2024 Best Elementary Schools in the Philadelphia Area

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  107 reviews

Senior: Overall, I've had a lot of fun here at GFS. I really felt the school's Quaker values shine through throughout my experience here, whether it was through calling teachers by their first names, or beginning certain classes with moments of silence, or attending weekly Meeting for Worship. It felt like the teachers were genuinely invested in seeing their students succeed, and were always very accessible. For the most part, the students were just as great, both inside and outside of class. It is a touch cliquey, but overall, there was a great sense of community, and I loved my time at GFS.... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,125

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  93 reviews

Alum: I was incredibly lucky to have been able to go to Baldwin. While any student or alum will say there were overwhelming periods (most will go catatonic at some point in junior and/or senior year simply from the stress of college admissions), I would argue that it was all worth it. There isn't much hand-holding past your freshman year, which I now really appreciate having worked at other private schools across the world, as it taught me how to self-direct my studies before starting college. Socially it was warm, the teachers were as a whole supportive and often went above and beyond to make sure we felt confident, checking in on you if you fell behind. Naturally it's a private school in a wealthy area, and so the wealth/class disparity is definitely noticeable. I do believe Baldwin could do a better job of educating the wealthier students about the "other side" - many understand the privilege they have to go to Baldwin, but don't really understand how rare the life they lead is.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 572

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Newtown Square, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.7 out of 5  151 reviews

Parent: The education is challenging and prepares prepares the student to be successful in college. EA students also have the opportunity to grow and learn outside the classroom, and are encouraged to find their passion by taking advantage of the extensive extracurricular activities. Whether it’s arts, theater, athletics, community service, debate, robotics, travel, Episcopal offers it all. This learning and growing happens within a supportive and nurturing community. Each of my children built special relationships with teachers who served as coaches, club leaders, chaperones on school sponsored trips or simply caring mentors. And the foundation for that community is chapel, a time when the students come together to reflect and learn. Although rooted in Christianity, the chapel program is welcoming and inclusive and gives the students the opportunity to share their beliefs with each other. EA shaped my children and provided them with a foundation for future success.... Read 151 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,276

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.49 out of 5  97 reviews

Sophomore: My name is Caroline, and I am a current 10th grader at the Shipley School. I came to Shipley in 8th grade, where I was immediately welcomed with open arms. Everyone was so helpful, and genuinely willing to make sure that I was adjusting to the community. The past couple of years that I have spent at this school have been amazing. Shipley has allowed me to challenge myself academically, as I take several honors classes. I really enjoy the rigor of the classes, and the added challenge has helped me grow as a student and a person. All of my teachers are always willing to give any extra help I may need.I am also a member of 3 sports teams. I absolutely love playing Shipley sports due to the excellent coaching staff and the opportunity they give me to progress as an athlete. The Shipley faculty truly cares about its students, and creates such a positive atmosphere. I am looking forward to a great couple more years at Shipley!... Read 97 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 800

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  128 reviews

Works Here: I say yes to Friends Select because, as a product of a Quaker high school education, I know firsthand the impact and value. Friends Select lives its Quaker identity with Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship at the foundation of every aspect of the school and community. Friends Select students graduate with the knowledge and understanding of peaceful resolution to conflict, empathy, service to others, mutual respect, inclusion, self-awareness, self-confidence, voice, agency, and many other soft and hard skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing and diverse world that they will live in the future. The world needs more Friends Select alums!... Read 128 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 638

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Wilmington, DE•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.46 out of 5  52 reviews

Junior: The best part of being at Tower Hill is the opportunities it provides for your future. Including service opportunities, internships, and the opportunity to excel in college because of the amazing education the school provides. The worst part I would say is the social aspect as much as I really appreciate how much this school does for and helps me with academically the students can be rude and unkind and when it comes down to punishment faculty turn a blind eye or nothing ever gets permanently put on a record. I had a very bad experience with a student in my freshman year and my friends and I all felt that the students involved we’re not taking seriously and proper punishments were never given. As much as I love and have pride for my school there are certain aspects regarding social life and the types of students we allow to come our school that could use work.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 860

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Fort Washington, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  90 reviews

Parent: My daughter started in kindergarten and is now in 10th grade at GA. The most exceptional thing about this school is the teachers. They are dedicated, passionate, intelligent and truly love teaching. They establish connections and relationships with students and actually enjoy spending time listening to what is going on in their students’ lives outside the classroom. In lower school , having two teachers in each classroom allows for differentiated learning and individualized attention to all students. Teachers really know their students. In middle and upper school, dropping in to meet with teachers during free periods is highly encouraged and helps solidify teacher/student connections and learning. The teacher retention rate says a lot about the school. Most all stay 30-40 years!!! I feel that my child had been in the best hands and has grown so much through the years socially, emotionally and of course, academically. GA is a very special place.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,223

