2024 Best Private High Schools in the Pittsburgh Area

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  131 reviews

Sophomore: Shady Side Academy stands out as a top-tier educational institution due to its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, diverse and inclusive community, and exceptional faculty. The school's rigorous curriculum, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers ensure that students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for future success in college and beyond. Shady Side Academy's commitment to diversity and inclusivity creates a welcoming and enriching environment, where students from various backgrounds come together to learn and grow. With an outstanding faculty that is both knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, Shady Side Academy provides students with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to excel in a rapidly changing world.... Read 131 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,209

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: I had a great experience at Winchester Thurston. Everyone—the faculty, the students, the administrators, the custodial and kitchen staff—wanted the best for each and every one of us. It's a place that nurtures students and encourages them to pursue their passions. It's a collaborative environment where students are rarely in conflict with each other. It's easy to make friends and find people who share your interests. Teachers are always available and want to help the students. I couldn't have asked for a better place to grow.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 641

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  40 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 40 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 403

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Sewickley, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.19 out of 5  142 reviews

Parent: Sewickley Academy is a warm and welcoming experience. The day begins on any day with parents and children walking, talking, smiling, riding a bike, holding hands, or driving along the lovely lanes of Sewickley to arrive at the school. You are greeted with a clean and clearly enticing atmosphere of bright red umbrellas along the lawns meant to draw you to the outside space of the school. At any time of day, you will find much of the school has flowed out onto their outdoor spaces getting fresh air, whether playing or studying. Enter any of the schools hallways and find the students working together whether laying out projects on the floor, running experiments in the labs and listening or participating intently. They move between specials and classes even in the elementary school constantly learning, behaviorally and educationally. The faculty are vested in the students well-being and demonstrate great care. I feel good about having a child who spent 14 years at this wonderful school.... Read 142 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 477

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  151 reviews

Sophomore: We have 3 Catholic High Schools within a 5 mile radius of our home, but hands-down decided to drive further to have our son attend Central Catholic. Everything Central says they provide they absolutely deliver on. My son is thriving in academics and sports and is experiencing the tradition of brotherhood in a faith community that no other Pittsburgh High School can provide. If you want a college preparatory environment coupled with a supportive and invested faculty and staff who will help your son achieve his academic and personal goals, there is no better school in the region than Central Catholic High School!... Read 151 reviews

• grade A

• Students 790

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  430 reviews

Junior: I moved to Oakland Catholic sophomore year. I went to a school before that really did not match my needs. I knew someone from middle school that transferred here for high school. I always knew about the school, but never imagined myself there. I brought up the idea to my parents and they were hesitant. After months and months of conversation regarding the subject, they agreed to let me tour it. I still remember the day I toured, I was so nervous but pleasantly surprised by this environment. After the tour, I begged my parents even more to let me go. And my last day of freshman year my parents told me that I could go if I followed a list of rules they had for me. I've been here ever since and it has been an amazing journey. I've made friends I know I will have for life and amazing experiences and opportunities that not all girls are lucky enough to have. The all girls environment has helped me grow along with the amazing teachers who I know are setting me up for a successful future.... Read 430 reviews

• grade A

• Students 397

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  82 reviews

Junior: Bishop Canevin is constantly growing! Adding new features like a cafe, and updated fitness center, a new gym floor, and remodeling classrooms every year. The small environment is a positive (in my opinion), but is growing each year. School spirit is extremely high and very involved. All of the teachers are helpful and open to help you if you are struggling at anytime. With a faith based education and and wonderful athletics, this school is home to many people.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A

• Students 210

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Mt. Lebanon, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  107 reviews

Senior: Seton LaSalle provides a very welcoming and caring atmosphere to students. The staff cares deeply about your success, and they help you in any way they can. The small class sizes allow you to garner a relationship with your teachers and peers. The only issue I’ve had with the school itself, comes in the form of having a few bad teachers and the lack of different classes. That being said, I’ve also had some amazing teachers too, and the staff and courses are only becoming better!... Read 107 reviews

• grade A

• Students 424

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Gibsonia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  97 reviews

