2020 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania

Best for Athletes

1,003 results

North Allegheny High School
North Allegheny School District, PA
9-12
698 reviews
#1 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Senior: North Allegheny High School is an educational powerhouse. The academics and teachers are top notch with a few exceptions when it comes to teachers. There are plenty of extracurricular sports and activities to get involved with as well. Many of the extracurricular sports are played at a competitive level. Counselors, despite the large student population, are very good and seem to genuinely care for each every student's well being and success. Where it falls short is the cleanliness of the cafeteria and the quality of the food served. The tables used in the cafeteria are rarely cleaned, even when coming back from a weekend or a break they don't even seem to touch them making them quite disgusting. When it comes to the food there are very few options that provide a filling meal. Many taste like cardboard and are quite expensive.
Read 698 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
37 Total Number of Sports
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St. Joseph's Preparatory School
Private School
Philadelphia, PA
9-12
103 reviews
#2 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Junior: I love the Prep! It has a great location right in the heart of Philadelphia and manages to challenge students with an incredible academic rigor. The Prep is formed by its Jesuit character and commitment to service and forming men for and with others. It has great athletics as well with a nationally-ranked football program and great opportunities in other sports such as soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Overall, the Prep brings out the best in students forming great moral characters they will hold for the rest of their lives.
Read 103 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
17 Total Number of Sports
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La Salle College High School
Private School
Wyndmoor, PA
9-12
112 reviews
#3 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Parent: La Salle College High School is an all male Catholic high school. Students are not required to be of the Catholic Faith to attend. The school has slightly more than one thousand students and because the school is large, it offers many different courses. My son is interested in computer science and computer science courses are offered at the Freshman through Senior Level. La Salle also offers many courses in information science. The course selection in these areas is much greater than that offered in our local public high school.
Read 112 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
19 Total Number of Sports
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Central Catholic High School
Private School
Pittsburgh, PA
9-12
141 reviews
#4 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Niche User: Pittsburgh Central Catholic is a highly esteemed institution that turns young boys into men and is well worth the investment. Although it is a steep tuition the lessons a young man will learn from the brotherhood simply cannot be matched. Along with the lifelong relationships you will make at Central Catholic they provide an education that is undoubtedly one of the best in the sate and maybe the country. It truly exemplifies what a 'college prep' high school should be like. The teachers never push a religion onto there students and allow them to think for themselves as that is apart of becoming a man. Most students have an outstanding relationship with their teachers and counselors. The sense of pride you get while attending this institution is something any one watching from a distance can see. Always remember Tradition Never Graduates!
Read 141 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
19 Total Number of Sports
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Villa Maria Academy
Private School
Erie, PA
9-12
108 reviews
#5 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Senior: I loved going to Villa Maria Academy. The teachers were greatly involved in the students’ lives. The teachers play an active role in the lives of their students, in and out of school. The teachers are very loving and caring. If a student ever needed someone to go to, they always knew they at least one teacher to lean on. Alongside, if a student ever was confused and needed extra help, the teachers always are willing to stay after school and help their students learn. My statistics teacher I have for my senior year stays twice a week to help me with my development and understanding of my statistics. The only thing about Villa Maria Academy I would like to change is how hot it can be in the building sometimes. Depending on how warm it is outside, the temperature inside can be very hot. Other than that, I love Villa Maria Academy. It is a very happy, welcoming environment.
Read 108 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
— Total Number of Sports
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Cathedral Preparatory School
Private School
Erie, PA
9-12
87 reviews
#6 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Alum: I attended cathedral prep for all my four years of high school. Overall I am glad that I chose to go to school here for multiple reasons. I made a lot of friends at the school, gained a lot of knowledge, and had a good high school experience in general. Most of the teachers there were very nice and all of them were very helpful when needed. I also really enjoyed the brotherhood that cathedral prep had. I would definitely recommend the school!
Read 87 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
13 Total Number of Sports
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North Penn Senior High School
North Penn School District, PA
10-12
584 reviews
#7 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Middle School Student: I just recently moved into North Penn School District, A lot of students at my middle school talk about the teachers in a bad way. The teachers do get mad at students at times when there is no need to be mad but so far my experience at North Penn has been wonderful. I’ve made so many friends and i’ve met so many different people I never thought I’d meet. I would highly recommend moving into the North Penn School District Area, the amount of people may be scary but it’s a very friendly and welcoming place to live at!
