2023 Best Private Schools in the Philadelphia Area

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  99 reviews

Alum: As a recent grad who went to GFS for 7 years, I can say that the school changed my life. No, it wasn't "perfect", but I love it and will be forever thankful for going there. Each student at GFS has a unique personality, and the environment is such that people can express themselves and not only be accepted, but embraced by the whole community. It is definitely more of a humanities centered school, but students will learn valuable deep thinking and analysis skills that will carry them through their lives. In addition, the teachers are incredibly accessible. If you ask them about an assignment, or even just want advice, they are respectful, helpful, and caring. Even after graduation, teachers still reach out and ask how I am doing. I also appreciate the creative nature of the school. J-Term changed my life in so many positive ways! Over the four years, J-term allowed me to start a new school club, student teach, and participate in two school exchanges. GFS is such an amazing school.... Read 99 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,129

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Newtown Square, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  145 reviews

Works Here: I have been fortunate to work at several different independent schools and the Episcopal Academy is the best! The community is warm and caring. Teachers challenge students to do their best while carefully encouraging and guiding them. The administration is supportive, forward thinking, and deeply engaged in the life of the school. The students are incredible - truly - and they have access to excellent educators and phenomenal facilities and programs.... Read 145 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

• Pottstown, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  122 reviews

Parent: The Hill School is aptly named the family boarding school for good reason. From our first tour, it was clear to us that Hill is more than just a top-notch education. We have two daughters at Hill and could not be more pleased with the faculty, education, after-school activities and warm environment. Hill has been a leader in handling the COVID protocol at boarding schools since the beginning of the pandemic. We highly recommend touring Hill if your child is interested in boarding school.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 529

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Haverford, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.71 out of 5  93 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 93 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

• Wynnewood, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  69 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 69 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 819

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Newtown, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  135 reviews

Parent: My son chose George because of the diverse academics, the diverse community, and the recognition he would be treated as an individual. He is in 11th grade now and has thrived here. His teachers have celebrated his successes, worked with him 1:1 to support him through challenges, and he has made lifelong friends. He is more confident than ever before. As a parent, I appreciate the warmth of the community and the passion with which teachers teach. While it is still a year and a half away, I know my son will be ready for the next step in his educational journey!... Read 135 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 545

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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 4.13 out of 5  107 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 107 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 696

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Wilmington, DE•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  52 reviews

Senior: Overall, my experience at Tower Hill has been positive. It is truly a college prep school, most alumni will say that Tower Hill was equally as hard – or easier than – their college. The things they teach as early as middle school are important life skills that will set you ahead in college, like structuring a five paragraph essay and learning study skills. The staff is wonderful and it is very clear that they care about their students. They are always willing to go the extra mile to help students one-on-one. If I could change one thing about the school, it would be the diversity. Although they have made growing efforts to increase diversity in the community since I came in second grade, such as admitting students from different financial backgrounds and hiring more diverse staff, there is still much work to be done to make Tower Hill a truly diverse community.... Read 52 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 850

• 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 4.23 out of 5  115 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 115 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 988

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Moorestown, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  82 reviews

Senior: Moorestown Friends is as advertised, inspiring kids to perform academically, to pursue interdisciplinary study, and to break the mold of a student fitting a single archetype. It's a place where most are committed to producing results: the girl at the top of the class is also a double varsity athlete, AP art student, etc. MFS does a great job of creating a culture that rewards success. However, it can be exhausting. MFS can be difficult for high-achievers experiencing burnout. One thing I will say is that the emotional strain placed on a student to perform may impact their mental health. It can be exhausting to perform out of fear of failure, and the mental health resources are a tad subpar. Our school counselor is a wonderful woman, but ultimately it comes down to "I-know-you're-depressed-but-your-grades-are-good-so-stick-it-out!" TL;DR: It's a great mix of pre-professional and creative, has amazing resources for all sorts of study and projects, but can be unhealthily competitive.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 634

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Rosemont, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  141 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 141 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 573

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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 4.65 out of 5  86 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 86 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 652

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Wilmington, DE•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  75 reviews

Parent: There are many excellent private schools in the area where students excel in academics, athletics and the performing arts, but Wilmington Friends School is built on a Quaker foundation which encourages students to form a deeper understanding of these core values: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship. By weaving these values throughout their approach to education, students find their voice, both individually and among their community, which enables them to enter the larger world with confidence and curiosity. They are poised to succeed, they are ready to take on complex challenges and they are compassionate about their community.... Read 75 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 739

• 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

• Claymont, DE•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  176 reviews

Sophomore: I have truly enjoyed my experience at Archmere Academy. Coming from a large public middle school, to a small, Catholic school was a big transition for me. I love the academic opportunities at the school. Not only can I challenge myself and find classes that interest me, I also have teachers who are passionate about what they teach and are always willing to help students understand via one-on-one time, questions in class, or new lessons. I personally enjoy the arts program and the athletics program; both showcase the talent of the students and allows students to channel their energies. My suggestion would to be conscientious about coursework. Homework can pile up if you don't manage your time well. Overall, I love coming to school everyday!... Read 176 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 532

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  119 reviews

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 119 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 900

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• New Hope, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  57 reviews

Parent: I honestly cannot say enough about Solebury! It was a game changer for my daughter who had a terrible boarding school experience elsewhere her freshman year. The community is extremely welcoming, supportive and encourages inclusivity. The culture is such that there is mutual respect between students and teachers and administrations as well as among the student body (no bullying here). The teachers at Solebury have sparked my daughter's love of learning and the learning support has kept her organized and on point. She is doing better than she ever has academically. The art offerings are extensive and encourage students to try new things. My daughter is extremely happy and so are we.... Read 57 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 237

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Pennsburg, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  65 reviews

Senior: I have attended The Perkiomen School since 6th grade. Because of the small class sizes and overall small school size, I was able to develop friendships that I expect to have forever. I was a shy, reserved kid and looking back, appreciate the way the teachers were able to engage us in the discussions. In most of my classes, the desks are arranged in a circle to promote discussion and interaction among students. I also appreciate the ability to play on a sports team, despite your skill level. As an average athlete, I likely would not have been able to participate in any varsity sport in my public high school. Now as a senior at Perk looking back, my attendance has fostered my independence, confidence, social skills and has definitely prepared me for the next step....College!... Read 65 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 286

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Devon, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  80 reviews

Junior: This school does a great job at accommodating to students and is a great learning atmosphere. When it comes to teachers, Devon Prep is very complicated. I have had the greatest, most proficient teachers ever, but I've also had teachers where I would question the obtention of their degree. Despite these awful teachers, some teachers make the entire school worth it and will change your life. I believe it is a great school and I am happy to go here. The social reputation isn't the best, but if your here for a fun time, rather than working, then this isn't the school for you.... Read 80 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 310

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1