Alum: I attended Aquinas from first through twelfth grade and am so grateful for the intellectual and spiritual formation I received at the school. The value of Aquinas academics was particularly evident to me after I graduated and attended a top-20 university, where I felt incredibly prepared for the challenging coursework, particularly essay writing. The size of the school means faculty and staff get to know students on an individual basis and allows students to try a range of extracurriculars rather than pigeonhole themselves into one category. Additionally, the spiritual and character formation offered at the school is top notch. For example, Mass is offered at the school daily and opportunities for confession regularly.... Read 97 reviews

• grade A

• Students 504

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Wilkinsburg, PA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  73 reviews

Niche User: Trinity has been a great overall education experience. The academics are strong for a private school, the school offers plenty of activities and extracurriculars for students in the fifth grade and up, and provide students with fundamentals needed for their future. As a high school student, I would've hoped for a better Guidance program, as a lot of work for college and standardized test prep was done on my own or with outside guidance counselors. But, Trinity definitely is a wonderful environment for learning and growing in friendship, abilities, and faith.... Read 73 reviews

• grade A

• Students 420

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: This school is remarkable due to its small size, giving it the ability to truly address the needs of each individual student. There are no bureaucratic layers here - issues are addressed immediately and with fairness. There is an excellent culture in the school, which starts at the top. The teachers and administration care a great deal about the success of their students, make accommodations when necessary, yet maintain academic rigor. Very nice environment for learning!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 42

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Washington, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.1 out of 5  10 reviews

Senior: Love the Atmosphere! It is a great school with teachers that are eager to help you. The administrator is like everyone's mother, and she does so much for everyone.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 47

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Cranberry Township, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  95 reviews

Parent: I daughter has been at NC for 3 years and is doing great academically and socially! She loves the small class size, the ability to take Honors and AP a classes to challenge herself and the opportunity to play a sport. I also like that the teachers know her and me personally and make themselves available even after school. They also support the Catholic faith.... Read 95 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 202

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Natrona Heights, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  40 reviews

Parent: Our oldest child is currently a freshman at St. Joe's. We could not be more pleased about the experience or education our daughter is receiving. The school has exceeded any expectations we had coming in. The administration and staff are extremely supportive and make it feel as though it is not just a school community, but a school family. They make sure that each student's needs are being met- not just academically, but emotionally, spiritually, and socially as well. Highly recommend!... Read 40 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 140

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Mc Kees Rocks, PA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  34 reviews

Alum: RTCS is a great school with amazing teachers who genuinely care about you and are willing to help you succeed in any way possible. For the small size, there is a good amount to do, but if you are into sports, unless you really like Soccer and Track, there isn't anything else. The community is awesome, though!... Read 34 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 84

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Greensburg, PA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  40 reviews

Senior: My experience at Greensburg Central Catholic has been very positive. Like all schools surely would, I have had experiences with teachers that have been not so positive, but my overall liking of everyone who I study for is great. I would like to see changes to the uniform policy- I understand the beliefs of the Catholic Church in modest dressing, however, this institution seems to be overly concerned and restrictive with this concept.... Read 40 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 329

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Coraopolis, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  105 reviews

Parent: Moving from TX to PA, our biggest concern was finding a good high school for our son. After visiting multiple schools in the area, we applied to OLSH and are so glad we did. Our son is doing very well there, his academic performance is much better than in public school, where he commented on the continuous disruptions and lack of order in the classroom. We like that the school shares the Christian values we want for our son, without being overbearing. Everyone we've dealt with has been very supportive and helpful. The academic course load challenges without being a grind. The school has that "Ivy-league" look to it, attractive tree-shaded grounds situated at the top of a hill, a fantastic chapel, inviting library. OLSH seems to be a great springboard to a quality university. In fact, I understand that OLSH has a relationship with Notre Dame, and if our son could get in there, it would make his Fighting Irish fanatic grandmother's day!... Read 105 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 336

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Mckeesport, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  63 reviews

Alum: Serra Catholic High School was another family to me. I always felt very comfortable everyday and welcomed from the first day of my freshman year. Serra Catholic is a very close knit community and everyone genuinely has so much love for one another. Especially when our fellow friend, Samantha Kalkbrenner, passed away. Everyone was there for one another, alumni and all. I love my Serra Catholic family, even though I no longer am a student there.... Read 63 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 303

