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2019 Best Charter High Schools in PennsylvaniaAbout this List

The 2019 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 78
Best Schools
78 results

  1. The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts

    • Public School
    • Bethlehem, PA
    • 9-12
    • 137
    1 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Freshman: Great for the most part! I love my teachers and classes and I really feel like I’ve learned a lot so far. The academics are organized really well and everyone is so willing to help you out so you can succeed. Socially speaking there’re definitely cliques and hierarchies but it doesn’t take long to find your niche. If you’re willing to take the chance, I’d go for it! It’s a great school overall.
    Read 137 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
    • 267
    2 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Franklin Towne is an amazing school. There are brand new facilities that the students can have fun in before or after school. The teachers at this school are great! They are very informative and get their point across. They make sure we are ready for the next step in our education . The Heads of the school make new and fun events every year that us students can enjoy. They make sure every staff member is able to help us in any way we need them. Saying this , our guidance counselors are the best around in my opinion . They can help anyone with any type of problem as well as any of worker at FTC! This is why I believe Towne is the best school around . It’s a family atmosphere where everyone is accepted.
    Read 267 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,196 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Renaissance Academy Charter School

    • Public School
    • Phoenixville, PA
    • K-12
    • 104
    3 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: We have the best teachers at RAK! Whenever I have needed extra help, each teacher I asked, was willing to meet me over his/her lunch period. Our teachers work hard and care about us. With that kind of support, I feel capable...important...worthy. We are in a brand new building and I am glad our teachers have such a beautiful working environment. As a Senior, I have a "Senior Parent" who surprises me with happiness randomly through the year...like decorating my locker or encouraging notecards on difficult days. We are a small school and our teachers know each of us. We are a family. The only thing I would suggest for improvement is to allow students to wear spirit wear every school day as a uniform option. Go Knights!
    Read 104 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,066 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    BASIS Independent McLean

    • Private School
    • McLean, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 9

    Parent: Our son is currently in the 2nd grade. He has been at the school for two years, and it has been a wonderful experience. The enthusiasm of the teachers, who are truly experts in the subjects they teach, is infectious. They consistently set high standards for all students at every stage of their academic career. This is a school that prioritizes academics and the students themselves; it is targeted to students with intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. We are very happy here!
    Read 9 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 375 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School

    • Public School
    • Harrisburg, PA
    • 9-12
    • 28
    4 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Sophomore: Excellent academic education as well as advanced and thorough art concentrations. Faculty is the most involved and passionate group of teachers I've ever had! We are such a diverse group of kids and we get the chance to go to school right next to the Pennsylvania state capital building. If you're looking for a college preparatory and art focused high school experience, CASA is the place to go.
    Read 28 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 187 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Mast Community Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 147
    5 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: MaST offers a lot to all of there students. They started a SAIL program for students who need extra help with basic life skills, as well as having a STREAM program with the focus on embedding Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Math. They are empowering young men and women. They have a robotics club called “If She Builds”. The program is run by a tech teacher who has female high school students mentor elementary girls on how to build and program a robot. I was one of the mentors and I thought this was a great program what has a positive effect on the young girls.
    Read 147 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,313 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School

    • Public School
    • Midland, PA
    • 7-12
    • 179
    6 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: Academics at LPPACS are hands on & help students become proficient quickly.Due to immersion in studies students know immediately which major to emphasize & which is not a good fit for their future. The technology is state of the art. The teachers are professionals in the areas they educate & are encouraging to students that apply themselves in their studies. Resumes from the education while studying at LPPACS are very impressive,much experience acquired while attending here. The environment is very liberal at this school and it would be wonderful to have clubs, opportunities and classroom discussions that offer more involvement for conservative students. It is difficult to mesh with the student body if you are conservative minded but not with the faculty and educational process.No other area schools meet the bar set by this educational institution in the surrounding communities; top notch! Dual enrollment in colleges is offered while attending here.
    Read 179 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 706 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School

