The Best Private Schools in Philadelphia, New York
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Philadelphia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Friends Select School
Friends Schools
Friends Select School is a prestigious Quaker institution located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. The school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program from pre-K through 12th grade, emphasizing academic rigor, ethical leadership, and community engagement. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, the school provides personalized attention and strong college preparation. The urban campus leverages Philadelphia's cultural institutions, and students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. The school maintains a diverse student body and emphasizes Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, and equality.
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Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
SCH Academy
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy is a leading independent school formed from the merger of two historic institutions. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with particular strengths in STEM education, featuring innovation labs, robotics programs, and advanced science research opportunities. The 62-acre campus in Chestnut Hill includes state-of-the-art athletic facilities, performing arts centers, and modern academic buildings. SCH emphasizes experiential learning through its Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and global education programs. The school serves students from pre-K through 12th grade and maintains a strong track record of college placements at top-tier universities.
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The Shipley School
Shipley School
Located just outside Philadelphia in Bryn Mawr, The Shipley School serves the greater Philadelphia area with a comprehensive pre-K through 12th grade program. The school combines academic excellence with character development through its "Learn with Purpose" philosophy. Shipley offers a robust Advanced Placement curriculum, competitive athletic programs, and extensive arts opportunities including theater, music, and visual arts. The 30-acre campus features modern academic facilities, science and innovation centers, athletic fields, and arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes community values while preparing students for success in college and beyond, with graduates consistently attending selective universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Philadelphia, New York
What are the distinctive educational philosophies among the top private schools in Philadelphia, PA, such as Friends Select, Springside Chestnut Hill, and Shipley?
Philadelphia's leading private schools offer diverse educational approaches rooted in the city's rich history. Friends Select School, located in Center City, is a Quaker institution emphasizing community, service, and reflective silence in meetings for worship. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH) offers a coeducational, innovative program with a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and entrepreneurship, utilizing its 62-acre campus. The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, just outside the city, combines a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a commitment to character education and "educational courage." This variety allows Philadelphia parents to choose a school whose philosophy aligns closely with their family's values.
How does the tuition for private schools in Philadelphia compare to major cities like New York City, and what financial aid options are typically available?
While still significant, private school tuition in Philadelphia is generally 20-30% lower than comparable schools in New York City. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day school tuition at top Philadelphia schools ranges from approximately $35,000 to $48,000, whereas NYC schools often exceed $60,000. Importantly, Philadelphia schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Schools like Friends Select, SCH, and Shipley all allocate substantial portions of their budgets to financial aid, with many families receiving grants that significantly reduce the cost. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Philadelphia area?
The admission process for Philadelphia's top private schools is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. The timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall with open houses and tours. Application deadlines for the following academic year are often in early January (e.g., January 8th or 15th). Required components usually include a standardized test (like the ISEE or SSAT), school transcripts, teacher recommendations, a student interview, and a parent statement. Admissions decisions are commonly released in mid-to-late March. For the most competitive entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 9th grade, starting the process 18-24 months ahead is advisable, as spaces are limited.
Beyond academics, what unique extracurricular and civic engagement opportunities do Philadelphia private schools leverage due to their location?
Philadelphia private schools deeply integrate the city's resources into their programs. Students engage in unparalleled civic and cultural learning through partnerships with institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute, the University of Pennsylvania, and numerous historical sites. Schools often have community service requirements that connect students with local nonprofits across the city. Unique offerings might include urban farming programs, internships at Center City businesses, historical research using primary sources at the Library Company, and specialized arts training in the city's vibrant theater and music scenes. This urban context provides a real-world laboratory that is a defining feature of a Philadelphia private education.
For families considering both options, what are the key practical and philosophical differences between the School District of Philadelphia and the city's leading private schools?
The key differences involve class size, resources, curricular flexibility, and admissions. Philadelphia public schools are tuition-free and offer diverse magnet and special admission programs, but often face challenges with larger class sizes and constrained budgets. Private schools like Friends Select, SCH, and Shipley offer much smaller student-to-teacher ratios (often 8:1), significant resources for facilities and technology, and the ability to tailor curricula and innovate rapidly. Philosophically, private schools mission-driven approach allows for a specific educational focus (e.g., Quaker values, entrepreneurialism). The trade-off is, of course, cost. Many families base their decision on their child's specific needs, desired community, and the value they place on the consistent, resource-rich environment private schools provide within the Philadelphia landscape.
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