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2020 Best Private Schools in the Philadelphia AreaAbout this List

Explore the best private schools in your area based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 766
Best Schools
766 results

  1. Germantown Friends School

    • Private School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 65 reviews
    #1 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Alum: Definitely a fantastic school. There's a lack of diversity which is an issue which the administration seems committed to solving -- both socioeconomic and racial. The teachers care quite a bit about their students, though there's been a lot of turnover in the past few years. They send many of their alum to good institutions, which is a testament to how much the college counseling team/the teachers care about the kids there. Could use more focus on getting students to take arts/music/classics/language classes because people definitely tune out by their senior year. Generally, a very happy place to be, though, and I have entirely positive memories from my education there.
    Read 65 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,064 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. The Baldwin School

    • Private School
    • Bryn Mawr, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 78 reviews
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: My daughter began Baldwin in the PreK, and is currently in 7th grade. This school has been such an incredibly warm community for our family, and a profoundly engaging academic experience for our daughter. Her teachers encourage her to go beyond homework guidelines, when she shows extra interest in a subject, and are so helpful to her if she struggles with a concept. I couldn't imagine her any place but Baldwin. It's an exceptional school, and a very special community!
    Read 78 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 584 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. The Episcopal Academy

    • Private School
    • Newtown Square, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 124 reviews
    #3 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: My children have been attending Episcopal Academy for 5 years and started in the Lower School. I could not be happier with the school as a whole but more specifically the incredible faculty, support staff, and compassionate/nurturing environment that our school fosters. Yes it is academically rigorous and yes your children will be challenged but our students have access to so many incredible resources to help support them along the way. I question whether my children would have reached their full potential in all components of "mind, body, spirit" if we sent them anywhere else. Episcopal Academy is not just a school but a one-of-a-kind community that we are proud to be part of!
    Read 124 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,267 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Westtown School

    • Private School
    • West Chester, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 82 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Alum: One of my favorite things about Westtown is its sense of community. When you go on a tour, it's something your tour guide is sure to mention, but you don't really begin to understand what they mean until you go to school at Westtown. The people at Westtown are what makes it so great. Before I went to school at Westtown, I didn't know the name of every person in my grade, let alone most of the teacher's names. I love that I have become so close to my teachers and that now, even after I graduated, I can go to them with any problems I have or simply come back and visit and be welcomed with open arms.
    Read 82 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 732 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. The Hill School

    • Private School
    • Pottstown, PA
    • 9-12
    • 99 reviews
    #5 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Junior: I would rate my overall experience at the hill school highly. I am very thankful for the chance to attend a school with such open resources, great teachers, wonderful facilities, and a great variety of teams, clubs, and people groups to be a part of. I have been provided with an amazing opportunity to attend this school due to my immense work as a hockey player and the scholarship in and financial aid I was provided. It has been an enlightening experience to attend boarding school, live all the way across the country to attend school, and meet all new and different people. It had brought me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to discover myself and who I am through attending this school.
    Read 99 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 529 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. George School

    • Private School
    • Newtown, PA
    • 9-12
    • 102 reviews
    #6 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Senior: I have spent three years here, and I transferred here in sophomore year. I thoroughly enjoyed my school, there are endless resources and opportunities. As an IB Diploma Candidate, I get a taste of what college is like, and I feel more than prepared for it.
    Read 102 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 547 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Friends Central School

    • Private School
    • Wynnewood, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 45 reviews
    #7 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: As a parent, I can't think of a better place to send my kids to school. The academics are terrific, the sports/movement program focuses on what is important, and the exposure to ideas and experiences outside of the usual academics provide for a rich and thought provoking experience. But maybe the most important aspect of the school comes from the Quaker idea that there is that of God in each of us, and, adults and young people alike deserve to be treated like human beings, and are expected to treat other people like human beings. By that, I mean with care and respect and appreciation.
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 806 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Germantown Academy

