2024 Best Schools in Philadelphia

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  107 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 107 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,125

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  93 reviews

Alum: I was incredibly lucky to have been able to go to Baldwin. While any student or alum will say there were overwhelming periods (most will go catatonic at some point in junior and/or senior year simply from the stress of college admissions), I would argue that it was all worth it. There isn't much hand-holding past your freshman year, which I now really appreciate having worked at other private schools across the world, as it taught me how to self-direct my studies before starting college. Socially it was warm, the teachers were as a whole supportive and often went above and beyond to make sure we felt confident, checking in on you if you fell behind. Naturally it's a private school in a wealthy area, and so the wealth/class disparity is definitely noticeable. I do believe Baldwin could do a better job of educating the wealthier students about the "other side" - many understand the privilege they have to go to Baldwin, but don't really understand how rare the life they lead is.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 572

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.35 out of 5  51 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 51 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 340

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Newtown Square, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.7 out of 5  151 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 151 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,276

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.49 out of 5  97 reviews

Sophomore: My name is Caroline, and I am a current 10th grader at the Shipley School. I came to Shipley in 8th grade, where I was immediately welcomed with open arms. Everyone was so helpful, and genuinely willing to make sure that I was adjusting to the community. The past couple of years that I have spent at this school have been amazing. Shipley has allowed me to challenge myself academically, as I take several honors classes. I really enjoy the rigor of the classes, and the added challenge has helped me grow as a student and a person. All of my teachers are always willing to give any extra help I may need.I am also a member of 3 sports teams. I absolutely love playing Shipley sports due to the excellent coaching staff and the opportunity they give me to progress as an athlete. The Shipley faculty truly cares about its students, and creates such a positive atmosphere. I am looking forward to a great couple more years at Shipley!... Read 97 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 800

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  128 reviews

Works Here: I say yes to Friends Select because, as a product of a Quaker high school education, I know firsthand the impact and value. Friends Select lives its Quaker identity with Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship at the foundation of every aspect of the school and community. Friends Select students graduate with the knowledge and understanding of peaceful resolution to conflict, empathy, service to others, mutual respect, inclusion, self-awareness, self-confidence, voice, agency, and many other soft and hard skills necessary to navigate the ever-changing and diverse world that they will live in the future. The world needs more Friends Select alums!... Read 128 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 638

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Fort Washington, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.48 out of 5  90 reviews

Parent: My daughter started in kindergarten and is now in 10th grade at GA. The most exceptional thing about this school is the teachers. They are dedicated, passionate, intelligent and truly love teaching. They establish connections and relationships with students and actually enjoy spending time listening to what is going on in their students’ lives outside the classroom. In lower school , having two teachers in each classroom allows for differentiated learning and individualized attention to all students. Teachers really know their students. In middle and upper school, dropping in to meet with teachers during free periods is highly encouraged and helps solidify teacher/student connections and learning. The teacher retention rate says a lot about the school. Most all stay 30-40 years!!! I feel that my child had been in the best hands and has grown so much through the years socially, emotionally and of course, academically. GA is a very special place.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,223

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Philadelphia City School District, PA•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  274 reviews

Parent: Clubs and activities shouldn’t be C at all. The achievements that the students had received always surprise me. They just received the national championship in UPenn’s National Debate Tournament this year. Students do many different sports, clubs and activities and have received so many championships in the school district. Besides that, they are also qualified for regional, state and even Olympic qualification, such as tennis, swimming, ice skating, Science Olympia Debate…etc. I was told a Sophomore student won thousands of dollars in a computer programming competition this year. These are just what I know. Of course, there are more that I don’t even know. Its sports and activities ranking shouldn’t be “C” at all.... Read 274 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,180

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Wynnewood, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  82 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 82 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 847

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Newtown, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  141 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 141 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 536

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Rosemont, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  176 reviews

Freshman: My experience at this school has been nothing but excellent. Agnes Irwin has pushed me as a student and has aided me in discovering my interests. I love the different clubs and activities that I have been involved in, as I am able to dive deep into my passions in them with the reasources Agnes Irwin has given. Along with that, the learning enviroment is wonderful. I am always able to go to a teacher to seek help, and every teacher is passionate about whatever they are teaching. Overall this school has given me wonderful memories and I am excited for the years to come!... Read 176 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 573

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  119 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 119 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 988

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• 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 948

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Jenkintown, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  141 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 141 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  112 reviews

Parent: I have had 3 daughters enrolled - 2 graduates and a current student (Class of '24), and all three LOVED the teachers, Sacred Heart traditions and the diverse makeup of their class. They also received an education that not only prepared them for college, it prepared them to THRIVE in college. You won't find better academics - particularly in STEM areas as they have several teachers who came from industries and provide real-world usage for the mathematics, biology and physics that they are learning. As far as activities, SHA has some really good sports teams, great music, theater and choir. Overall, teachers and staff are great to deal with! Visit SHA before you decide on a school, you won't be sorry!... Read 112 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 200

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Radnor, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  13 reviews

