2023 Best Middle Schools in Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  99 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 99 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,129

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Newtown Square, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  148 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 148 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,275

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  89 reviews

Senior: I'm in my fourth year at Baldwin as a senior. I've had my ups and downs here, but I absolutely credit it for saving me from an unsafe middle school where my mental health was suffering greatly. I have felt safe in my identity, made some great friends, and flourished academically and in my activities. I've also met some of the kindest and most intelligent faculty members here. As a less fortunate student, I'd say my main issue has been entitlement among the student body. I notice white, straight, wealthy students complaining about superficial issues more often than those who are not, and more serious issues can often get drowned out. I do think there is a lot of stress among students, though, and that administration often drifts towards the side of overbearing parents - there is some listening they need to do in the coming years, on several topics. Overall, I greatly enjoyed attending Baldwin and I can see a steady improvement that I hope will continue to occur after I graduate.... Read 89 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 572

• Student-teacher ratio 572:1

• 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 960

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  52 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 52 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 380

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Philadelphia City School District, PA•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  263 reviews

Senior: Masterman's school community is very close knit and being a small school everyone knows each other. Currently there seems to be a lot of issues that has risen due to the COVID pandemic such as a shortage of teachers as well as the lack of resource. Although there are little variety in the sports and clubs at Masterman, club are fairly easy to startup if you were passionate about something. Masterman definitely prepares their students for college as well as teaching students how to handle stress.... Read 263 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,204

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Wynnewood, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  70 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 70 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 819

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  125 reviews

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 125 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,142

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Lititz, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  86 reviews

Parent: Linden Hall School is an amazing school, and my daughter's enrollment at the school is one of the greatest things that happened to our family. The school has a welcoming and very supportive community. The teachers are very supportive and goes the extra mile to support students. One of the things that differentiate LH from the rest is their academic rigor. Their academics are very intense and truly a college preparatory school. The generous financial aid package from the school enabled my daughter, coming all the way from Ghana, Africa, to enroll in such a high profile college preparatory school. My daughter is currently enrolled in a high profile private college in Minnesota, thanks to the LH college counselling unit. I would highly recommend LH to any prospective parent to send their daughters there. It's an amazing school.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 127

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  33 reviews

Parent: We looked at every private school in the city and chose Winchester. My only regret is that I didn't find it sooner. There is such a level of comfort knowing that my three children are getting a great education and learning in a way that will set them up for success in the future. The values and the dedication of the staff along with the project based learning, has really engaged my children and they actually want to go to school. I highly recommend this school.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 641

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Bethlehem, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.34 out of 5  83 reviews

Parent: Moravian Academy has been a superb choice for my son. I chose them for their academic reputation. Since then, however, I come to realize how much more there is to Moravian. The smaller classes allow a personal relationship between teachers and students. Moravian is committed to the Arts, Music, Languages, and other non-academic opportunities that allow students to explore and find passions they didn't even know they had. Field trips in the younger grades are meaningful. The overnight team building trips in high school are exceptional in strengthening the sense of community. The faculty is truly committed to the students. Students can excel academically, do research based projects, have STEM opportunities, compete nationally, do sports, etc. Moravian teaches them to be independent learners, self advocates, and to balance academics, extracurricular, and personal goals. By the end of high school, they are well prepared for college!... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 889

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.49 out of 5  96 reviews

Freshman: My name is Riley Medina and I am a current 9th grader at the Shipley School! I can confidently say that I love this school and it's really helped shape who I am today. I'm involved in Shipley girls soccer and Shipley girls basketball. Shipley sports have always been one of my absolute favorite things about the school due to the excellent training from my coaches and significant team bonding between my peers. Academically, i'm currently take geometry, intro to physics, history 9: worlds in collision, english 9 honors, and french II honors. I really enjoy all of my classes this year. I especially enjoy the french and english department, with the books we read in english and the activities and projects we do in french. I would recommend Shipley to outside families because of how much of a community it truly feels like and because of the sports, art, and theatre program, allowing students to be able to express themselves and develop or strengthen passions for these categories.... Read 96 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 800

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• West Chester, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  108 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 108 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 696

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Fort Washington, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  85 reviews

Parent: We have found a vibrant and supportive community at Germantown Academy. As a parent, I have been impressed with the faculty's ability to meet my children where they are by providing encouragement and support when necessary and challenge and rigor when appropriate. Focus is on critical thinking and analytical skills, working with others in groups and peer-review situations. Students are taught to advocate for themselves and contribute to the community. My children feel comfortable sharing their ideas and asking questions. In Upper School, teachers make time to meet with students on an individual basis, and this is encouraged. The school works hard to make families feel welcome, There are many ways to get involved, such as volunteering, social events, attending sports, community service opportunities, and educational speakers for parents.... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,222

