when she was 1st grade and is now a Sophomore. We love it! The curriculum is a year or two ahead of our local district, teachers and staff are very supportive, we love the flexibility, and there's amazing field trip opportunities. CCA also has mobile classrooms, one of which is a mini aquaponics lab! And when we visit the main campus in Harrisburg we can experience the 2nd largest aquaponics lab in the country (only 2nd to Disney's Epcot). My daughter loves her courses and the electives offered. CCA is a fantastic school, we highly recommend it!
    Read 390 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8,592 Students
    • 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Pennsylvania Distance Learning Charter School

    • Online School
    • Wexford, PA
    • K-12
    • 19 reviews

    Parent: The staff is excellent! My daughter was struggling an has now improved tremendously with one on one teacher interaction and encouragement! Both of my daughters are thriving! They did not receive the attention or positive reinforcement when they were in brick and mortar that they so now. Also, when if I have a concern, the teachers are available to talk to me, I never had that at brick and mortar! So happy I decided on Pa Distance for my daughters!
    Read 19 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 848 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. SusQ-Cyber Charter School

    • Online School
    • Bloomsburg, PA
    • 9-12
    • 7 reviews

    Senior: I love this school. I came to this school for my 10th grade year expecting myself to not like it, and I was very wrong. SusQ has given me so many opportunities I would not of had at my old school. The teachers there are amazing and want to help there students grow and be at there best. The academics are also super good and challenging.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Linden Hall

    • Private School
    • Lititz, PA
    • 6-12
    • 49 reviews

    Alum: As a quiet and shy student, Linden Hall gave me the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone in a supportive environment. Every teacher knew my name and my talents and helped support and encouraged me. The academics at Linden Hall are unparalleled, leaving me very prepared for college. I would not trade my experience at Linden Hall for anything!
    Read 49 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 208 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Lancaster County Christian School

    • Private School
    • Lancaster, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 23 reviews

    Parent: Lancaster County Christian School is a community of loving people who generally want everyone around them to succeed. The parents, faculty, and student body create a family of Christ-like support, encouragement, and warmth. The academics are challenging and prepare students for "real life" with their emphasis on taking a Biblically-based curriculum and applying it beyond the classroom. There is no senseless memorization or forcing students into a box of rigor or certain worldviews. Through varied learning experiences, my students have been able to explore various fields of study and have already begun thinking about careers, colleges, and ministry beyond their formal K-12 education. I can't wait for them to attend high school at LCCS! Lastly, their approach to after school programs like lower school clubs, and arts & athletics for the secondary school, shows a balanced approach to Christian education and creating a well-rounded person. We LOVE being Lions and think you will too!
    Read 23 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 365 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Valley School of Ligonier

    • Private School
    • Rector, PA
    • K-9
    • 6 reviews

    Parent: Valley School of Ligonier is truly one of a kind! It is not only a place where my children have been taught to read and write but where they have been nurtured in understanding the value of respect, responsibility, integrity, honor, and self-advocacy. You will be very hard press to find another school that will prepare your children socially, emotionally and physically. With that being said, it is a FUN place to go to school...not only for the students but for the parents as well! Each new year presents itself with new activities on and off-campus. Valley School is constantly allowing students to grow. We moved from Pittsburgh to the Laurel Highlands ten years ago to send our children to the Valley School, it was truly the best decision we have ever made.
    Read 6 Reviews

    • 166 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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