    • Online School
    • Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School, PA
    • K-12
    • 187
    7 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: This is my second year attending Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School and I could not be happier with the amount of support my teachers and counselors have provided me with. Not only has PALCS provided me with an inspiring environment to study and to learn, but it also has taught me the importance of leadership in group settings throughout everyday life. In the future, I hope PALCS continues to offer the same learning experiences and aid to students entering high school, struggling through course material, or applying to colleges. Thanks to PALCS, I am on the road to success with an advanced education that will enable me to perform to the best of my ability at a university!
    Read 187 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,390 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Avon Grove Charter School

    • Public School
    • West Grove, PA
    • K-12
    • 74
    8 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Parent: All three of my children have attended AGCS since kindergarten and are now entering 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. Above all, my reason for the 5 star ranking is that each of my three children is extremely HAPPY at school. Though their individual needs are extremely different from one another - academically and socially as well as extracurricular interests- and this "small school" with more "limited programming" has easily met their needs. The teachers care deeply and have done everything within their power to help my children succeed, every step of the way. Administrators are approachable and open to feedback and problem solving. All staff are working to expand already amazing programming in the arts, science, language arts, history, math, and foreign language departments. Personal highlights for my children are the dance program (how often is that an option for a MS student?!)and the Chinese language program (one of few local schools to offer Chinese through AP). Highly recommend!
    Read 74 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,655 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. New Foundations Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 126
    9 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Over the course of the four years that I spent at New Foundations, I have learned many different things. To begin, I learned about the value of friendship. I came into school knowing little amounts of people (besides those that came to the school along with me). I was then able to make some close friends that have been with me ever since ninth grade, and they've helped to shape me to be the young man I am today. The second thing that I was able to do was learn about the value of knowledge. In the United States, we take knowledge very much for granted. Many people around the world, would love to learn to the extent that we learn. We are challenged by those around us to become better versions of ourselves by facing day to day problems by using the power of our minds alone. This power of knowledge alone, is probably the greatest experience of my high school career because knowledge opens doors.
    Read 126 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,464 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Preparatory Charter School of Mathematics, Science, Tech & Careers

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 9-12
    • 187
    10 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Freshman: Prep Charter was a very helpful school. They have a program called career development starting your freshman year of high school. I think this program was the most helpful for me because it opens your mind to what the work force is like whether you are working in a school, in an office setting, or at the hospital. The teachers and faculty really care about you and your preparation for college. Student body is very diverse but not exposed to many different cultures. There are many club for a student to join, and if there's not a club that you see but are interested in, you can create one. The food isn't so great as a vegan there are not many options, but many other students think that the food is great. Academics are very good and a student can learn a lot in the 90 minute block period. Uniform rules are pretty strict considering that it is a charter/public high school.
    Read 187 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 605 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. City Charter High School

    • Public School
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 9-12
    • 238
    11 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: City Charter has prepared me completely for my post-high school plan. The first thing I learned there was how to learn independently. The staff will give assignments that encourage you to answer your own questions and research before asking. When a person graduates, there isn't going to be a teacher over your shoulder waiting to answer your questions.
    City High also sets up their school to give students a business environment. The dress code is business casual attire, we have our own laptops, each grade is on separate floors, completing an internship junior year, and senior year we are placed in cubicles with college-like schedules. Instead of having classes every period, we have Quiet Room time in our cubicles in-between lectures and seminars to independently do our work.
    It was definitely a culture shock coming from a Pittsburgh public school, but I am more than prepared to tackle what college has to throw at me.
    Read 238 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 617 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School

    • Public School
    • Bethlehem, PA
    • K-12
    • 92
    12 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: What I like overall about Lehigh Valley Academy was its education and the educational opportunities they gave to students in order to succeed since they are an IB school. Although, it would be of great improvement if they made students feel as if they were in a regular high school and If they expanded their buildings for more space. At times I found myself overly stressed about completing both my school work and extracurricular's, but I learned to use my time wisely in and out of school.
    Read 92 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,627 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Collegium Charter School