Read 584 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
30 Total Number of Sports
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Archbishop Wood High School
Private School
Warminster, PA
9-12
144 reviews
#8 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Alum: I loved Archbishop Wood. I graduated last year and I benefited a lot from the school and programs. I was involved with Performing Arts and was President Of the Student Board and was a leader for Mini-Thon and a member of choir, community service groups, and Athletes helping Athletes. There was always something to look forward to at Wood on the weekends and even weekdays. The education itself I say wasn’t the best. A lot of the teachers lacked presenting material and also didn’t care as to what the students did. However, there were a few teachers that did impact me and prepared me for my college career. Altogether Archbishop Wood was an amazing school and I miss it dearly. Go Vikings!
Read 144 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
— Total Number of Sports
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Radnor Senior High School
Radnor Township School District, PA
9-12
119 reviews
#9 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Senior: The academics at Radnor High School are superb! The extracurricular activities such as the music department and the sports teams (which I’m involved in) have also been the highlights of my years there. There are lot of fun traitions like LM week, but the school needs to work on inclusivity and having a more welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. I have some friends that are new that are finding it hard to adjust because people are not that willing to be friendly.
Read 119 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
27 Total Number of Sports
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Milton Hershey School
Private School
Hershey, PA
PK, K-12
110 reviews
#10 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Parent: My children are safe, loved, happy, and healthy at Milton Hershey School. The houseparents and teachers work hard, love their students, and communicate frequently with families. My children are doing well emotionally, academically, spiritually, physically, and socially. It is obvious that the needs of the whole child are being met at MHS. The required chores, exercise, homework, devotions, etc. shape MHS students into strong, healthy, and well-rounded individuals. MHS provides a rigorous, safe, and fun educational experience for them. I’ve witnessed my children’s love for learning grow, and they frequently talk about future career goals. Milton Hershey School is a community that encourages and inspires kids to be the very best they can be. I highly recommend this unique community for any child who is in need of a safe, loving, and happy home and school.
Read 110 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
— Total Number of Sports
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Holy Ghost Preparatory School
Private School
Bensalem, PA
9-12
114 reviews
#11 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Alum: Holy Ghost Prep is premier. My experience goes above and beyond just the education that I received. The school has fantastic extracurricular activities for students including both athletic and non-athletic opportunities robotics and forensics. I still remain in contact with several of mine. The school has active parents groups that coordinate many events. The school offers generous scholarships. Having come from the city that was extremely helpful. Ghost is a brotherhood. I truly believe the education I received their helped me to grow as a man. Likewise, HGP has an active alumni association that puts on events throughout the year including a networking reception. I know early in my career this was helpful to be able to network with my former classmates and older alumni who helped mentor me to get where I am today. Holy Ghost is an excellent choice to not only prepare you for the next level in education but also in life. I hope to one day send any sons that I have to the school.
Read 114 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
14 Total Number of Sports
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Lower Merion High School
Lower Merion School District, PA
9-12
228 reviews
#12 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Senior: I transfered to Lower Merion High School as a Sophmore. Lower Merion made my transition smooth as they provided my family and I with insight on the school routine, a personal tour, and placement testing to ensure I would be placed in the right classes. I deal with severe anxiety and depression, their mental health department and guidance office is easily assessable. However, Lower Merion lacks in the field of college readiness, but I think for any High School it is hard to gauge how ready a student can and will be for college as 11th to 12th grade is an ever-changing and confusing time for any student. But overall, Lower Merion has provided resources to help me excel as not only a student but as a person. I have had so many amazing teachers who have helped me through every step of the way even if that was staying with me during Lunch & Learn, or giving me extra help, responding to my emails quickly, to even just talking to me one on one.
Read 228 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
31 Total Number of Sports
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Wyomissing Area Junior/Senior High School
Wyomissing Area School District, PA
7-12
87 reviews
#13 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Parent: The Wyomissing parents and community provide exceptional support and resources for all areas of the school culture; including academics, clubs, activities and sports. I believe this is the foundation that makes Wyomissing an exceptional school. Pride in the schools academics, student life and facilities fosters a culture of excellence which is a magnet for great administrators and teachers. Im confident that the administration and teachers truly care about each students’ present and future success.