Parent: The Grayson School has been incredibly transformative for my children. The faculty and staff is incredibly knowledgable and passionate about developing an individualized educational plan for each student and getting to know each student holistically so they can support their learning, thinking, feeling, and social development. Faculty extend themselves to develop close and meaningful relationships with students and engage them in the most creative ways in their learning. My children come home every day exhausted and blissful from a day of meaningful intellectual engagement. On days off, they constantly tell us how much they miss school, including classes, friends and teachers. It's not difficult to understand that with opportunities for project based learning, arts, and independent study. We are so grateful to have found a wonderful community of educators, researchers, and fellow parents and caregivers who understand the joys and challenges of raising gifted children.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 180

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Moorestown, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  86 reviews

Alum: Great teachers (especially in the math department) make you feel excited to learn and will give you a newfound love for learning. Other teachers (especially in the science department) will make you hate it. School listens to students, and will try to make compromises to improve student experience. Although, they don’t take the complaints of racism from students of color very seriously. Overall, 8/10.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 634

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Claymont, DE•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  181 reviews

Senior: My experience at Archmere has changed my life through education and sports. One thing that Archmere lacks is diversity within the staff and the students. I am a black female student at Archmere and one thing that I would like to have in the school is diversity and being able to connect with people who look like me. One thing that Archmere does have is a loving community, the teachers are great and are always willing to help you no matter what. If there is one change I would like to see at Archmere coming from a student who goes there would have to be an increase in the diversity.... Read 181 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 529

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Ewing, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  79 reviews

Senior: I am a graduate of VVA’s class of 2021! I can say with sincerity that Villa Victoria Academy is the perfect school for girls! It molds girls into strong, confident, and beautiful young women ready to change the world! The faculty and staff truly dedicate their time and efforts to make sure the girls have an amazing education, a real high school experience, touch into their spirituality and St. Lucy Filippini, the founder of the school. There are so many clubs to get involved in, multiple sports to participate in, and the beautiful music program! The girls there are so welcoming, supportive, and motivational. The parent involvement is incredible and I am amazed by how many alumni still visit the school and partake in the events going on at Villa. My four years there were fantastic and I already miss it! I will always have a place in my heart for VVA! #ittakesavilla... Read 79 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 94

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  148 reviews

Parent: SCH Academy is a tremendous school that produces dynamic, motivated, well-rounded graduates. The school has talented and devoted teachers and staff who nurture students and encourage them to be their best inside and outside of the classroom. Robotics, Engineering, and the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership are just a few of the programs that stand out and which differentiate the school from many of its peers. Set in a bucolic section of the City of Philadelphia, the campus borders Fairmount Park which provides a perfect backdrop for many of the outdoor experiential programs.... Read 148 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,101

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Lower Merion School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  268 reviews

Junior: Lower Merion is a great high school, and I am certainly going to miss it when I graduate. There are a lot of people here with a variety of interests, so you will be sure to find someone with similar interests. There's a lot of amazing clubs and activities at the school, such as the theater program, LM Players (clubs could use more funding though). School spirit and sports are great and highly celebrated (ex. Dawg Pound shows off school spirit at games). Teachers are overall great, and STEM is strong. The music department is especially great! Diversity could be a little better. Facilities are pretty good, and there are a lot of resources for college and more. We have a program called lunch and learn, which is one hour in the day students can use to eat lunch anywhere in school and do work or get help from teachers. Administration could be better, because they sometimes try to hide stuff up. Overall, I love LM and I can't imagine being anywhere else!... Read 268 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,721

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Burlington, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.3 out of 5  66 reviews

Parent: I couldn't be happier with this school. From their unique programs and traditions, to their close-knit and genuinely caring family feel, Doane Academy has been the best investment I could have made for my children and their future! Although the academics are excellent, I am even more impressed in how the school focuses on the whole child, meeting and supporting them where they are as individuals, and empowering them to freely grow in their specific interests and strengths, while also teaching them larger leadership skills.... Read 66 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 247

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Philadelphia City School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  1,426 reviews

Alum: Central High School provided me with copious amounts of opportunities and life lessons that I plan to take into my college endeavors. Such as constantly stressing the importance of advocating for yourself, as well as being a leader to those around you. At times it was often difficult to balance your extracurriculars with the large work load, however because Central prides itself on being a college prepatory school, students were able to find their way through whatever obstacles were set in place. Overall, Central High school is a great maintained and dynamic institution that leaves its students with a rewarding experience.... Read 1,426 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,381

• Student-teacher ratio 24:1

• Wyndmoor, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  134 reviews

Alum: Class of 1994 graduate! I am tremendously proud of my association with LaSalle College High School. It is what has made me into the person and physician that I am today. It was an excellent school 30 years ago and even better now. The teachers are some of the best in the state, the facilities are top notch. Just a great school! Steven R. Blasi, D.O. Osteopathic Family Physician St. Luke's University Hospital & Health Network... Read 134 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,101

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  122 reviews

Junior: My Junior year at the Prep was great. This was my first full year in school due to Covid and the comeback was smooth. The school didn't lose a step since my first year back in 19-20. The teachers and other faculty remained great and positive with and without masks. They were never judgemental about the situations regarding covid. My junior year turned out better than anticipated. We came in the year with more extracurricular activities which were great. I was able to attend multiple activities this year during and after school. One is the Environmental Club. The Environmental Club was run by a chemistry teacher that I had which turned out fun. I also attended his other clubs like his Jewish culture and Social Discussion clubs which were student-led with teacher input. The campus is huge and nice compared to most schools in the area. But the school went under construction at the beginning of May and is due mid-October and is supposed to look great via the pictures around the school.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 937

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1