    • Public School
    • Exton, PA
    • K-12
    • 144
    13 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: I went to Collegium for the last 3 years of my high school career. It's incredibly laid back and most of the teachers are really nice. Everyone knows each other and personal relationships between teachers and students are completely normal. The only negative part of this school is the amount of young teachers they hire. The majority of teachers are right out of college, so it's a little weird that my teachers are only a few years older than me. This is also not my favorite part of Collegium because a lot of times these young teachers try to act more like a friend to these students than a teacher.
    Read 144 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,663 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Evergreen Community Charter School

    • Public School
    • Cresco, PA
    • 6-12
    • 9
    14 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
    • 97 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. Philadelphia Academy Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 96
    15 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    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 96 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,152 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Commonwealth Charter Academy

    • Online School
    • Harrisburg, PA
    • K-12
    • 344

    Senior: Commonwealth Charter Academy is an excellent school for student who are self- motivated and need flexible schedules. The teachers are there to help you 24/7, and do as much as they can to help you succeed in your academic career. Personally, I started in 2015 and decided to finish and graduate with Commonwealth Charter Academy. They give you MANY opportunities to further and expand what could help you in higher education and real life situations. As most people complain that schools do not teach you stuff like doing your taxes, finding a good budget for yourself, or simple financial applications, this school has it! The course financial applications is now a graduate requirement, and you have more freedom in picking what courses are right for you, with guidance from school staff. I will always recommend this school to anyone look to switch from public schooling to cyber schooling.
    Read 344 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8,877 Students
    • 26:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. 21st Century Cyber Charter School

    • Online School
    • Downingtown, PA
    • 6-12
    • 171

    Parent: I wish 6 stars were an option...
    We had some trepidation about pulling our son from the local brick-and-mortar and enrolling him with a cyber school, but we're very happy we enrolled him with 21CCCS! He loves it and he's doing much better in what is really a more challenging environment! The staff made our transition to cyber-schooling much smoother than we expected! We hear from his advisors and teachers often, they have online tools for parents to monitor student progress, and they use up-to-date equipment. We only wish we'd have made this change sooner! The teachers and staff at 21CCCS staff are absolutely amazing! They all demonstrate a huge commitment to their students' success!
    We're now in our second year with 21CCCS, going strong and we're SO pleased with our son's progress and development!
    Read 171 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 818 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Mastery Charter School - Thomas Campus

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 54

    Senior: Mastery Thomas Campus prioritizes education before anything, providing a immersive customized learning experience. The staff is amazing and genuinely cares about all of their students allowing for everyone to feel comfortable in their learning. I started in the 7th grade and Thomas has enabled me to grow into a strong young adult. I recommend any parent to to enroll their student here. Personally, experiencing diversity at a young age has enabled me to acknowledge people's differences, but understand that doesn't define them. I was able to immerse myself in a different environment that wouldn't have been possible without Mastery Thomas.
    Read 54 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,317 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Propel Charter School - Braddock Hills

    • Public School
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • K-12
    • 37

    Senior: Very good faculty and staff, teachers are talented and engaged actively with students. Very diverse student body from urban community. Many interesting technical electives for multiple grade levels. Only disadvantages are a lack of sports programs, generic lunch food, and lackluster student clubs. Technology is incorporated very well into classes, with students able to keep up with their grades and assignments through the 'Skyward' LMS.
    Read 37 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 745 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Center for Student Learning - Charter School at Pennsbury

    • Public School
    • Levittown, PA
    • 6-12
    • 3

    Senior: I love this school! All the teachers are amzing. They are willing to help you understand the subject you are struggling with.
    Read 3 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 146 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-11
    • 24

    Senior: My First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School experience was like no other. I truly believe this is the best school for grades K-12 to come. I attended First Philly for my four years of high school. I'm currently a senior their and I really can say it was an amazing four years. I have friends who have been here since kindergarten. This says a lot about the school. The staff is amazing. Also we have teachers who really care about our school, and their students. We are a family and we learn and grow together as individuals.
    Read 24 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,665 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School