Each student is challenged according to their needs and provided many opportunities to help them reach their goals. Understandably, I’m sure there are some areas that need additional support, however, I have always found the community to be very generous when a need is discovered.

Although the school and community has its share of problems like any other, we love Wyomissing and know we are fortunate to have found such a great community in which to live!
Read 87 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
40 Total Number of Sports
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Shady Side Academy
Private School
Pittsburgh, PA
PK, K-12
97 reviews
#14 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Parent: Our experience at Shady Side Academy has been outstanding. Our daughter came to the school as a Sophomore after our family moved to Pittsburgh, and her transition was seamless. The students, faculty and administration made her feel a part of the Shady Side community from our first visit. The culture at SSA is extremely welcoming and inclusive for both the student and their family—it’s truly a partnership.
Academics at Shady Side are rigorous, but the support from teachers is unmatched. We feel confident that our daughter will be successful not only in college, but beyond, due in large part to her time at Shady Side Academy.
If you’re even slightly considering Shady Side as an option, I encourage you to attend one of their Open House events. That was the first step we took, and I’m so grateful that we did!
Read 97 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
29 Total Number of Sports
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Seton LaSalle Catholic High School
Private School
Mt. Lebanon, PA
9-12
84 reviews
#15 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Works Here: I joined the Seton LaSalle community last year, and I am so amazed at how kind, friendly, and talented the students are! Current students tell me that Seton LaSalle is a place where everyone belongs and that it feels like a family. Parents tell us that they value our faith-filled atmosphere where everyone respects each other and their environment. We often hear from alumni, who tell us that the school has never looked better and is unrecognizable from their time here in previous decades.

Here are some of the latest updates made during the past few years:
-New gym lighting with LEDs found in many NCAA gyms around the country
-New lockers
-Security camera upgrades
-Auditorium upgrades that include a high power laser projector, turn-key sound system, and new carpet
-New classroom doors
-A beautiful Innovation Lab and Media Center

