The Best Private Schools in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Upper Darby. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Baldwin School
Independent
The Baldwin School is a prestigious all-girls independent college preparatory school serving the Greater Philadelphia area, including Upper Darby families. With a 134-year legacy of academic excellence, Baldwin offers a rigorous curriculum with exceptional STEM programs, extensive arts education, and competitive athletics. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Baldwin consistently achieves top college placement results and emphasizes leadership development through its comprehensive educational approach.
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The Haverford School
Independent
The Haverford School is a highly-regarded all-boys independent school serving families throughout Delaware County, including Upper Darby. Founded in 1884, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with exceptional academic rigor, outstanding faculty, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The campus features modern academic buildings, advanced science and technology labs, extensive athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Haverford emphasizes character development and leadership while maintaining strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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The Episcopal Academy
Independent
The Episcopal Academy is one of the nation's oldest and most respected independent schools, serving students from Upper Darby and throughout the Philadelphia region. With a 235-year history, EA combines rigorous academic preparation with strong character education rooted in its Episcopal tradition. The school's 123-acre campus features exceptional facilities including the Crawford Campus Center, state-of-the-art science and technology centers, extensive athletic complexes, and dedicated arts spaces. EA offers a balanced program emphasizing academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement with outstanding college placement results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Upper Darby, PA, and are they located within the township itself?
While Upper Darby Township itself has a limited number of private elementary schools (often faith-based), the most prominent and highly-regarded private schools serving the area are located in neighboring townships on the Philadelphia Main Line. These include The Baldwin School (all-girls, PreK-12) in Bryn Mawr, The Haverford School (all-boys, PreK-12) in Haverford, and The Episcopal Academy (coed, PreK-12) in Newtown Square. Families in Upper Darby commonly commute to these schools, which are typically a 15-25 minute drive. It's important to research each school's specific transportation policies, as some offer bus routes that may extend into Upper Darby.
How does the tuition for top Main Line private schools compare to the cost of living in Upper Darby, PA, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at schools like Baldwin, Haverford, and Episcopal Academy is significant, often ranging from approximately $35,000 to $50,000+ per year for upper grades. This contrasts with Upper Darby's relatively more affordable cost of living compared to the immediate Main Line. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. Pennsylvania also has tax-advantaged programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC), which can provide scholarships for eligible families to attend participating private schools. It is crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission.
For a family in Upper Darby, what is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive Main Line private schools like Episcopal Academy?
The process is rigorous and begins early. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th/9th grades, families should start researching 18-24 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, scheduling student visits and assessments (often in January/February), and receiving decisions in March. For Upper Darby residents, demonstrating a clear commitment to the commute and community is important. Many schools also require the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or similar standardized testing. It is highly recommended to engage with admissions offices directly to understand their specific requirements.
What unique academic or extracurricular opportunities draw Upper Darby families to nearby private schools like The Haverford School or The Baldwin School?
These schools offer resources that are distinct from many public districts. They typically feature very low student-to-teacher ratios, extensive college counseling programs with connections to top universities, and state-of-the-art facilities for STEM, arts, and athletics. For example, The Haverford School has renowned engineering and entrepreneurship programs, while The Baldwin School emphasizes leadership and women in STEM. Their locations on the Main Line also provide partnerships with cultural and scientific institutions in Philadelphia. For Upper Darby students, these schools offer a globally-focused curriculum and a network that extends far beyond the local township.
How do the class sizes and academic outcomes of the leading private schools near Upper Darby compare with those of the Upper Darby School District (UDSD)?
This is a key consideration. The Upper Darby School District is one of the largest and most diverse public districts in Pennsylvania, with average class sizes that are significantly larger than those at private counterparts. Private schools like those on the Main Line often maintain class sizes of 12-18 students, allowing for highly individualized attention. Academic outcomes, as measured by standardized test scores and college matriculation lists, are typically very high at these private schools. However, UDSD offers a vast array of AP courses, specialized academies, and extracurriculars reflective of its large, diverse student body. The choice often hinges on a family's priority for intimate, resource-intensive education versus a large, comprehensive public school experience.
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