Choosing the right high school is one of the most important decisions for students and their families. In the Philadelphia area, there are numerous private high schools that offer a variety of educational philosophies, rigorous academic programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Whether you’re seeking a college-preparatory environment, a focus on arts or sciences, or a commitment to religious education, the Philadelphia region has a private school to meet every student’s needs.
The Importance of Choosing the Right High School
Why Private High School?
Private high schools often provide a more personalized education with smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong focus on college preparation. These schools typically have access to more resources, such as advanced placement courses, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse extracurricular activities. Additionally, private schools often emphasize values and character development in alignment with their mission, whether it be religious, academic, or community-focused.
Key Factors to Consider
When selecting the right private high school, families should consider several factors:
- Academic Rigor: What advanced courses and specialized programs are offered? How does the school support students in preparing for college and beyond?
- Extracurricular Activities: What opportunities are available in athletics, arts, clubs, and other areas of interest?
- School Culture and Values: Does the school’s mission align with your family’s values and beliefs?
- Location and Size: Consider the school’s location, size, and student-to-teacher ratio.
- Alumni Success: Look at where graduates go for college and what they achieve after graduation.
Top Private High Schools in Philadelphia and Surrounding Areas
1. The Episcopal Academy
Overview
Founded in 1785, The Episcopal Academy is one of the oldest and most prestigious private schools in the Philadelphia area. Located in Newtown Square, PA, the school offers a rigorous academic program grounded in the Episcopal tradition. The school is known for its commitment to academic excellence, character development, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.
Academic Programs
Episcopal Academy offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with a strong emphasis on humanities, sciences, and mathematics. The school provides numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses and has a well-established arts program. The school’s state-of-the-art science and technology center supports advanced learning in STEM fields.
Extracurricular Activities
Students at The Episcopal Academy can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and service clubs. The school’s athletic program is particularly strong, with numerous state championships in various sports.
Campus and Facilities
The 123-acre campus features modern classrooms, athletic facilities, arts studios, and a chapel. The campus is designed to foster a strong sense of community and support students’ academic and personal growth.
2. Germantown Friends School
Overview
Germantown Friends School, located in the historic Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, is a Quaker school known for its strong academic program and commitment to social justice. Founded in 1845, the school emphasizes community, simplicity, and integrity in all aspects of student life.
Academic Programs
The school’s curriculum is designed to challenge students while encouraging critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. With a strong focus on the humanities, sciences, and arts, Germantown Friends School offers a wide range of AP courses and has a reputation for academic rigor. The school’s Quaker values are integrated into the curriculum, promoting a culture of respect and inclusiveness.
Extracurricular Activities
Germantown Friends School offers numerous extracurricular activities, including a robust athletics program, performing arts, and a variety of clubs that cater to diverse interests. The school’s commitment to service and social responsibility is evident in its numerous community service programs.
Campus and Facilities
The urban campus of Germantown Friends School features historic buildings, modern classrooms, and specialized facilities for science, arts, and athletics. The campus environment reflects the school’s commitment to community and sustainability.
3. The Haverford School
Overview
The Haverford School, located in Haverford, PA, is an all-boys private school that offers a challenging academic program and a strong emphasis on character development. Founded in 1884, the school is dedicated to fostering leadership, respect, and responsibility among its students.
Academic Programs
Haverford offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on preparing young men for success in college and beyond. The school provides a broad range of AP courses and advanced studies in the humanities, sciences, and mathematics. Haverford also has a strong commitment to the arts, offering extensive programs in visual and performing arts.
Extracurricular Activities
The school boasts a strong athletics program, with teams competing at the highest levels in various sports. In addition to athletics, students can participate in numerous clubs, community service projects, and leadership opportunities.
Campus and Facilities
The 30-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, athletic fields, and arts facilities. The campus is designed to support the school’s mission of developing well-rounded young men who are prepared to lead with integrity.
4. The Agnes Irwin School
Overview
The Agnes Irwin School, located in Rosemont, PA, is an all-girls private school that has been educating young women since 1869. The school is known for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and the empowerment of girls.
Academic Programs
Agnes Irwin offers a challenging academic program that includes a wide range of AP courses, as well as specialized programs in STEM, humanities, and global studies. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing students for success in college and their future careers.
Extracurricular Activities
Students at Agnes Irwin have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, including a competitive athletics program, performing arts, and numerous clubs and organizations. The school also offers leadership programs that encourage students to take on roles that impact their community and beyond.
Campus and Facilities
The 18-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The campus environment is designed to support the school’s mission of fostering intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a love of learning.
5. William Penn Charter School
Overview
Founded in 1689, William Penn Charter School is the oldest Quaker school in the world. Located in East Falls, Philadelphia, the school offers a rigorous academic program rooted in Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship.
Academic Programs
Penn Charter provides a challenging college-preparatory curriculum with a wide range of AP courses and advanced studies. The school emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and a global perspective. In addition to strong academic programs, Penn Charter offers innovative programs in technology, arts, and athletics.
Extracurricular Activities
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including a competitive athletics program, visual and performing arts, and numerous clubs and service organizations. Penn Charter students are encouraged to participate in activities that align with their interests and passions.
Campus and Facilities
The 44-acre campus features a blend of historic and modern buildings, including state-of-the-art facilities for academics, arts, and athletics. The campus provides a peaceful setting that reflects the school’s Quaker heritage and commitment to community.
6. Friends’ Central School
Overview
Friends’ Central School, located in Wynnewood, PA, is a Quaker coeducational school that has been educating students since 1845. The school is known for its rigorous academic program, commitment to social responsibility, and inclusive community.