We strive to help every student become the best version of themselves, prepared to go to college, and on to successful, purposeful careers.
Read 84 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
21 Total Number of Sports
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Henderson High School
West Chester Area School District, PA
9-12
187 reviews
#16 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Junior: Henderson challenges students to get them to reach their full potential. After relocating to Pennsylvania, I entered my sophomore year thinking it would be difficult to make friends since people already had friend groups from the previous year. But many students were very welcoming. The counselors and administrators helped me find people and clubs that fostered getting to know others. Teachers get students the help they need. If you ask, they will do their best to help you. Everyone's experience is different in terms of grades and college readiness, but overall, alumni have said that Henderson prepared them well. Diversity is definitely an issue for me, but I don’t believe it’s the school’s fault. We have clubs like the Jewish Student Union and Black Student Union, however I still feel underrepresented in many ways and faced or witnessed many racial injustices. The staff work hard to avoid this from happening and support minority students.
Read 187 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
24 Total Number of Sports
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Neumann Goretti High School
Private School
Philadelphia, PA
9-12
72 reviews
#17 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Senior: I enjoyed my experience at Neumann-Goretti and am upset that it is coming to an end. I transferred over for my sophomore year, and definitely do not regret it. Although the academics may be a little challenging, it is a close-knit school so you have classmates and teachers who can help you along the way if needed. If there were a few things I’d change, it would be the involvement of clubs, some parts of the building, reduce the amount of unnecessary rules, & more class trips; I feel as though these things would brighten the moods of students & heighten their high school experience. Overall, I’m really sad to go, but am thankful for everything Neumann has done for me; memories have been made here that I will never forget. Definitely the best Catholic high school in Philly, but in its own way!
Read 72 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
— Total Number of Sports
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Lancaster Catholic High School
Private School
Lancaster, PA
9-12
137 reviews
#18 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Niche User: Lancaster Catholic is a wonderful school for students who are Catholic and non-Catholic. The family atmosphere is evident the second you walk in the building. I like the faculty/student ratio, which allows for everyone to know everyone in the building. I am a huge fan of the retreats that the Campus Ministry department offers, especially Kairos! The Fine & Performing Arts department is excellent and the athletic programs are top notch! Wonderful overall experience.
Read 137 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
25 Total Number of Sports
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Oakland Catholic High School
Private School
Pittsburgh, PA
9-12
398 reviews
#19 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Parent: Daughters immersed in a strong college prep environment fostering competition/excellence. Desire stronger focus on a “love of learning” rather than students in pursuit of high GPAs. Troubling incidence with academic dishonesty this year among sophomores, particularly members of JOA; consequences not on par with gravity of the actions. Mixed messages to students not involved. Several outstanding teachers, most notably in humanities, producing solid writers. With STEM focus, need stronger hiring/retention of math/science teachers & better AP outcomes. Exceptional college counselor! Service opportunities are solid. Wish for greater focus on CATHOLIC IDENTITY, especially given that these young women have an integral role to play in an increasingly secular society. Exceptional experiences with tennis, XC, and swim teams. Refreshing to see coaches who actively engage all athletes, not just the best, who also promote leadership, discipline, perseverance and a real sense of belonging.
Read 398 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
15 Total Number of Sports
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Father Judge High School
Private School
Philadelphia, PA
9-12
117 reviews
#20 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Senior: Father Judge is an excellent high school where there are many opportunities to become involved and excel in sports and academics. They provide a variety of courses with different levels for all students from college prep and honors to advanced placement and dual enrollment courses. The teachers are patient and experienced and are always willing to help. There is also tutoring available from National Honor Society members for students who need extra help. The only changes I would make are the types of activities available, as they are mostly generic such as chess, Model UN, and engineering. I would also provide healthier lunch options and have cheaper prices as students and their families already pay for tuition and laptops. Overall, I would highly recommend Father Judge as I have loved my experience and it has helped me grow as a person. Father Judge has great teachers, guidance counselors, and has helped me meet people who I hope to stay close with as I graduate.
Read 117 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
— Total Number of Sports
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Hickory High School
Hermitage School District, PA
8-12
133 reviews
#21 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Senior: I cannot genuinely say that Hickory is an overall bad school. There are aspects of it that I am fortunate to have, but it also has its downfalls. Many of the teachers really love and care for their students and would always do whatever they possible could for them. They enjoy what they're teaching and it really comes across that way. The guidance counselors are fantastic and I personally have had nothing but a positive experience with them. The student environment, however, could be improved on. So many kids look down on others for little things like their interests, talents, social class, and even who their parents are. I'm sure this happens in majority of high schools, I just wish overall it was a friendlier environment between the students and people would just worry about themselves.
Read 133 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
22 Total Number of Sports
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Spring-Ford Senior High School
