The Best Private Schools in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fort Washington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Germantown Academy
Independent
Germantown Academy is one of the nation's oldest nonsectarian independent schools, offering a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the academy provides personalized attention and rigorous college preparatory programs. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, leadership development, and global perspectives, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities.
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The Meadowbrook School
Independent
The Meadowbrook School, located in adjacent Meadowbrook just minutes from Fort Washington, provides exceptional elementary education for Junior Kindergarten through 6th grade. The school features a balanced curriculum emphasizing academic excellence, character development, and social-emotional learning. Notable programs include comprehensive STEAM education, foreign language instruction starting in Junior Kindergarten, and extensive arts and athletics. The school's beautiful 30-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities, preparing students for success at top secondary schools.
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Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
Independent
Located just minutes from Fort Washington in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and Advanced Placement courses, providing exceptional academic rigor. Notable features include the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, state-of-the-art science and innovation labs, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs. The school maintains a diverse community with students from over 75 zip codes across the Philadelphia region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options serving families in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, and what are their educational models?
Fort Washington, PA, is home to several prestigious private schools, with three of the most prominent being Germantown Academy, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH Academy), and The Meadowbrook School. Germantown Academy, founded in 1759, is a Pre-K through 12 non-sectarian, coeducational school with a strong college-preparatory focus. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, formed from a merger, offers a Pre-K through 12 program with distinct Lower Schools and a coeducational Upper School, emphasizing innovation and global learning. The Meadowbrook School is a junior kindergarten through 8th grade independent school known for its progressive, child-centered approach. While located just outside Fort Washington proper, these schools are central to the educational landscape for local families.
How does Pennsylvania's tuition assistance landscape, including programs like OSTC, impact private school affordability for Fort Washington residents?
Pennsylvania offers unique financial aid avenues that benefit Fort Washington families. The Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) program is particularly relevant. It provides scholarships to students residing within the boundaries of a low-achieving public school, allowing them to attend a participating private school. Additionally, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program funds scholarships for a broader range of families. Most top private schools in the area, like Germantown Academy and SCH Academy, have robust need-based financial aid programs of their own. It's crucial for parents to apply for financial aid directly through the school (using tools like SSS) and inquire about their participation in state tax credit programs, as eligibility and funding can vary annually.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at Fort Washington-area private schools that leverage local resources?
Private schools near Fort Washington leverage their suburban-Philadelphia location to offer distinctive programs. Germantown Academy boasts extensive STEM initiatives and a renowned robotics program, while its history curriculum deeply integrates Philadelphia's colonial and revolutionary heritage. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy emphasizes its Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and has a strong connection to the nearby Chestnut Hill community for experiential learning. The Meadowbrook School utilizes its 23-acre campus for extensive outdoor and environmental education. All schools benefit from easy access to Philadelphia's museums, historical sites, and universities for enrichment trips and partnerships, a significant advantage over schools in more remote locations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for kindergarten or 9th grade entry at leading Fort Washington private schools?
The admission process for competitive private schools in the Fort Washington area is highly structured and begins early. For kindergarten entry, families should initiate inquiries and tours in the fall, a full year before enrollment (e.g., fall 2024 for fall 2025). Application deadlines are typically in January, with assessments and play-based visits scheduled for winter. For 9th grade entry, the process often starts in the fall of the student's 8th grade year, with deadlines in January or February. Key steps include open houses, standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT), student interviews, and submission of teacher recommendations. Given the limited seats and competitive nature of schools like Germantown Academy and SCH Academy, adhering to these timelines is critical.
How do the class sizes, campus settings, and community feel of Fort Washington private schools compare to the local public school, Upper Dublin School District?
Fort Washington is primarily served by the highly-regarded Upper Dublin School District, which offers a strong public education. The key differentiators for local private schools are scale and specialization. Private schools like Meadowbrook (JK-8) and Germantown Academy (Pre-K-12) offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students) and more individualized attention than even the excellent public schools. Their campuses, such as Germantown Academy's 126-acre site, often provide expansive, self-contained environments. The community feel is often more tightly knit due to smaller overall enrollments and a mission-driven culture. Parents choose private options for specific educational philosophies (progressive vs. traditional), religious or values-based education (though the top listed are non-sectarian), or specialized programs not as deeply available in the public system.
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