    • Private School
    • Fort Washington, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 69 reviews
    #8 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Senior: Germantown Academy is impressive for its academics, athletics, and extracurriculars, but what sets it apart as an extraordinary institution is the true sense of community on its campus. GA teachers care immensely about their students, and they demonstrate this devotion to education by not only assisting their students with academics, but also by building interpersonal relationships within the classroom that make each class feel like a small family. Additionally, GA boasts the resources of a college: available and knowledgeable librarians, a robotics lab with 3D printers, a variety of computers and tablets for student use, and other notable technological/educational amenities. All in all, GA brings passion and engagement to education, instilling in each student the curiosity and zeal for learning that can help them go far.
    Read 69 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,178 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. The Haverford School

    • Private School
    • Haverford, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 83 reviews
    #9 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: Our son has been at The Haverford School for eleven years and is currently a sophomore in the upper school. Haverford has been a fantastic environment and investment. The faculty fully understand and embrace the nature of boys and learning and the educational experiences span the classrooms, sports fields, music hall and beyond. This past weekend our son had an off-site cross country meet and the turn out from the Haverford community included the Headmaster, teachers, parents and pets - a great, lasting community - Preparing Boys for Life!
    Read 83 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 973 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. William Penn Charter School

    • Private School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 100 reviews
    #10 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Alum: Between my own PC experience, and from personally knowing many graduates of comparable college preparatory schools, there's not a better educational experience to be had in SE PA. If I had to name 1 out of many positive features, it'd be the multi-axial approach that PC takes to the definition of "education." Of course, academics are top-notch, but an A+ in Calculus, Language, or History is not ALL that PC teaches a young person. In addition, the elements of service, athletics, arts, diversity, all anchored in a rock solid moral foundation....make PC a place that will shape a student forever. Final draft: Recommended!
    Read 100 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 964 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Tower Hill School

    • Private School
    • Wilmington, DE
    • PK, K-12
    • 35 reviews
    #11 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: Overall a more challenging school academically then the other private day schools in Delaware. Students are competitive but kind. Atmosphere is fair with a strong emphasis on students taking full responsibility for their academics, sports and creative endeavors. My son was at another private school in the area for K-8 and moved to THS in 9th grade. He has to work harder academically but he couldn't be happier. College prep starts in 8th and 9th grade. There are many clubs and opportunities for students to lead or try new things. Faculty is top notch. Most of my sons teachers have taught at the college level and some have PhD's. Great facilities for sports, drama and the sciences too.
    Read 35 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 722 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. The Agnes Irwin School

    • Private School
    • Rosemont, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 102 reviews
    #12 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Senior: I love the community, the teachers, students... everyone has each others back! We are such a close-knit community!
    Read 102 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 587 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Moorestown Friends School

    • Private School
    • Moorestown, NJ
    • PK, K-12
    • 71 reviews
    #13 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Junior: This school is always introducing something new to me every day. There are many opportunities that are offered, from a trip to Belize to playing handbells in a concert. The college admission process is a bit slow for me because it seemed to focus solely on the last two years of high school. If you are okay figuring that out by yourself to school is great. The environment is nice and there is lots of freedom in where to hangout, especially with senior privileges to go on Main Street during free periods. The teachers are prepared for class and there is a mix of personalities.
    Read 71 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 727 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. The Shipley School

    • Private School
    • Bryn Mawr, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 58 reviews
    #14 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Senior: The tight-knit classes and one-on-one relationships you are able to form with your teachers and classmates at Shipley are truly special. The teachers are supportive and genuinely care about the students in and out of the classroom. The student body is lively and engaged in almost all areas (from cheering sports teams on to attending the theater productions). On top of having great academics and a range of talented sports teams, Shipley allows students to pursue specialized passions in their high school career. Currently a senior, I am close to completing Shipley's Studio Art program. I am so thankful that I have the privilege to attend a school that has such challenging and prestigious classes in both the academics and arts.
    Read 58 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 846 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Friends Select School

