2023 Best Private K-12 Schools in the Pittsburgh Area

• 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

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  34 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 34 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 641

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Sewickley, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  135 reviews

Freshman: I’ve been a student at Sewickley Academy since I was in pre-kindergarten and i’ve throughly enjoyed my experience ever since. The people that go to the school are amazing, instructors are top notch and strive to challenge students, and there are endless opportunities to pursue your life’s passion. The school has recently undergone a major uplift in athletic facilities and STEM opportunities ( most notably in computer science). Couldn’t ask for a better school experience than what I’ve had at Sewickley Academy.... Read 135 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 477

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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

• Gibsonia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  93 reviews

Alum: Aquinas Academy helped me to flourish to become the person I am today. I know that by attending Aquinas for 13 years, I am confident that I have the skills for university and later life. Most teachers are brilliant individuals who know their subject matter very well, always willing to stay after or come before school to help me out with any specific questions I had. The school is rapidly growing, and it is evident that Aquinas' successes are growing as well. It might seem that Aquinas doesn't have as many opportunities in niche areas that future students are passionate about, as compared to other schools. From my own experience, students actually are better prepared to lead because they are so strongly encouraged and guided by the administration to start and intentionally lead meaningful clubs, extracurricular activities, or sports that they are interested in. Aquinas gives so many opportunities to its young Catholic graduates of tomorrow and helps them to grow in so many ways.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A

• Students 504

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Wilkinsburg, PA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  72 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 72 reviews

• grade A

• Students 420

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  63 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 63 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 658

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Beaver Falls, PA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  40 reviews

Parent: My 3 children have been going here since 9th grade. The teachers are wonderful. The class sizes are small. The school is a welcoming and inclusive environment. When confronted with difficult situations whether with classes or schoolwork the staff is very eager to help and bring positive change. Best decision I ever made for my three girls!... Read 40 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 238

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• 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 94

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Mount Pleasant, PA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: I have been at this school for 13 years and would not have changed that for anything. That in itself should say something! Plus I have made lots of friends and the teachers are wonderful!... Read 2 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 60

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• West Mifflin, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  77 reviews

Works Here: Strong faith-based Christian School, focused on training up students in both academics and in Biblical Discipleship. Complete with a K-12 Robotics Program, Immersion Spanish, Dual Enrollment opportunities, and an International Program! There's always something to do here, whether that be musicals, gardening club, personal finance courses or SAT Prep. At Cornerstone, working together is a vital part of the culture, which is why basketball, soccer, baseball and volleyball are offered each year, along with a Robotics Team! Highly recommend this school to families committed to their child's complete well-being and development- with academics and beyond!... Read 77 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 196

• 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 out of 5  13 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 13 reviews

• grade B

• Students 276

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  28 reviews

Senior: My experience with Imani Christian Academy has been great! The environment is very supportive and the staff are there to tend to your needs. The school is small, however, you are able to make personal connections with people. One change I would like to see is the level of education, clubs and activities, and diversity. Imani Christian does not offer AP courses for people who should have the chance to experience being in an AP class setting, as well as provide a selective list for clubs. Also, Imani doesn't have much diversity between different races. Besides its differences, my experience with Imani has been truly great, and I am proud I can say that.... Read 28 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 223

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.94 out of 5  33 reviews

Alum: As a current high school junior, I can confidently say that St. Edmund's fully prepared me for high school academics. My freshman year I was able to take advanced classes with older students and get ahead of the standard curriculum. I definitely attribute my academic success to the content and skills I learned at SEA. In addition to being a great school academically, St. Edmund's also has a very welcoming community filled with supportive teachers, administration, and students. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to go to this amazing school!... Read 33 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 298

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: Moving to CDS was the absolute best move for my daughter and our whole family. CDS's approach to teaching the whole child, providing enriching and challenging lessons while encouraging students to flourish in a safe, kind and positive environment, has been such a wonderful experience for us! Nothing makes me happier as a mother, and an educator, as the continuous growth that I see in her - academically, socially, emotionally and mentally. From the first day, the staff was welcoming, supportive and patient. We love the transparency and communication provided by the teachers and the school as a whole. The needs of all students are met with grace, kindness and compassion. The positive school culture creates a space where students can grow and learn academically. My only regret is not having her begin her educational journey with CDS from day one!... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 285

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Allison Park, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  11 reviews