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Wynnewood, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  82 reviews

Parent: Words can't adequately express my gratitude for the Friends' Central community! Our family highly values education and the tuition is worth every penny for the school experience our children receive. From the youngest early childhood classes, children are supported, included, and taught that their actions and their kindness matters. The academics are vigorous, the differentiation of instruction applies to each individual student for a just-right curriculum that fits each child, the thematic teaching, and the culture of respect and inclusivity is felt at each grade level. Children blossom to their own unique potential.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 847

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• West Chester, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  116 reviews

Senior: Coming to Westtown has been one of the greatest decisions I have made to date. Westtown has allowed me to gain experience in leadership, as well as build strong bonds with my peers and faculty. The academics are challenging, but not to the point where it consumes you, and there is plenty of support for students. I've had the wonderful opportunity to try new things and explore, and I learn more about myself every day while there. The fact that it is a Quaker school also adds a unique experience to Westtown. You don't have to be a Quaker to attend, but religious diversity is celebrated at Westtown, as well as learning about other religions. As a Muslim, Westtown has supported me tremendously throughout the month of Ramadan. All in all, a wonderful experience. If you are thinking about a place to grow as a person and not just as a student, Westtown is your place!... Read 116 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 696

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Wilmington, DE•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  77 reviews

Parent: There are many excellent private schools in the area where students excel in academics, athletics and the performing arts, but Wilmington Friends School is built on a Quaker foundation which encourages students to form a deeper understanding of these core values: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship. By weaving these values throughout their approach to education, students find their voice, both individually and among their community, which enables them to enter the larger world with confidence and curiosity. They are poised to succeed, they are ready to take on complex challenges and they are compassionate about their community.... Read 77 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 743

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Rosemont, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  176 reviews

Freshman: My experience at this school has been nothing but excellent. Agnes Irwin has pushed me as a student and has aided me in discovering my interests. I love the different clubs and activities that I have been involved in, as I am able to dive deep into my passions in them with the reasources Agnes Irwin has given. Along with that, the learning enviroment is wonderful. I am always able to go to a teacher to seek help, and every teacher is passionate about whatever they are teaching. Overall this school has given me wonderful memories and I am excited for the years to come!... Read 176 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 573

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  119 reviews

Parent: Amazing teachers and staff. Wonderful community of parents and families. We were a bit worried that people would be snobby towards families like ours who receive financial aid, but that has not been our experience at all. My children are in the lower school and thriving, they are supported by their teachers, the administration and other parents. We couldn’t be happier.... Read 119 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 988

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Haverford, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  95 reviews

Senior: Attending Haverford was the best decision of my life. The very strong academic curriculum ensures that we as students are prepared for the top colleges and for the real-world in general. Haverford also prides itself on its community; the faculty strongly encourage student involvement, resulting in a tight-knit group that would do anything for each other. The teachers are amazing and endless bonds with students every year. Each teacher is always there when a student needs them to be, and they want to see each and every one of us succeed. Athletics are strong and there are many teams that have been nationally ranked within the past few years, but I'd like to see the administration focus more heavily on athletics as a whole in the near future.... Read 95 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 948

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Jenkintown, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  141 reviews

Parent: My daughter picked AFS for High School for its campus, culture and engaging community. She felt welcomed from the first time we visited thru her entire time so far even though her friends were going to school elsewhere. We couldn't be happier with our choice as our child is thriving academically as well as with her extracurricular activities. The student population is very diverse and her friends are spread out throughout Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery county. The school has additional learning opportunities outside the classroom, including those interested in the medical, business or law profession. A new athletics center with all of the amenities has recently opened. Our family loves being part of the AFS community!... Read 141 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  112 reviews

Parent: I have had 3 daughters enrolled - 2 graduates and a current student (Class of '24), and all three LOVED the teachers, Sacred Heart traditions and the diverse makeup of their class. They also received an education that not only prepared them for college, it prepared them to THRIVE in college. You won't find better academics - particularly in STEM areas as they have several teachers who came from industries and provide real-world usage for the mathematics, biology and physics that they are learning. As far as activities, SHA has some really good sports teams, great music, theater and choir. Overall, teachers and staff are great to deal with! Visit SHA before you decide on a school, you won't be sorry!... Read 112 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 200

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Radnor, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  13 reviews

Parent: The Grayson School has been incredibly transformative for my children. The faculty and staff is incredibly knowledgable and passionate about developing an individualized educational plan for each student and getting to know each student holistically so they can support their learning, thinking, feeling, and social development. Faculty extend themselves to develop close and meaningful relationships with students and engage them in the most creative ways in their learning. My children come home every day exhausted and blissful from a day of meaningful intellectual engagement. On days off, they constantly tell us how much they miss school, including classes, friends and teachers. It's not difficult to understand that with opportunities for project based learning, arts, and independent study. We are so grateful to have found a wonderful community of educators, researchers, and fellow parents and caregivers who understand the joys and challenges of raising gifted children.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 180