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  74 reviews

Parent: Both of my sons started FSS in Pre K and they are now in Middle School. We LOVE FSS - the school is truly a second family to my whole family. The Community is so warm and welcoming - we feel lucky to be a part of it. The teachers and the administration care so much about each and every student. Kids thrive at FSS; school encourages their strengths and helps with their weaknesses, all while making students feel good about themselves and their learning process. Teachers are easily accessible to parents and students alike to discuss anything. Academics and arts are top notch, as well as the social and emotional care of all students. We also love how FSS takes full advantage of Philadelphia’s resources, whether it be its museums, Universities, parks or anywhere! I wish I could have been a student in this school environment!... Read 74 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 618

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  116 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 116 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 988

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Sewickley, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  124 reviews

Freshman: Sewickley Academy is an exceptional K-12 school! I have been attending SA since elementary school, and I have now attended the school for 8 years. All of the teachers and faculty that I've interacted with throughout my years here have been extremely friendly and supportive, and the aspect that especially stands out here is the welcoming students and inclusive school culture. At SA, there are so many opportunities from athletics to arts to technology, and because of this, students are able to pick classes that allow them to pursue their personal interests. Because of the small class sizes, teachers are able to work with their students one-on-one if they are struggling in a certain class. For all of these reasons, if you're considering attending Sewickley Academy, I would definitely recommend it!... Read 124 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 532

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Rosemont, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  155 reviews

Sophomore: I have been going to the Agnes Irwin School since kindergarten (I am currently in 10th grade.) Throughout lower, middle, and upper school I have felt very supported by my teachers. They are always willing to meet with you if you need any help or have any questions. The classes are challenging and fun and now that I am in high school I have many opportunities to choose classes that are interesting to me such as neuroscience. I am on the crew team and I feel proud to be representing Agnes Irwin during our races. My grade is very close and I love going to school because I get to be with my 70 best friends every day!... Read 155 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 573

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Kingston, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  128 reviews

Parent: Our Son was not feeling challenged in the public school,he decided he wanted to go to Wyoming Seminary. This was absolutely the best decision! Our son has thrived. He is being pushed and challenged. As a Senior now, we have complete confidence that he is prepared. There are so many wonderful teachers at SEM. There are so many clubs, sports, and activities, that every student can find something for them. Downside..the security of the school can definitely be better. The security team is wonderful, but updates to the campus and buildings are definitely needed. Cafeteria food is ok, per our son. Again, absolutely would recommend Wyoming Seminary. The Guidance team is fabulous. Freshman year through Senior year, parents and students are guided. They do push the students to do most on their own, adding to getting the students ready to be on their own.... Read 128 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 771

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  38 reviews

Parent: We had an excellent experience at Ellis. You must visit the campus! The teachers and administrators care for our children. My daughter grew throughout her time there. Girls graduate with a strong personalities, assertiveness, and smarts! Although we relocated from Pittsburgh, my daughter fondly remembers the institution. I am grateful for the time we spent there!... Read 38 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 407

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Jenkintown, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  137 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 137 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• 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 652

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  142 reviews

Niche User: SCH is an incredible school! I know several families that have sent their children to SCH and they have all been thrilled with their experience (even during COVID). The faculty is hands-on, enthusiastic, and supportive but they also encourage students to grow, make mistakes and learn on their own. The elective offerings in the upper school are interesting and give students the ability to pursue their individual interests at a high level and their CEL and robotics programs are wildly popular and highly supported just like the sports and arts. No school is perfect and SCH does not try to be. I highly encourage families to tour the campus to experience it for themselves!... Read 142 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,100

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Lancaster, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  31 reviews

Parent: My 3 children attended LCDS from K through graduation, and it was an amazing experience. The academic level of all grades is the perfect challenge that they needed. They played 3 sports year-round, participated in music, art and theatre, and basically did it all! When they started college, they each felt that it was LCDS in it's 13th year. They were so ready for the challenges of the great colleges they attended. They took the regional bus from Berks County to go there, and that was a plus too, as there was a sports bus (or late bus) every day. I tell everyone I know what a wonderful school it is. The teachers are fabulous, the environment and building/grounds are beautiful. I went to public school, so I know how that feels. This is so much better, in my opinion. I highly recommend this school to all. My kids did get some financial aid, too, so that is available if you qualify for it. Love this place!... Read 31 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 593

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Souderton, PA•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  16 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 16 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 235

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1