    • Private School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 45 reviews
    #15 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: This school is wonderful. My son feels secure and happy and productive here. The teachers are experts, as is the administration. They take their profession seriously and are very thoughtful to the kids and thoughtful about community. The school is Quaker and takes that philosophy of inclusiveness and empathy seriously. I am so relieved my child gets to be in this environment everyday. I see the description says "Christian", but actually the school has students of many different faith/nonfaith backgrounds. They offer several languages, great art and musical staff, a whole slew of engaging endeavors and studio facilities as the children grow. The staff loves what they do and imho are phenomenal at it.:)
    Read 45 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 590 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Abington Friends School

    • Private School
    • Jenkintown, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 88 reviews
    #16 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: My son and I moved to Pennsylvania on our own in the midst of a very difficult personal situation. Every single Abington Friends School staff member, and so many families, embraced us immediately and gave us both a lot of support and love. Although we were sad to leave our Quaker school in Maryland, we could not have asked for a better academically rich and emotionally supportive place to which to come "home." The struggles we had were overcome throughout the next few years, and now we are the ones embracing, welcoming and mentoring new families. If you want a positive, uplifting, loving, and caring setting -- on top of an outstanding academic environment, in which your child can learn, grow, and thrive then this is the place to be. Welcome, friends!
    Read 88 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 583 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. St. Joseph's Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 9-12
    • 103 reviews
    #17 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    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 103 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 902 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy

    • Private School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 116 reviews
    #18 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Works Here: Since my year here at SCH, it has not only exceeded my expectations of a wonderful work environment, but it has proved to be a fantastic environment for our kids (pre-k through 12th grade). I find the single sex model, pre-k through 8th grade (our elementary and middle divisions), to be a time for girls and boys to explore and learn in their own individual ways before entering the coed environment in 9th through 12th grades (in our upper school) where they really blossom. From an early age, our students are given the opportunity to learn passionately, speak intelligently and follow what inspires them. There are an endless amount of academic, enrichment and extracurricular activities happening in all corners of campus (from the classroom to the woods to the sports fields). There is never a lack of exploration and curiosity happening at all times!
    Read 116 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,070 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Malvern Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Malvern, PA
    • 6-12
    • 50 reviews
    #19 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Alum: My time at Malvern was amazing their mission with setting a young man up for success is one of its best aspects. My favorite thing about Malvern was the brotherhood and bond that was created with my class, I am sure if you ask anyone at Malvern about the class of 2019 they can go on and on about how close we were with each other!
    Read 50 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 642 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy

    • Private School
    • Bryn Mawr, PA
    • 6-12
    • 38 reviews
    #20 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: Excellent College Prep Program. Wonderful, caring environment. Excellent Jewish life and values. Children and staff of diverse backgrounds. Transportation available for those out of the area. Great Jewish studies, Language and Humanities programs. Science, Math and Engineering Very good. Small class size. Lots of sports for kids to choose from - most kids are on at least one team - which is in lieu of taking a gym in high school. Very good college counselling and advising - work with students to limit need for parent involvement in application and selection process.
    Read 38 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 380 Students
    • 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Wilmington Friends School

    • Private School
    • Wilmington, DE
    • PK, K-12
    • 51 reviews
    #21 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: I feel so fortunate that my children were able to attend WFS. It has been a transformative experience. Yes, the education was exceptional, but the community is amazing. The staff connects with the students, offers them opportunities, and encourages them to become their best selves! Especially in these times, I think it's so important to have an education grounded in values and I can't think of any better philosophy than one of "that of God in everyone."
    Read 51 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 736 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Holy Ghost Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Bensalem, PA
    • 9-12
    • 114 reviews
    #22 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Alum: Holy Ghost Prep is premier. My experience goes above and beyond just the education that I received. The school has fantastic extracurricular activities for students including both athletic and non-athletic opportunities robotics and forensics. I still remain in contact with several of mine. The school has active parents groups that coordinate many events. The school offers generous scholarships. Having come from the city that was extremely helpful. Ghost is a brotherhood. I truly believe the education I received their helped me to grow as a man. Likewise, HGP has an active alumni association that puts on events throughout the year including a networking reception. I know early in my career this was helpful to be able to network with my former classmates and older alumni who helped mentor me to get where I am today. Holy Ghost is an excellent choice to not only prepare you for the next level in education but also in life. I hope to one day send any sons that I have to the school.
    Read 114 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 468 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Devon Preparatory School

