2023 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

• Bethlehem, PA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  205 reviews

Senior: Charter Arts is not a perfect school and there are parts they need to work on - communication/transparency, taking responsibility, staffing - but I still feel incredibly blessed to have gone there for my 4 years of high school. It is so much better than a public school because it's truly an environment where people are free to be themselves, hone their passions, be around like-minded people, and there are a good amount of teachers who really do care about their student's well being. Charter Arts, the dance department specifically, has also given me so many amazing and rewarding opportunities which I would not have had otherwise such as spending a week in Pittsburgh for dance festival, multiple choreographic opportunities, and just the space to grow as both a dancer and a person. Charts is a really progressive place, but I would love to see it continue to grow and be even better with the way they handle situations. I personally had a great experience, but I can't speak for everyone.... Read 205 reviews

• grade A

• Students 636

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Harrisburg, PA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  43 reviews

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 43 reviews

• grade A

• Students 194

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  320 reviews

Other: When attending Franklin Towne, I had the best experience when it came to the education. All the teachers went above and beyond to do what they could for their students. And I was very thankful for that.... Read 320 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,229

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Phoenixville, PA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  138 reviews

Senior: Renaissance Academy prides itself on making sure students are ready for college. The senior project program as well as academics and clubs prepare students to be well-rounded individuals. However I will argue that because of the high expectations of the school it is sometimes hard to accommodate if a student has certain needs. I have found that there are resources for students struggling to meet these expectations, especially those in rigorous classes, but it is often more overwhelming than an average high school. I believe mental health is extremely important and having high expectations is fine, but mental health should be deeply considered more often and more willing to accommodate needs. I think our clubs are the strongest asset of Renaissance. The Coexist club and Minority Student Union actively work to create an inclusive and diverse environment, and our administration encourages our clubs to be intersectional in our activism and initiatives.... Read 138 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,101

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Midland, PA•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  233 reviews

Parent: My child attends Lincoln Park and enjoys going to school! The arts education is amazing, and she also likes her academic teachers and their teaching methods. The climate is very welcoming. There are many extracurricular opportunities - most are centered around theater arts, dance, music and print media, but there are others if you take the time to get involved. One criticism would be that as a parent, I would like more communication on available opportunities and events. The website would be a good place to update extracurricular activities and it is under-utilized in my opinion.... Read 233 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 752

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• West Grove, PA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.61 out of 5  195 reviews

Parent: ACGS is a fantastic charter school, offering a small private school feel with outstanding teachers and challenging curriculum. The school excels at communication and parent-involvement. Children are given the opportunity to reach their full learning potential with smaller class sizes and opportunities for accelerated learning programs for those children that qualify. The teachers are loving and clearly enjoy being a part of AGCS. I highly recommend AGCS if you are looking for your family to be part of a loving school community!... Read 195 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,843

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  178 reviews

Senior: MaST Community Charter School in Philadelphia is a well-regarded and award-winning educational institution that provides an excellent learning environment for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. With a commitment to academic excellence, character education and a supportive community, MaST Community Charter School provides students with the tools they need to succeed. The school offers a wide range of programs, including honors and advanced placement courses, athletics and extracurricular activities, allowing students to explore their interests and develop new skills. Additionally, the faculty and staff are dedicated professionals who are passionate about helping students reach their full potential. Overall, MaST Community Charter School is a top-notch institution that prepares students for success in college and beyond!... Read 178 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,482

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Bensalem, PA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  27 reviews

Junior: I have been at School Lane Charter School since I was in 2nd grade and I am not a junior in high school. I commend School Lane for always seeking ways to better the experience of students. You can see that each year is a year to reflect on the past which I like. The high school IB Campus is very small so this gives teachers the ability to get to know their students and understand what the best environment will be to help them succeed academically. The academic portion is very rigorous and this is taught school wide. REFLECTING is a big thing at school lane which is great because how are you gonna grow without reflection? I wish that the voices of students were heard more though. I wish that more opportunities were given to students to grow socially. I feel that many students feel that their voices aren't heard. I also wish that there were more extra-curriculars to build the school spirit. Also, it always seems like teachers are leaving.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,354

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• West Chester, PA•

• Online School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  304 reviews

Parent: I have a middle school child at PALCS. We have been pleased with the program as it offers flexibility, efficiency, and allows the child to further develop independence and responsibility. I feel that PALCS is more aligned with jobs/professions in our current society than traditional brick and mortar schools. I love that there is this virtual option as one school size doesn’t fit all for kids. Communication has been great with teachers, counselors, and administration. Highly recommend for a child looking for a non-traditional, flexible route!... Read 304 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 3,891