Spring-Ford Area School District, PA
9-12
501 reviews
#22 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Senior: Spring-Ford Senior High School offers a wide range of classes along with many other extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs. On almost any day, one is able to find some form of after school function. Classes also tend to be quite rigorous as many students find themselves taking many of the offered honors and AP classes available. Students are extremely kind and helpful and are accepting to new ideas. This creates a safe learning environment for students, teachers, and other faulty that help run the school smoothly. Every teacher that I have personally had or encountered has been more than willing to help me figure out and equation or understand a new concept. Many will sacrifice their time to help you succeed in their class. I can say that I truly enjoyed my schooling career at Spring-Ford and am looking forward to advancing on to college!
Read 501 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
23 Total Number of Sports
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Cumberland Valley High School
Cumberland Valley School District, PA
9-12
466 reviews
#23 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Junior: I enjoy the many opportunities to get involved in such as key club or many of the different music extracurriculars. Along with that, the branches of classes that are available are extensive! There is a lot to offer at this school. The only thing I would like to have changed in this school is the behavior of others around the school. Many kids are offensive and many kids get picked on. All in all, its a great school!
Read 466 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
26 Total Number of Sports
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Parkland High School
Parkland School District, PA
9-12
614 reviews
#24 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Alum: There were nice teachers at this school with the exception of a few. Some worked with you to get the grade you deserved. The school was big but not big enough. Halls were crowded after the bell rang. Some teachers were too strict on late policies. It takes long to get from one class to another. The food and vending machines were mediocre, some of the best were the salads and specialties. School store was cool but I realized that late. Parking lot is a problem. Needs more entrances and exits. Sometimes takes 20 min to leave. School was filled with amenities and technology. Had 2 large pools and many sports fields. Prepared me well for college opposed to other local schools. Weight room seemed outdated 3 years ago when I was there. Teachers were very involved in things, that was a plus! I wish some of the administrators would do more to help students in financial need.
Read 614 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
21 Total Number of Sports
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Pine-Richland High School
Pine-Richland School District, PA
9-12
267 reviews
#25 Best High Schools for Athletes in Pennsylvania
Junior: Pine-Richland is generally a good school. They offer lots of class options so that if you want to take more advanced/ AP classes the options are open to you. Pine- Richland does focus a lot/ almost too much on sports. Yes they have good sports teams but I feel the arts programs should get more attention as they attract what seems to be about the same amount of students. Some of the teachers at Pine-Richland put minimal effort in to teaching and you will find that two teachers who teach the same classes do so very differently. This can result in uneven workloads and poorer grades for students who happen to be taking the same class, just because they have different teachers. I feel this is detrimental for both the students with the harder class and also for those who have the other teacher who treats the class like a blow off.
Read 267 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Sports
25 Total Number of Sports
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AIM Academy
Private School
Conshohocken, PA
1-12
8 reviews
Parent: Awesome teachers! My son has been at AIM for 3 years now after being diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD. Each year he has had an amazing and knowledgable team of teachers that support his learning needs in a classroom and 1:1 setting. We are thrilled with the progress he has made academically, socially and emotionally. Love seeing his sense of pride since attending AIM. Perfect fit for our son!!
Read 8 Reviews
363 Students
3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Conwell-Egan Catholic High School
Private School
Fairless Hills, PA
9-12
128 reviews
Works Here: I am proud to work at Conwell-Egan Catholic. Since the time when I have started working at CEC I have seen the school go from almost closing, to surviving, and now I feel like it is starting to thrive. The academics have gotten students from Ivy League and Military Academies to Trade. The arts program is par non. There is a great 60+ year history combine with an excellent school culture. A new state of the art auditorium and with new turf fields ready by fall of 2020. It's an exciting time to be at CEC!
Read 128 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
432 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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Nazareth Academy Grade School
Private School
Philadelphia, PA
1-8
15 reviews
Parent: Our 2 children go there even though we live in an excellent Public school district outside of Philadelphia. People ask me, why? I say because we are family there! The small school community gives our children the love and nurturing they need in an amazing learning environment. The teachers and staff are very supportive with a common goal to help all the students achieve academic goals. In addition to academics, kids learn morality, how to be a good friend and how important it is to give back to your community. We are so happy we chose NAGS!
Read 15 Reviews
197 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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1 of 41

North Allegheny High School

St. Joseph's Preparatory School

La Salle College High School

Central Catholic High School

Villa Maria Academy

Cathedral Preparatory School

North Penn Senior High School

Archbishop Wood High School

Radnor Senior High School

Milton Hershey School

Holy Ghost Preparatory School

Lower Merion High School

Wyomissing Area Junior/Senior High School

Shady Side Academy

Seton LaSalle Catholic High School

Henderson High School

Neumann Goretti High School

Lancaster Catholic High School

Oakland Catholic High School

Father Judge High School

Hickory High School

Spring-Ford Senior High School

Cumberland Valley High School

Parkland High School

Pine-Richland High School

AIM Academy

Conwell-Egan Catholic High School

Nazareth Academy Grade School