2024 Best High Schools in Philadelphia

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.22 out of 5  110 reviews

Senior: Great academics, particularly English and Latin. Advanced STEM classes are excellent. Great community. School is undergoing major renovation so lunch options are limited and expensive. Hopefully it will have a very nice cafeteria once it is done. Overall I love my school.... Read 110 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,157

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  101 reviews

Alum: Baldwin is a gem. I spent 10 years at Baldwin and continue to be involved as much as possible through alumni events. Not only can I personally speak to the amazing education and outstanding musical guidance that I received, but I can also attest to the trails that Baldwin continues to blaze with its constant focus on excellence. While the dining room chairs are deserving of an upgrade (hint hint), I am happy to stay connected with the school to learn of all the new innovations they are continually rolling out. Baldwin girls are confident, intelligent, poised, and well-mannered. They can truly take on the world!... Read 101 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 572

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  55 reviews

Senior: Barrack is an amazing school with amazing people. Truly believe that Barrack is essential to all Jewish teens in the Philadelphia area.... Read 55 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 340

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Newtown Square, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.7 out of 5  160 reviews

Parent: Our daughter started in Kindergarten and I have to say it's been a GREAT decision to send her to EA. It's a wonderful environment to nurture a child to his or her full potential. The teachers have been great... challenging her academically and also really quick to identify and support my daughter through any areas that she's needed more help or attention. The EA community (parents , families and staff) is awesome. Grateful we get to be part!... Read 160 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,276

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  101 reviews

Parent: It has been incredible, though sometimes admin focuses on athletics more than it should. We are not an athletic focused school. Academics are great. Diversity of race, ethnicity and class could be improved, but it is a private school and cost is a factor... Teachers are very involved and extremely qualified. Great experience over all. Counseling is also great and very involved.... Read 101 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 800

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  135 reviews

Works Here: I just began teaching at Friends Select and every part of the experience has been positive thus far! The faculty and staff are exceptionally kind and helpful, and it is very evident how much they value the community that has been built here. The students are creative, passionate, and engaged with their learning as well as their extracurriculars. This is a school that I wish I could have attended as a student, and I am so happy to be a part of this community moving forward.... Read 135 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 638

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Fort Washington, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  94 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 94 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,223

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Philadelphia City Sd, PA•

• 5-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  282 reviews

Senior: Overall, most of the teachers are so amazing. They care about their students and want to give them opportunities to succeed. Teachers are easy to reach. Spirit week, international day, and AP Gov Mock election are the absolute highlights of my Masterman experience and I love that I was able to participate in them.... Read 282 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,186

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Wynnewood, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.44 out of 5  85 reviews

Parent: My family loves FCS! The school is preparing children for all aspects of life, both inside the classroom and outside of the classroom. The values that embody the school support my children as they grow into solid community members. The academics are incredible with small student teacher ratios, various classrooms and specials. The school feels like a community in addition to academic excellence. Can't recommend enough.... Read 85 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 847

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Newtown, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  146 reviews

Senior: One of my favorite things about attending George school for the past three years as a boarding student was the beautiful campus. George School's 240 acre campus offers much space for students to enjoy the outdoors with activities such as picnics in the spring an sledding in the winter. All of the wonderful dorm staff made living in the dorm a great experience and with the renovations that are happening over the next few summers, I can only imagine that the living in the dorms will be that much better. George School offers so much academically and I feel that there were plenty of class that challenge me as a students from IB to AP classes. I personally was not a huge fan on the 7-term, 5-week schedule which was been in practice since the 2022-2023 school year due to the long periods of time that can pass by between classes but I know that there is much scientific research that has gone into making that decision.... Read 146 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 536

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Rosemont, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.47 out of 5  196 reviews

Other: Hi there! My little sister goes to Agnes Irwin, and all I hear from her is how much happier she is at Agnes than her previous school! She loves her classes and curriculum. The courses have been more interesting and more challenging for her. She talks about their work with AI and robotics studios, learning to code, working with 3D printers in the lower school, and much more. The environment is also very accepting and open. The quality of the education being given plus the accepting environment is very inspiring, and my little sister is thriving! Agnes Irwin’s warmth and nurturing qualities is growing their students into leaders, and they don’t do it at the expense of their stellar academics! They figured out the balance between a nurturing environment and rigorous academics, and the two are not mutually exclusive!... Read 196 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 617

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  122 reviews

Senior: I had a really great experience at the William Penn Charter School. I have been at the school since 8th grade, and I am a current senior. The education that students are given at Penn Charter, in my opinion, is second to none. Every teacher cares about their students, and provide a deep teaching of the material. Coming from a public school, I find that where as my public school was always trying to prepare me for standardized tests to make the school "rank" better, Penn Charter is teaching its students to think critically and prepare us for life beyond high school. Our athletic department is amazing, and athletes at the school have access to phenomenal facilities and coaching!... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 988

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Haverford, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.74 out of 5  116 reviews

Parent: Making the decision to send our boys to The Haverford School was immensely positive for our children and for our family overall. Not only have our children found a true home academically and socially where they can develop character and values that align with our family values, but we as parents have made lifelong friendships as well with other parents who share our passion for developing our children and ensuring their social, emotional and academic well-being. We look forward to many more years as part of the community, even beyond graduation!... Read 116 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 948

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Jenkintown, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  145 reviews