Academic Programs
Friends’ Central offers a challenging academic curriculum with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. The school provides a wide range of AP courses and advanced studies in various disciplines. The school’s Quaker values are integrated into the curriculum, promoting a culture of respect, equality, and social justice.
Extracurricular Activities
Students at Friends’ Central have access to numerous extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and service opportunities. The school’s athletics program is strong, with teams competing in various sports at high levels. The arts program is also well-developed, offering opportunities in visual arts, music, and theater.
Campus and Facilities
The 41-acre suburban campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The campus environment reflects the school’s commitment to sustainability and community.
7. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
Overview
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH), located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, is an independent, coeducational school with a rich history and a commitment to innovative education. SCH offers a unique educational experience that combines rigorous academics with a focus on entrepreneurship, global education, and leadership.
Academic Programs
SCH Academy provides a challenging academic curriculum with a wide range of AP courses and specialized programs in STEM, humanities, and arts. The school is known for its Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, which offers students opportunities to develop skills in innovation, problem-solving, and leadership.
Extracurricular Activities
Students at SCH Academy can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including competitive athletics, arts, and leadership programs. The school has a strong athletics program, with teams competing at high levels in various sports. The arts program is also robust, offering opportunities in visual arts, music, and theater.
Campus and Facilities
The 62-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The campus environment supports the school’s mission of fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and leadership.
8. Baldwin School
Overview
The Baldwin School, located in Bryn Mawr, PA, is an all-girls private school that has been empowering young women since 1888. The school is known for its rigorous academic program, strong commitment to leadership development, and a nurturing environment that encourages girls to excel.
Academic Programs
Baldwin offers a challenging college-preparatory curriculum with a wide range of AP courses and advanced studies. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing students for success in college and their future careers. Baldwin also has a strong commitment to the arts, offering extensive programs in visual and performing arts.
Extracurricular Activities
Students at Baldwin have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, including a competitive athletics program, performing arts, and numerous clubs and organizations. The school also offers leadership programs that encourage students to take on roles that impact their community and beyond.
Campus and Facilities
The 25-acre campus includes historic buildings, modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The campus environment is designed to support the school’s mission of fostering intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a love of learning.
9. La Salle College High School
Overview
La Salle College High School, located in Wyndmoor, PA, is an all-boys Catholic private school that offers a rigorous academic program rooted in the Lasallian tradition. The school is known for its strong commitment to academic excellence, character development, and service to others.
Academic Programs
La Salle offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with a wide range of AP courses and advanced studies. The school emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical leadership, preparing students for success in college and beyond. La Salle also has a strong commitment to the arts, offering extensive programs in visual and performing arts.
Extracurricular Activities
The school boasts a strong athletics program, with teams competing at the highest levels in various sports. In addition to athletics, students can participate in numerous clubs, community service projects, and leadership opportunities. The school’s music program is particularly well-regarded, with several ensembles and a marching band.
Campus and Facilities
The 84-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, athletic fields, arts facilities, and a chapel. The campus environment supports the school’s mission of developing well-rounded young men who are prepared to lead with integrity.
10. The Shipley School
Overview
The Shipley School, located in Bryn Mawr, PA, is a coeducational private school that has been educating students since 1894. The school is known for its rigorous academic program, commitment to character development, and supportive community.
Academic Programs
Shipley offers a challenging college-preparatory curriculum with a wide range of AP courses and advanced studies. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing students for success in college and their future careers. Shipley also has a strong commitment to the arts, offering extensive programs in visual and performing arts.
Extracurricular Activities
Students at Shipley have access to a variety of extracurricular activities, including a competitive athletics program, performing arts, and numerous clubs and organizations. The school also offers leadership programs that encourage students to take on roles that impact their community and beyond.
Campus and Facilities
The 40-acre campus includes historic buildings, modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The campus environment is designed to support the school’s mission of fostering intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a love of learning.
The Benefits of a Private High School Education
Personalized Attention
One of the key advantages of attending a private high school is the personalized attention students receive. With smaller class sizes and a lower student-to-teacher ratio, teachers can focus more on individual students, providing tailored instruction and support.
Strong College Preparation
Private high schools often have a strong focus on college preparation. They offer advanced courses, college counseling, and resources to help students succeed in the college admissions process. Many private schools have high college acceptance rates, with graduates attending top universities across the country.
Holistic Development
Private schools emphasize the holistic development of students, focusing not only on academics but also on character, leadership, and community involvement. Students are encouraged to develop their talents, explore new interests, and take on leadership roles in a supportive environment.
Access to Resources
Private high schools typically have access to more resources than public schools. This includes state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. These resources enhance the educational experience and provide students with the tools they need to succeed.
Values-Based Education
Many private schools are founded on specific values or religious beliefs. These schools integrate their values into the curriculum and daily life, helping students develop a strong moral compass and a sense of responsibility to others.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Fit
Choosing the right private high school in the Philadelphia area is a decision that requires careful consideration of your child’s academic needs, personal interests, and long-term goals. Each of the schools highlighted in this guide offers a unique educational experience, with a commitment to academic excellence, character development, and community involvement.
When selecting a school, it’s important to visit campuses, meet with faculty, and talk to current students and parents to get a sense of the school’s culture and values. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to find the school that best fits your child’s needs and aspirations.
The Philadelphia area is home to some of the finest private high schools in the country, each offering a rich educational experience that prepares students for success in college and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a school with a strong focus on academics, arts, athletics, or character development, you’re sure to find the right fit among these top private high schools.