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  11 reviews

Middle School Student: I have been a student at ECS from K-8. I cannot stress enough the how amazing and beneficial the staff have been. Every. Single. Teacher. I’ve had has been radically committed to the mission of this school (except one but dont worry). Daily I see teachers speaking on the same level as students and genuinely listening to their needs. The motto “we grow citizens” is exactly what is happening in this environment. Not only is the school devoted to cultivating learning that is beneficial for the future for students, teaching empathy and compassion, they also have lots of cool plants around each campus :). One of my most recent math teachers was one of the most influential people I have encountered in my 14 year life. He taught me so much about how to be compassionate, devoted, and vulnerable. Not only that, he taught about the deepest workings of math and encouraged students to ask questions and explore. ECS is filled with incredible teachers like this. Amazing environment for your child... Read 11 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,086

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Bethlehem, PA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  142 reviews

Senior: Overall Lehigh Valley Academy is a great school if you are deciding to go to an international school or examine for IB credits. If you are looking for a regular high school diploma, this school is not for you. The curriculum is very intense and there are many requirements in order to obtain your IB credits. The school is small compared to local high schools but there is still school spirit and fun activities that student council creates. The biggest asset to the sports at LVA is their Step Team, they have had the opportunity to win first place at the State competition and go to nationals! There is dress code at the school. There is a lot of pressure on the juniors and seniors due to the Diploma Programme, they also offer a Career Programme for students who are more interested in engineering or biomedical. The CP program is definitely easier than the DP program but they both offer great opportunities.... Read 142 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,806

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• King Of Prussia, PA•

• Online School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.24 out of 5  307 reviews

Sophomore: The staff and students here are amazing. So far my time at this school has been a really wonderful experience. I enrolled into PA Virtual in 2019. Im now currently in 10th grade and a straight A student. The teachers and staff here make sure you really understand each lesson and will do everything to work with you to get you’re grades where they need to be. In addition, they provide excellent laptops and other materials to help you through each school year. They also have a variety of fun school clubs and programs for getting you ready for college. And don’t worry, the school has many outings throughout the year so you get to have the same experience as if you were in a brick and mortar school! If you are looking into homeschooling, PA Virtual is the place for you!... Read 307 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 3,382

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Exton, PA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  203 reviews

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 203 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 3,040

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  256 reviews

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 256 reviews

• grade B

• Students 536

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Wilmerding, PA•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  16 reviews

Senior: Hi everybody! My name is Gemma and I’m a senior literary arts major here at Westinghouse. Where do I even start? Westinghouse is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am proud to say I am a first year student, meaning I came to the school the very first year it opened. In the three years I have been at Westinghouse I can say this is a school like no other. The genuine love and support from staff and fellow students is something I have never seen anywhere else, and really makes this school the place it is. The personal connections with the faculty allows for a truly exceptional environment for education. Being an arts school, it is crucial to build a trust among students and teachers, and I can say with no hesitation that Westinghouse has done just that. It’s rare to find a school staff that cares as deeply for their students as Westinghouse’s.... Read 16 reviews

• grade B

• Students 248

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• West Chester, PA•

• Online School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  349 reviews

Parent: My son is finishing up his third year at 21CCCS. We switched to cyber during covid, as our local school district was not making good decisions, and chose 21CCCS because of their strong STEM component and higher graduation rate. This has been one of the best choices we've made regarding my son's education. The teachers, guidance counselors and advisors are top-notch and provide individualized attention and are always super-quick to respond and offer answers and solutions. There is so much support through tutoring options and virtual office availability that we have not once struggled with academic issues. Additionally, there are ample opportunities for socialization through trips, activities and student-led clubs, so my son has not only kept his local friends, but as also met new ones from all over the state. I highly recommend 21CCCS!... Read 349 reviews

• grade B

• Students 2,097

• Student-teacher ratio 29:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  179 reviews

Senior: I have attended New Foundations since my freshmen year and it has been a great experience. The teachers are very caring and do their best to ensure that every student excels in their class. The school is very inclusive and diverse and allows creative freedom despite the uniform and other strict rules that are put in place for our safety. Despite the lack of space, many after school activities take place that allow students a change of pace. Students can partake in many sports or clubs like Art, science, and robotics where they can learn and use their hands to build things. Or they can join clubs like Gay straight alliance, or Muslim student association, where they can learn about their peers and how despite their differences, everyone should get along. Over all, attending New foundations has been a great experience.... Read 179 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,497

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Cresco, PA•

• Public School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  11 reviews

Alum: I loved the family oriented atmosphere and the small size of the school. Everybody knows if something is wrong and the teachers are always willing to help and are willing to take time out of their day to help you with your school work. While it is small, there are not as many classes as you would be able to take in a bigger public school, but the classes you do take here are a much higher level and prepare you better for college. My english teacher saved me with Essay bootcamp. Another benefit of a small school is the ability to go on field trips and college tours. We take biannual trips to Spain and this year we even went to London. A lot of great things come with a smaller sized class. Less is more!... Read 11 reviews