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Moorestown, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  86 reviews

Alum: Great teachers (especially in the math department) make you feel excited to learn and will give you a newfound love for learning. Other teachers (especially in the science department) will make you hate it. School listens to students, and will try to make compromises to improve student experience. Although, they don’t take the complaints of racism from students of color very seriously. Overall, 8/10.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 634

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  148 reviews

Parent: SCH Academy is a tremendous school that produces dynamic, motivated, well-rounded graduates. The school has talented and devoted teachers and staff who nurture students and encourage them to be their best inside and outside of the classroom. Robotics, Engineering, and the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership are just a few of the programs that stand out and which differentiate the school from many of its peers. Set in a bucolic section of the City of Philadelphia, the campus borders Fairmount Park which provides a perfect backdrop for many of the outdoor experiential programs.... Read 148 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,101

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Burlington, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  66 reviews

Parent: I couldn't be happier with this school. From their unique programs and traditions, to their close-knit and genuinely caring family feel, Doane Academy has been the best investment I could have made for my children and their future! Although the academics are excellent, I am even more impressed in how the school focuses on the whole child, meeting and supporting them where they are as individuals, and empowering them to freely grow in their specific interests and strengths, while also teaching them larger leadership skills.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 247

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Hockessin, DE•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  70 reviews

Parent: When my husband and I went through the high school selection and admission process with our oldest daughter, we were searching for a school that felt like the most natural progression from the Independence School. We wanted academic rigor and a plethora of stimulating activities, but framed in a warm and nurturing environment. We wanted teachers that would take an interest in our child and be accessible. Our family was fortunate to find that familiar feeling at Sanford. In fact, we were surprised at just how welcoming and supportive! Sanford continues to impress... Our child is now a junior and we could not be happier. She loves challenging herself with honors and AP courses and participating in field hockey and an array of clubs. She is particularly fulfilled by the performing arts program and choir opportunities at Sanford. It has been very gratifying to watch our oldest blossom at Sanford and now it's our youngest's turn to explore all she cab achieve under Sanford's embrace!... Read 70 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 640

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Radnor Township School District, PA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: Ithan is an absolute gem. The teachers and staff are the absolute best, providing an incredible learning support team to our children. Our children have thrived as learners thanks to Ithan. The curriculum that is offered fosters STEM and the arts. The community is the most diverse we’ve experienced in the Philadelphia suburbs which we believe contributes to Ithan being such an amazing, special place. To all the teachers and staff - thank you.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 482

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Souderton, PA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.71 out of 5  17 reviews

Middle School Student: I am currently in middle school at SCSC and I would consider it a second home. I believe the learning process is fit and customized to the student so that the student personally can grow as an individual in all kinds of aspects. The teachers and students are all very welcoming the moment you walk in. SCSC is not like other schools. I feel the diversity at this school is excellent. One thing that makes my school so unique is a little thing we call "100 Book Challenge". Each school day we read 30 minutes of a book of our choice that is our level. Based on the student's reading ability, we are matched with a level. We log a line every 15 minutes we read. The point of this is that if you reach a multiple of 100, you get awarded a medal and recognition of the entire school. I have not even scratched the surface of what makes my school unique and extraordinary compared to others, but I'm running out of room to write. (This only allows 1000 characters to be able to write)... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 226

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Newark, DE•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  100 reviews

Alum: Newark Charter is the best by far in terms of academics and teacher support, but in terms of athletics it falls short with lack of certain sports such as fall. Now saying that I know that in the future they are going to have a team but unsure of when but are building the facilities to be capable to play football. So over all it’s a great school and was an amazing experience with friendly staff and teachers to aid students!... Read 100 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,458

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Radnor Township School District, PA•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: We have 2 kids in RES for past 2 years. We moved from a nearby town to Radnor mainly for the school system. Our kids were in a private school that didn’t seem as well funded. Here it seems the teachers and students are happy. I don’t see a lot of pressure on grades and homework like I did in private school. Not sure if that’s good or bad. It just seems homework was a lot lighter in public school, maybe just at elementary level. Lunch program is decent and has good options. I believe its subsidized and reasonable priced. PTO - is very strong and provides lots of support and programs for the school throughout the year (fundraisers, pretzels, international week, etc). Student diversity is relatively normal.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 571

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Lower Merion School District, PA•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Every elementary school should be like Penn Valley Elementary! Not only are the academics top notch, but the teachers, student, parents, and administrators are all amazing! I'm so proud to be a member of this community!... Read 2 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 514

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1