2024 Best Middle Schools in the Philadelphia Area

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  110 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 110 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

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  54 reviews

Parent: Barrack is a warm, welcoming, wonderful school. The teachers and staff get to truly know your child and support them in every way possible. Their core values of kindness, community, honor and courage are weaved through everything they do. The academics are top-notch, and my kids have excellent study, writing, and executive functioning skills. They know how to be excellent students from the great coaching and preparation that their Barrack teachers provide. They also know how to advocate for themselves, and others. It may not be around the corner from us, but we feel the 40 minute bus ride is worth it (they made commuting to school easy with provided transportation and two late busses for after school activites). As parents, we did not grow up with a Jewish day school education, nor knew too much about it. However, we are so glad we explored Barrack as an option for our children, and feel it is a true gift to be able to learn there. Our children 100% "love where they learn."... Read 54 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 340

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Newtown Square, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  152 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 152 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  99 reviews

Parent: We have two children at Shipley who have been enrolled since PreK and K. We love this school! Our kids are nurtured, challenged, supported, and given all of the tools they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. The teachers are phenomenal and the community is welcoming. Our 2 children are very different from each other in many ways, but especially as learners, and Shipley is the perfect school for both of them.... Read 99 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 800

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Malvern, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.64 out of 5  87 reviews

Parent: Malvern faculty and staff have such a special gift tapping into our son's inner strengths. My son went from parochial to public school before finding his home at Malvern. He was quiet and ok with coming to school, doing his best each day. After a few short weeks his team of teachers have worked with him to place him in challenging classes, encouraging his participation in campus events, and stepping out of his comfort zone to explore a student leadership role. His first year provided so much personal awareness and growth. He began his journey learning who he is and how to build on these strengths, as well as recognize where he needs to be challenged. Something we spent many years partnering with outside counselors and teachers in his previous schools with little success. We knew we were missing something and the Malvern staff have been able to help him so quickly and effectively. We can't thank Malvern enough and are so grateful he has 3.5 more years discovering his best self!... Read 87 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 673

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  131 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 131 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 4.47 out of 5  92 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 92 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,223

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Philadelphia City School District, PA•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  274 reviews

Parent: Clubs and activities shouldn’t be C at all. The achievements that the students had received always surprise me. They just received the national championship in UPenn’s National Debate Tournament this year. Students do many different sports, clubs and activities and have received so many championships in the school district. Besides that, they are also qualified for regional, state and even Olympic qualification, such as tennis, swimming, ice skating, Science Olympia Debate…etc. I was told a Sophomore student won thousands of dollars in a computer programming competition this year. These are just what I know. Of course, there are more that I don’t even know. Its sports and activities ranking shouldn’t be “C” at all.... Read 274 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,180

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Wynnewood, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  83 reviews

Parent: My family loves FCS! The school is preparing children for all aspects of life, both inside the classroom and outside of the classroom. The values that embody the school support my children as they grow into solid community members. The academics are incredible with small student teacher ratios, various classrooms and specials. The school feels like a community in addition to academic excellence. Can't recommend enough.... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 847

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• West Chester, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  121 reviews

Parent: I've sent three kids here. Overall an amazing, life-changing experience for the kids both academically and personally. The school prepares the students for college (many graduates have gone on to Ivy League schools and the like); but more importantly, it teaches kids to be good citizens and to take care of and participate in their community. My kids are all athletes, and the soccer, basketball, lacrosse and baseball programs in particular strive for and achieve excellence. The basketball program has had student athletes go onto the NBA; soccer is developing strong student-athletes for top-notch colleges. Go 'Town!... Read 121 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 696

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Wilmington, DE•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  89 reviews

Parent: Our experience at Friends has been incredibly good. Our son (4th grade) began attending in Kindergarten and has found the environment welcoming and supportive. Although our son is very logical and technical in his thinking, his very favorite class experience is working with Teacher Teal in the art class! He also loves receiving piano lessons, chess club, and, of course, PE. We love that our son is receiving a diverse experience and learning to embrace so many different areas of knowledge. We also love the lower school Natural Playground - a safe outdoors area with nearby woods that allow the children to explore and play. There are many more things that we could mention, but I would summarize to say that we have been so happy to partner with WFS and recommend this school without reservation.... Read 89 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 743

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Rosemont, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  177 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 177 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 4.65 out of 5  101 reviews

Alum: Haverford is a terrific environment for young boys to develop into high character, strong minded, and community oriented leaders. The camaraderie associated with the all-boys culture, smaller classroom / learning experience, paired with first class faculty, facilities, athletics, and arts programs is what makes Haverford by far the best choice for a private school in the Philadelphia area. There is no other school that develops strong minded people who treat people with class, integrity, and graciousness like Haverford. Haverford graduates are as college prepared as any incoming freshmen in the country coming out of Haverford.... Read 101 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 948

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Jenkintown, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  143 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 143 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  120 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 120 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 200

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Pennsburg, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  68 reviews

Junior: Attending Perkiomen School has been a tremendous experience. Academically, I’ve had fairly easy access to taking the classes I’ve wanted. Though not incredibly vast, they provide many AP courses (I believe around 30) and honors courses as well. Teachers obviously care about their students, and time for additional help is provided in the daily schedule. Students participate in an after school activity everyday, and must take at least one semester (three per year) of a sport or physical activity. One downside is the obvious preferential treatment that the sports have started to gain in the recent years, however sports as well as the rest of student life has provided many opportunities to socialize and make friends on campus. Overall, there are so many experiences to take advantage of (the medical, entrepreneur, ai, and design institutes as well as clubs) and many weekend trips to spend with friends.... Read 68 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 286

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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 4.11 out of 5  153 reviews

Parent: My children, in upper school and middle school, are thriving in every way! They feel supported and KNOWN by teachers, staff, administrators, and classmates, and even friends in other grades. We wanted an independent school where a student who starts after elementary school could be so much a part of the community that they’d be “confused with a lifer.” That happened quickly for the one who started in middle school and even for the one who started in upper school. Academics have been more rigorous and fulfilling than we expected. They’ve never been given assignments that seem like meaningless “busywork.” Homework amounts are reasonable and there is little grade inflation. Every resource to help students succeed in Upper School and beyond is available! Not all students will take advantage of this though.... Read 153 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,101

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Burlington, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  68 reviews

Parent: Doane Academy is ALL about student, teacher, staff/administration, and familial Support; and I can vouch for this firsthand. Doane Academy is not talk, but action, and the "family atmosphere" they provide is not casual, but intimate and intentional-it's an extremely palpable feeling from the minute you enter the building, no matter where you go (dining hall to classroom). Their established "families" that each student is put in are nothing short of remarkable! I get a kick out of seeing upper-class students with "the littles" and the genuineness of it all. My son adores Doane, and this makes the academics flow seamlessly.... Read 68 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

• 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