Senior: The school is very community based and does well in engaging community with each other. It is very student led which could come with pros and cons, however it allowed me to step into leadership roles I found valuable. This aided in me finding what morals, hobbies, movements, etc, that I hold high in priority in life. The schedule of day and level of freedom, yet discipline, allows perfect college preparation on how to navigate freedom. This schools also gives students tons of opportunities and networking connections. AFS values experiential learning and the resources we receive are extremely beneficial, especially for career planning. The faculty as well help students try and discover new things. Overall a lot of opportunity and safe community.... Read 145 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Bryn Mawr, PA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  128 reviews

Parent: Upon enrollment at SHA, my daughter was nervous. It was a new environment with new people. SHA did an amazing job helping each girl feel welcomed prior to the first day through freshman acceptance day where the girls bonded over s'mores to orientation week to become familiar with their schedules and resources. Now nearly done her first year I couldn't speak more highly of the education and experiences she has had. The teachers prepare the young ladies for research papers, presentations, public speaking, passion projects, and real world learning. I'm most impressed with the science curriculum and how it is centered around practice and not just memorization of cells, functions of organs, etc. The class sizes are also small which allows for more individualized instruction and assistance when needed. My daughter has fully emerced herself in all SHA has to offer from sports and extra curricular activities outside of her academics.... Read 128 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 4.02 out of 5  96 reviews

Parent: Our children have been at MFS since Preschool (3 years old), and we, as parents, have been very happy with their elementary school experience. More importantly, our children are happy and excited to go to school every day. They have strong connections with their teachers and peers, and we as parents are deeply ingrained in the school community. We are truly thankful we found MFS for our children and look forward to every new year!... Read 96 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 634

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Claymont, DE•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  184 reviews

Senior: I enjoyed my experience throughout Archmere, however, I have to say it was challenging. There were many times I had hours of homework, even though I was in regular CP classes. The teachers and your counselor help make up for all that, as you can always reach out for help when you need it.... Read 184 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 529

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Ewing, NJ•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  82 reviews

Senior: I started attending Villa Victoria Academy in my junior year. I was nervous about attending this school because I was coming from a public school. Going from a public to a catholic school is a dramatic change. Within the first week at Villa, I made numerous amounts of friends from different grades. The teachers were kind and resourceful. Everyone was respectful and welcomed me with open-arms. I was nervous but within the first week, it felt like I have been attending this school for years.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 94

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  157 reviews

Middle school student: I really enjoy all of the different extracurriculars and activities that they have to offer. For example, there are many different clubs that allow people to join based on their interests. There are an abundance of clubs that give kids the chance to talk to and interact with people they have close things and interests in common. The school also has wonderful and exciting end of year trips such as Dorney Park and overnight camping experiences. We also do nice service activities that leave us with a feeling of completion and helpfulness, knowing that we were able to help people in need. The classes are very informative and the teachers give us great study habits that allow us to perform our best.... Read 157 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,101

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Lower Merion School District, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  280 reviews

Senior: Lower Merion provides a great academic experience with challenging AP and Honors courses and caring teachers and guidance counselors. I'm a senior who transferred to Lower Merion from an underfunded, public rural school and the amount of help and empathy I received from my guidance counselors and teachers was touching. As a low-income minority going through a family crisis and being in less than ideal living conditions, they made me feel seen and fought for me in so many ways. There are also many AP/Honors and clubs to choose from, and I enjoyed the variety. Overall, Lower Merion provides an excellent academic experience with caring teachers and challenging courses. However, the student culture is overly competitive and can be cruel to "different students," i.e those who aren't wealthy, rigorous and white. The amount of times I've heard derogatory language such as the r-word directed at otherwise "average", (average in the sense of either income or academics) students is concerning.... Read 280 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,721

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Burlington, NJ•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  71 reviews

Parent: Doane Academy is ALL about student, teacher, staff/administration, and familial Support; and I can vouch for this firsthand. Doane Academy is not talk, but action, and the "family atmosphere" they provide is not casual, but intimate and intentional-it's an extremely palpable feeling from the minute you enter the building, no matter where you go (dining hall to classroom). Their established "families" that each student is put in are nothing short of remarkable! I get a kick out of seeing upper-class students with "the littles" and the genuineness of it all. My son adores Doane, and this makes the academics flow seamlessly.... Read 71 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 247

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Philadelphia City Sd, PA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  1,448 reviews

Senior: Central is definitely an academically rigorous school. They offer a variety of AP and IB classes taught by great teachers. However, the amenities are lacking. Half of the toilets work and you sometimes find cockroaches of mice around the building.... Read 1,448 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,364

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Wyndmoor, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.64 out of 5  138 reviews

Senior: La Salle is for a specific type of person, but even if you don’t fit that mold, you’ll find your people. But I have met some of the best teachers and counselors here who have changed my life.... Read 138 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,101

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Philadelphia, PA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  129 reviews

Parent: As a Parent of two sons who went through the Prep, I can honestly say it was the best decision I ever made. The overarching theme of "work hard, play hard" is an extremely accurate portrayal of the 4 years your son will spend here. You will be pushed academically (sitting next to some of the brightest students in the country) and being taught by Ivy league trained teachers who are equally as passionate about their area of expertise as helping students grow. The Prep is truly a place for everyone with opportunities to become actively involved in any sport, club, service opportunity, etc. It turns boys into determined young men - setting them up for success at the next level. My two sons, though in completely different fields (Wall St and Med School) both point to their 4 years at the Prep as the most important time of their lives! Go Prep!... Read 129 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 937

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1