Parent: Having a background in education, I was very dedicated to touring/researching as many schools (private & public) as I could to make sure my children were in the best academic atmosphere. Without a doubt, Alpha School offers the best balance of rigorous academic experience while maintaining a strong focus on developing moral and kind individuals. The administration is very hands-on which encourages stronger bonds between students and adults at the school. This is the only school that offered an actual stand-alone STEM curriculum, instead of tacking it on to science class. Another selling point was that it is independent of the arch dioceses, so it is not threatened by regrouping and closures. I also like that my children are exposed to other children from around the city, not just nearby neighborhoods. Families travel from Fox Chapel, Butler, and Moon to have their students attend Alpha, and after my first tour there, it’s obvious why. It’s the best kept secret in the North Hills!... Read 11 reviews

• grade A

• Students 150

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Mc Kees Rocks, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.72 out of 5  18 reviews

Parent: We are absolutely in LOVE with our experience at Archangel Gabriel! The staff, students and other families we meet feel like Home. So many exciting events and community building moments have already happened and it’s only November 😁 Grateful to have found our school for all 4 of our children and hope to continue to watch it grow and thrive! - The Sedlack’s... Read 18 reviews

• grade A

• Students 375

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  25 reviews

Parent: Small classrooms. Individualized learning. Dedicated teachers. KAS has provided my son with an environment that has excited and engaged him to learn. With the small classrooms teachers can cater to each child, while also having a small tight community. There is a high level of feedback from teachers and engagement with administrators creating a strong connection with the family unit and KAS. I highly recommend KAS!... Read 25 reviews

• grade A

• Students 65

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: We love Holy Cross Academy! Our 3 daughters (4th, 2nd and 1st grade) get off the bus smiling every day and to us as parents, that’s an amazing way to greet your children at the door. Class sizes are small, families are extremely vested in their children’s success and the environment allows our children to focus academically with minimal distractions. We live in a fantastic public school district but still decide to pay the additional tuition (which is not that bad) because of the family like atmosphere. Well worth the sacrifice!... Read 8 reviews

• grade A

• Students 329

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• K-7

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: Both of my daughters have gone to Jubilee. My older one did K-3rd in public school and she Hated school and was struggling academically. We transferred her to Jubilee for 4th-6th grade and she now Loves learning and has overcome her reading struggles. She graduated from Jubilee with honors. The small class sizes allow the teachers to help each student on an individual level and they make learning Fun for students! I also appreciated the emotional and spiritual support the teachers and staff gave to my daughters throughout the years. It has been a blessing to have a place to send my kids where they can grow in their faith and academics. We have also loved their hands on learning approach and the monthly field experiences are Awesome and add so much to the curriculum. I cannot say enough good things about this school. It was exactly the school home we needed for our family.... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 41

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: I have three children who have all attended The Glen Montessori since birth. My family has loved every step along the way. The teachers at The Glen Montessori are outstanding. All of the head teachers have taught at The Glen Montessori for over ten years. This shows the teachers dedication to Montessori and overall milieu of the school. Plus, the teachers always know my child and exactly what they need next. I've been especially impressed with their response to Covid. They use a data driven approach to keep my family safe. Additionally the virtual online school is significantly better than other schools. They keep my children engaged and learning, even my three year old!... Read 6 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 225

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Freshman: I chose to go to Carlow University because of its amazing child education program. Along with the hands-on learning and Academic success plan set up for me, I am able to focus on my classes while doing what I love to do, which is working with kids on campus. Also, because it is a smaller school, it feels like a tight-knit family. During the pandemic, There was a strong sense of community between peers and instructors. Everyone was learning how to cope with the challenging times together, and it was appreciated that no one felt alone because of how well the school responded to the pandemic.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 247

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Wexford, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  12 reviews

Works Here: Blessed Francis Seelos Academy is an example that Catholic education is thriving! Although we had the option to send our children to the nationally ranked public school in our community, we chose this school for its faith-based education. Our children have received the moral foundation to face the many obstacles in the life. Religion is not just taught at Seelos, but in action! Academically, our children were prepared for high school and appeared to be ahead of their public high school classmates.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 376

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Cranberry Township, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: St. Kilian’s is a gem of a school. The curriculum is excellent and progressive, the teachers are caring and nurturing, and the school is thriving to the point of having a waitlist for admittance. I really can’t say enough great things about this school!... Read 6 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 605

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1