    • Online School
    • King of Prussia, PA
    • K-12
    • 198

    Parent: Our son was the youngest student in his brick & mortar preschool. While he was extremely smart he was socially immature with an ADHD brain to boot. Because of this he did not fair well in a standard classroom setting. We considered holding him back a year but didn't want to hinder his lightening fast brain from academic learning. That's when we chose PA Virtual. After a year here I can confidently say it was THE BEST decision for us. He has flourished & is even smarter now! Without the endless distractions he faced at the brick and mortar school his focus has been laser sharp.

    Miss Housam is FANTASTIC. She is highly gifted at teaching little children and capturing their attention, all while staying on track! We've enjoyed being a part of her class so much.

    All in all we highly recommend PA Virtual. It's made our child smarter and has given him the opportunity to develop a healthy self esteem without worrying about the not so important social stuff.
    Read 198 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,200 Students
    • 29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (PA Cyber)

    • Online School
    • Midland, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 630

    Senior: I loved that they offered many programs and opportunities to help students succeed. The teachers are amazing and supportive, and I truly believe that this is the best school I have ever attended, ever. It's a headache at first, getting used to the technology, but with time and effort, it does get easier. Also, all school supplies are FREE! The school will even cover almost half of the wi-fi bill used to attend school. There are many chances to meet other students and families, through field trips and clubs. They have live classes, so students are able to interact with teachers and other students. They also have tutoring programs as well. Overall, it is an excellent school, and I give it an A+.
    Read 630 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9,058 Students
    • 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  33. Mastery Charter Lenfest Campus

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 7-12
    • 111

    Alum: I absolutely loved this school. The teachers taught me things that I still remember and apply to my daily life today! It was not a chore going to school; it was enjoyable. Both the students and teachers made learning fun for me and if I could, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. My college professors are so impressed because of the things i know. I give all the credit to Mastery. They really teach in a way that makes learning worth while and long lasting. For any parent who wants their children to actually receive a long term education, I highly recommend this school!
    Read 111 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 536 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School

    • Public School
    • Allentown, PA
    • K-12
    • 38

    Senior: To start off, my name is Beangi and I love Lincoln Leadership, I am currently a senior and have been attending this school since 6th grade. I grew up here with my classmates and friends. Teachers seen me grow and mature through out the years. When I attended a public elementary school I was failing all of my classes. I also had to take summer school to at least pass. When I came to Lincoln, my teacher worked with me independently and answered all of my questions. I go to school from 8 a.m till whenever I'm done with my club activities such as; chorus, dance and theater. I'm so excited that in a few months I'll be graduating from the school I came in at 11 years old (7 years later) currently 18 years old will be graduating with a high GPA.
    Read 38 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 602 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Roanoke Catholic School

    • Private School
    • Roanoke, VA
    • PK, K-12
    • 52

    Senior: Roanoke Catholic is a school that teaches students belong the classroom and prepares them for either college. In the past years, 100 percent of Catholic seniors have attended college and this year the seniors have received over 2.5 million in scholarships. I started Roanoke Catholic two years ago and it was a big change coming from public school. In public schools you could slide by without doing your homework, but at Roanoke Catholic all work is required and graded as a test grade. Roanoke Catholic does not let you fall through the cracks. I also must say the food is outstanding!!
    One thing I really did not like were the uniforms. In public school you basically wore what you want, but not in private school. My first year the gentlemen had to wear a shirt and tie during the winter and in the summer a polo shirt with the school’s logo and khaki pants or shorts. This year they changed the dress code to where gentlemen could wear the polo shirt and khaki pants all year around.
    Read 52 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 516 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Central Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 9-12
    • 127

    Parent: Faculty is superior with the perfect mix of experienced and seasoned professionals (science and gifted ed) and more contemporary points of view (tech). The connection to ethical behaviors and service projects is ideal. Top-notch academics and high expectations. Worth every penny!
    Read 127 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 825 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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