• grade B

• Students 100

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Allentown, PA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.53 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: My daughter has been in EEACS since she was in kindergarten and she is now in the 4th grade. She excels in every way at EEACS. The culture, the education experience are all superior to any public school I’ve experienced. We enrolled my high school bonus daughter who was in honors at another local public school. EEACS was so far ahead that we had to get her a tutor to help her catch up. The culture is most impressive, the teachers and leaders are fully invested in the education abs success of each child. It is a beautiful and safe facility, all staff is kind and gracious. They treat everyone with respect. Communication is top notch! I have cell phone numbers for both our kids team leaders. I feel comfortable reaching out any time I need to.... Read 17 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,338

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  116 reviews

Senior: This is a charter school so I was lucky to have won the lottery for Kindergarten. I went K-12. The only reason I didn't rate it Excellent is because out of 4 years of High School students weren't in the building for over 1/3 of that time. Of course that was due to the pandemic which I realize wasn't a good circumstance for anyone. I didn't appreciate school until I wasn't allowed to be there anymore. PACHS tried their best with virtual learning to make it normal but it wasn't. Otherwise the time I spent in the building was worthwhile. Since they don't make any differentiation on here I have to also add the PACS grade school was awesome! I loved it there and it was an excellent school. I believe I got a good education overall. The cafeteria food is terrible though. Pack your lunch!... Read 116 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,161

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Public School•

• 1-12

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  56 reviews

Freshman: In my opinion, I believe that the Maritime Academy Charter High School has been one of the most substantial school that I have ever went to. If you want to ask me I don't think that most young adults that attend Maritime really understand the meaning of the word " help ", I sure know I didn't until I came to Maritime. They have shown me a great deal of many things in my couple of months I have been able to achieve a record for myself of all A's. Yes, if you want to know the truth I am proud of my achievements, I am proud of myself, you want to know why? Because the teachers, staff,and the environment have helped me gain that confidence in myself and I believe that every child in the world should feel the way that I should. That is my overall rate with the Maritime Academy Charter School!... Read 56 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 959

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• York, PA•

• Public School•

• K-11

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Senior: York Academy is a great school, it opens up many different opportunities, especially considering it is an IB school. I am a part of the second graduating class, where I have been the second highest grade for the last 9 years, as we are still building our school. This has come with a lot of challenges, such as miscommunication, student frustrations, heavy work load, and simply a lack of answer, as we have never experienced some situations before. However this also comes with a lot of benefits, as I have learned to overcome a lot of challenges, both with school work and personal responsibilities. I have developed a deepened connection with the teachers and administration, which has allowed me to give so much more respect to the staff, as I wouldn't know all the things they do for us without these opportunities. My school is very arts and education focused, meaning we do not have a sports team, but this is not a downside, as I have been able to build connections in real life.... Read 9 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 904

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  64 reviews

Senior: As a student at Mastery, I really see the support in the teachers and in the overall staff. It's like working as a team! Many teachers have resources that can benefit students even after high school! I love seeing many students change from being unable to push themselves to being better and stronger.... Read 64 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,316

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• York, PA•

• Public School•

• 12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Senior: I had a superb experience with Crispus Attucks Youthbuild Charter School. The teachers, case manager’s, and staff were very cooperative and easy to work with. They really took the time to understand their students and their needs. I learned a lot at Crispus Attucks. I like how they incorporate their school with construction. So you also get to learn a trade and work on houses while going to school to get your high school diploma so that’s a plus. One thing that Crispus Attucks could work on is diversity throughout the school. That’s a good way for students and staff to get to know each other’s background a little bit more and you can also express yourself and also education others. Crispus Attucks is such a great school I highly recommend it to others you will really have a great experience and you will also have a lot of opportunities.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 71

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  95 reviews

Senior: I love Philadelphia Performing Arts: String Theory. My school is very different from ordinary high schools that just offer general education classes. We have a beautiful building that is in the heart of center city. I love that my high school offers major and elective classes alongside of our gen-ed classes. My school has a wide variety of majors that span from dance and music to tv and broadcasting and theater to stem, art and design. I have been an engineering major all throughout high school. I have also loved my architecture elective that I have been taking my last two years of high school. I am grateful for the resources and opportunities my school has opened up for me. I thank String Theory for allowing me to find a passion in architecture and engineering at such a young age. I plan to study architectural engineering in college and I am very excited for my future ahead.... Read 95 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 2,595

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1