Best Private Schools in Philadelphia – 2024

If you’re a parent in Massachusetts or Pennsylvania seeking the best-fit private schools for your child’s education, particularly focusing on college preparation, you’ve landed in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the top private schools in the Boston and Philadelphia areas, emphasizing their track record in sending graduates to premier 4-year colleges. It’s essential to note that this list is criteria-based, and the numbering doesn’t imply ranking. Let’s delve into the details of each school, considering factors such as college admissions highlights, academic features, and tuition costs.

Private Schools in Philadelphia:

1. Germantown Friends School – Philadelphia
   • Location: 31 W Coulter St, Philadelphia, PA 19144
   • College Admissions Highlights: Large numbers of graduates matriculated into prestigious institutions from 2017-2021.
   • Academic Highlights: 75% of teachers possess advanced degrees, 37% are students of color, and a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
   • Tuition (9-12): $43,000
   • Enrollment (seniors): 108
   • Average SAT Score: 1330
   • Average ACT Score: 31

2. Friends’ Central School – Philadelphia

   • Location: 1101 City Ave, Wynnewood, PA 19096
   • College Admissions Highlights: Five or more students enrolled in various top colleges in the last five years.
   • Tuition (9-12): $43,900
   • Enrollment (9-12): 385
   • Average SAT Score: 1287
   • Average ACT Score: 33

3. The Baldwin School – Philadelphia

   • Location: 701 Montgomery Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
   • College Admissions Highlights: Impressive acceptance rates into a wide range of top colleges.
   • Academic Highlights: An all-girls institution with high acceptance rates and a variety of student clubs.
   • Tuition (9-12): $42,200
   • Enrollment (9-12): 244
   • Average SAT Score: 1406
   • Average ACT Score: Not Reported

4. The Shipley School – Philadelphia

   • Location: 814 Yarrow St, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
   • College Admissions Highlights: Consistent matriculation into prestigious colleges over the last five senior classes.
   • Tuition (9-12): $44,075
   • Enrollment (seniors): 98
   • Average SAT Score: 1315
   • Average ACT Score: 30.5

5. The Haverford School – Philadelphia

   • Location: 450 US-30, Haverford, PA 19041
   • College Admissions Highlights: Graduates matriculated into a variety of top colleges from 2017-2021.
   • Academic Highlights: An all-boys school with a strong focus on academic achievement.
   • Tuition (9-12): $44,304
   • Enrollment (seniors): 107

6. Friends Select School – Philadelphia

   • Location: N 17th & 1651, Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103
   • College Admissions Highlights: Students enrolled in a diverse range of colleges in a recent three-year period.
   • Academic Highlights: Strong performance on AP tests, nationally ranked Quiz Bowl team, and diverse elective options.
   • Tuition (9-12): $46,000
   • Enrollment (seniors): 55
   • Mid-50% SAT Score: 1220-1530
   • Mid-50% ACT Score: 23-32

7. George School – Philadelphia

   • Location: 1690 Langhorne Newtown Rd, Newtown, PA 18940
   • College Admissions Highlights: Graduates enrolled in various institutions from 2019-2022.
   • Academic Highlights: A diverse student body, offering AP and IB courses, and a significant percentage of boarding students.
   • Tuition (9-12): $46,100 (Day); $69,600 (Boarding)
   • Enrollment (seniors): 141
   • Mid-50% SAT Score: 1160-1265
   • Mid-50% ACT Score: 24-27.5

8. The Episcopal Academy – Philadelphia

   • Location: 1785 Bishop White Drive, Newtown Square, PA 19073
   • College Admissions Highlights: Large numbers of students admitted to various top schools over the last five years.
   • Academic Highlights: Strong performance on standardized tests, numerous AP courses, and a 100% college attendance rate.
   • Tuition (9-12): $41,500
   • Enrollment (seniors): 132
   • Average SAT Score: 1350
   • Average ACT Score: 30

9. The Hill School – Philadelphia

   • Location: 860 Beech Street, Pottstown, PA 19464
   • College Admissions Highlights: Two or more students enrolled in each of the listed colleges from 2018-2022.
   • Academic Highlights: Signature programs, students from various states and countries, and a strong student-to-teacher ratio.
   • Tuition (9-12): $47,540 (Day); $69,740 (Boarding)
   • Enrollment (9-12): 545
   • Average SAT Score: 1330 (most recent available)
   • Average ACT Score: 28 (most recent available)

10. William Penn Charter School – Philadelphia

    • Location: 3000 W School House Ln, Philadelphia 19144
    • College Admissions Highlights: More than three graduates matriculated into various top colleges from 2018-2022.
    • Academic Highlights: Senior Comprehensive Project, independent study opportunities, and a long history since 1689.
    • Tuition (9-12): $44,900
    • Enrollment (seniors): 103
    • Mid-50% SAT Score: 1160-1365 (most recent available)
    • Mid-50% ACT Score: 22-30 (most recent available)

Conclusion:

Choosing the right private school in Philadelphia involves considering factors such as college admissions history, academic offerings, and overall fit. This detailed guide provides valuable insights into the top private schools in the Philadelphia area, assisting you in making an informed decision for your child’s education. For further resources on the college search and admissions process, explore our Dataverse, Blog, and List-Building Tool.