    • Private School
    • Devon, PA
    • 6-12
    • 74 reviews
    #23 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    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 74 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 280 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Archmere Academy

    • Private School
    • Claymont, DE
    • 9-12
    • 118 reviews
    #24 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Junior: Archmere Academy is a private catholic high school located in Claymont, Delaware with a stunning campus and wonderful atmosphere. The students are always lively as they walk to and from their college prep classes to their AP classes. With excellent teachers in the Math, Science, Literature departments, to the Arts and Music, students are able to develop character along with strong academics. Students become leaders for clubs, such as community service and conspiracy theory club, while also continuing leadership commitments to their sports team everyday after school. The constant motivation of a student to become the best version of themselves and to represent who they want to be is cultivated at Archmere Academy.
    Read 118 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 507 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. Sanford School

    • Private School
    • Hockessin, DE
    • PK, K-12
    • 47 reviews
    #25 Best Private High Schools in Philadelphia Area

    Parent: Sanford School has been the perfect choice for my children. The school has a strong sense of community; it's like a family. The school's leadership is outstanding and has been continually improving the program, the faculty and the facilities, including the recently constructed and much needed performing arts facility. The teachers are outstanding and are really invested in the student's success. The sports team coaches have helped my kids succeed on the field, and the school's teams overall have enjoyed great successes of late. Our family has been extremely satisfied with our experience. Sanford is a gem!
    Read 47 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 581 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Coventry Christian Schools

    • Private School
    • Pottstown, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 19 reviews

    Parent: This review is for the Preschool Program ages 2-4:

    Overall Coventry is outstanding for academics. I love that they have STEM labs that even the preschoolers cycle through. Hate kids have structured Gym with the gym teacher, and you can sign up for violin at age 3. The teachers are happy there and retire from there which is rare for a preschool. The communication is excellent with the School. They are warm and welcoming to everyone, and many non-Christian students attend, which I think says a lot about them. My son was identifying and spelling his name at 2, writing it at 3, and I am told that many kids can read by 4. We are seriously considering Coventry for K-12 because of our excellent preschool experience.
    Read 19 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 361 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    William Penn Charter School

    • Private School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 100 reviews

    Alum: Between my own PC experience, and from personally knowing many graduates of comparable college preparatory schools, there's not a better educational experience to be had in SE PA. If I had to name 1 out of many positive features, it'd be the multi-axial approach that PC takes to the definition of "education." Of course, academics are top-notch, but an A+ in Calculus, Language, or History is not ALL that PC teaches a young person. In addition, the elements of service, athletics, arts, diversity, all anchored in a rock solid moral foundation....make PC a place that will shape a student forever. Final draft: Recommended!
    Read 100 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 964 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  36. Sponsored

    Westfield Friends School

    • Private School
    • Cinnaminson, NJ
    • PK, K-8
    • 16 reviews

    Works Here: Westfield Friends is such a special place for me as a parent of alumni and a teacher. I love coming to school and work where there is a strong sense of community with a caring staff, and involved parents. Students are eager to learn and realize their potential in a discovery and inquiry-based approach.
    It is fun for me to work with them as they explore challenges and achieve their goals. I love watching them as they recognize that they are capable and have an active role in their education!
    Read 16 Reviews

    • 143 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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