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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 80
Best Schools
80 results

  1. The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts

    • Public School
    • Bethlehem, PA
    • 9-12
    • 143
    #1 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Freshman: The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts appreciates and accepts everyone through artistic expression. Students are able to grasp the concept of collaboration and hard work through vigorous learning both in their major and academically. Teachers and admisnistration strive for each and every student to feel accepted and safe. There is an amazing trust between students and teachers which allows independence and freedom on both parties. The adults are very understanding of stressful situations and will work with the student closely to ensure growth. I have learned so much in my short amount of time here and am excited to go to school each morning. I'm so glad I go here!
    Read 143 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
    • 273
    #2 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: I think Franklin Towne is a great school because they care for the students well being along with education. Franklin Towne organizes events to celebrate students hard work. Franklin Towne has helped many families with an event called Towne Wishes, where they give back to people in need. When I was a sophomore, my mom lost her job so it was difficult to buy things that we needed. Franklin Towne helped my family out by giving us a food basket and took me and my sisters shopping for things we needed. I was grateful because it helped my family so much. Right now, Franklin Towne is planning the best dance-a-thon yet. This year we have a partnership with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, to help raise money for kids that are not able to pay for treatments. A change I would like to happen is that they get more recognition for the work that they do. I believe Franklin Towne stands out from other schools in Pennsylvania because of their dedication to give back and help others out.
    Read 273 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,192 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Renaissance Academy Charter School

    • Public School
    • Phoenixville, PA
    • K-12
    • 109
    #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 109 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
    • 15

    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 15 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
    • 29
    #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 29 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 150
    #5 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: MaST Community Charter School is a great place, and a wonderful educational institution. The teachers, staff, faculty, and administration are all helpful, supportive, and incredibly kind. MaST is extremely safe, and the students are in great, capable hands. It was a fantastic environment for me since kindergarten.
    Read 150 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,332 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School

    • Public School
    • Midland, PA
    • 7-12
    • 186
    #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 186 Reviews

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

    • Online School
    • K-12
    • 194
    #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 194 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,353 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Avon Grove Charter School

    • Public School
    • West Grove, PA
    • K-12
    • 79
    #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 79 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,684 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. School Lane Charter School

    • Public School
    • Bensalem, PA
    • K-11
    • 5

    Junior: I am a high school junior at School lane Charter High school.I have been a student with School lane since kindergarten.I have learned Spanish since Kindergarten.I loved all my teachers since elementary school. They are great role models. I feel the way I was taught with learning the International Baccalaureate way of learning and going for the IB Diploma I feel I will be given the change to excel in college and in the future.
    Read 5 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,176 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. New Foundations Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 128
    #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 128 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,477 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Preparatory Charter School of Mathematics, Science, Tech & Careers

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 9-12
    • 190
    #10 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 190 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 9-12
    • 241
    #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 241 Reviews

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

    • Public School
    • Bethlehem, PA
    • K-12
    • 96
    #12 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Freshman: It is a good school! I am currently a freshman who has never gone anywhere else, so I may be a little bit biased. I love all my teachers, because they try their best to teach us what we need to know - both for exams, and life. I like the course work, although it is challenging . I know it is how I will get ready for college. I have friends who have graduated and they say that LVA really prepared them for college.
    Read 96 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,681 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  20. Collegium Charter School

    • Public School
    • Exton, PA
    • K-12
    • 158
    #13 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Parent: The teachers at Collegium are the best! They care about the kids and are invested in their well-being, while offering them well rounded educational opportunities in the sciences and the arts. They offer STEM and robotics for kids starting in kindergarten, and they reward students by letting them choose monthly clubs based on their own interests... letting them explore learning opportunities and find their talents.
    Read 158 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,820 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  21. 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
    • 100 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Philadelphia Academy Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 97
    #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 97 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,160 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Commonwealth Charter Academy

    • Online School
    • Harrisburg, PA
    • K-12
    • 360

    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 360 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8,974 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  26. 21st Century Cyber Charter School

    • Online School
    • Downingtown, PA
    • 6-12
    • 174

    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 174 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 961 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. 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
    • 1,334 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. 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
    • 865 Students
    • 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. 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
    • 148 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 26

    Senior: My experience at first Philadelphia was great, I got to meet a lot of wonderful people. I made a lot of friends while attending there. I kinda liked first Philadelphia because there was some teachers that do care about your future and that is important. One thing I wish they can change is that they could be more organized becasue sometimes they are all over the place.
    Read 26 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,859 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  32. Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School

    • Online School
    • King of Prussia, PA
    • K-12
    • 221

    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 221 Reviews

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

    • Online School
    • Midland, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 647

    Senior: Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School was a very interesting high school experience. My experience taught me the value of independence and motivation. Being in cyber taught me how time time manage and focus. I loved the fact they had events/field trips to get students together and they were reasonable prices! The staff tries to involve everyone as much as they can. The time schedules for classes are very flexible! However, sometimes there is miscommunication among staff and students, but it ends up figuring out!
    Read 647 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 9,654 Students
    • 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  34. 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
    • 581 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    Germantown Friends School

    • Private School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 57

    Middle School Student: I started at GFS last school year and it is an amazing school. The faculty and staff are super welcoming and always are encouraging you to do your best. They have great security and they are always making sure you are safe. We have a great arts program but the sports are average. The food is somewhat over priced but that doesn’t really bother me. Academically, it is challenging but your teachers are always there for you and Ive learned so much. Overall an excellent school!!
    Read 57 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,017 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School

    • Online School
    • King of Prussia, PA
    • K-12
    • 221

    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 221 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,200 Students
    • 29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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