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: Eden Christian Academy is located in Pittsburgh, PA. In terms of academics, it can be challenging, but it prepares you for what is demanded from college students. It is clear that all of the teachers truly care and invest themselves into every student. Going beyond Edens academics, the sports programs are growing each year! Many of our sports have made it to WPIAL individuals, team WPIALS and even States. As a senior, students are given the opportunity to take charge by creating a vision for the school to embrace for the year by putting on events, creating service opportunities, and helping other grow in their faith. Eden also offers opportunities to serve our community through different clothing or food drives, donations, trips to local business that need people to do basic tasks they don't have time to do, and more! Eden is a tremendous school that teaches students real world skills and creates students who are ready for life after high school while forming life long friendships.... Read 66 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 658

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• West Mifflin, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.36 out of 5  78 reviews

Alum: Coming from a public school background as an unwilling student, Cornerstone Prep drastically changed me for the better. Challenging educational curriculums and unmatched college prep programs taught me how to learn well, as well as how to think critically about a number of topics. The teachers here, if you put at least the bare minimum of effort into being a good student, are phenomenal. Now that I’ve graduated, I can confidently say that many teachers have become friends of mine, have shaped me, and helped me grow into maturity. Bible classes here are eye-opening, providing an unbiased deep dive into the scriptures with a focus on discipleship and critical thinking. Electives such as Apologetics and Biblical Greek bolster this Christian focus further, accompanied by weekly chapels and daily times of prayer. Financial aid is beyond generous, and has allowed myself and my siblings to attend for years at a low cost. To any parents or students considering Cornerstone, you won’t regret it.... Read 78 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 196

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Beaver Falls, PA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  43 reviews

Junior: Beaver County Christian School is good at preparing students for college. As a Christian School, they incorporate Christian doctrine into all areas of study. The teachers are always there to help you spiritually and academically. It is a great community with good Christian doctrine.... Read 43 reviews

• grade B

• Students 326

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Bradenville, PA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Education is different but a challenge for my kid however she does great. .They are down to earth and know kids are kids but with that being said they DO NOT put up with any type of bullying. Amazing souls that work there.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B

• Students 75

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Bethel Park, PA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 2.92 out of 5  13 reviews

Sophomore: I have attended Hillcrest Christian Academy since my sixth grade year and plan to continue throughout my high school years. The school is equipped with plenty of classrooms and space for students; the facility is beautiful. The high school has recently added classes from Geneva College that eleventh and twelfth grade students can take to receive college credit, wonderfully equipping students for a bright future. The teachers are kind, caring, personal, engaging, and a positive influence on the students at Hillcrest. The school provides a Christian environment that provides a positive experience for children and teenagers as they go through school. I highly recommend Hillcrest, as the school has been very influential and a wonderful blessing in my life as well as other students and families involved in the school.... Read 13 reviews

• grade B

• Students 185

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Verona, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  14 reviews

Senior: I attended Redeemer for 6 year and have only great things to say about my experience. The teachers are amazing, the curriculum is second to none and each child is treated with care. I LOVE this school – from the teachers to the students to the challenging curriculum. Redeemer integrates compassion into their teaching standards, emphasizes the importance of values, and builds leaders through each of their classes and lessons. Though it is a small school, it allows for a lower student to teacher ratio, giving children more confidence when asking questions, engage in group activities, and opportunities for one-on-one time with the teachers. Teachers are passionate about seeing their students succeed. They are so great about sharing moments of pride they see within each child – their good behaviors and achievements; and they know the importance of getting the parents involved should an issue arise, and do it in a very respectful, approachable manner. The administration is open minded to.... Read 14 reviews

• grade B

• Students 276

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  42 reviews

Alum: Best decision of my life to attend and graduate from The Neighborhood Academy! I have been provided countless opportunities due to my involvement with the school. I was beyond prepared for college and easily excelled above my peers. The culture and community is amazing and allows students to feel cared for and valued by members of the community. Everyone there I consider family and know I can count on them if I ever needed to.... Read 42 reviews

• grade B

• Students 137

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1