Plumstead Christian School Photo - Middle and Upper School - 6th-12th Grade

Best Pennsylvania Private Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2,233 private schools serving 274,061 students in Pennsylvania (there are 2,928 public schools, serving 1,668,648 students). 14% of all K-12 students in Pennsylvania attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $13,264 for elementary schools and $19,225 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in Pennsylvania include Shady Side Academy, The Agnes Irwin School, and Grier School.
The average acceptance rate is 81% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 27% and the student-teacher ratio is 11:1.
62% of schools are religiously affiliated, with most being Catholic or Amish.

Top-Ranked Pennsylvania Private Schools by County (2025-26)

County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
11
1,092
8%
197
26,877
16%
64
6,161
9%
22
2,135
12%
139
18,512
18%
26
3,277
12%
14
2,130
12%
25
1,935
12%
123
14,318
14%
24
1,439
14%
55
8,388
11%
115
23,575
23%
5
820
21%
28
4,863
12%
27
2,801
13%
28
1,087
11%
198
14,546
19%
46
7,631
13%
37
4,908
10%
21
1,427
10%
27
1,115
20%
230
35,123
23%
56
5,418
8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked private schools in Pennsylvania?
The top-ranked private schools in Pennsylvania include Shady Side Academy, The Agnes Irwin School, and Grier School.
How many private schools are located in Pennsylvania?
There are 2,233 private schools are located in Pennsylvania.
How much do private schools cost in Pennsylvania?
The average private school tuition in Pennsylvania is $13,264 for elementary schools and $19,225 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in Pennsylvania?
Approximately 27% of students in Pennsylvania private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in Pennsylvania go to private school?
14% of all K-12 students in Pennsylvania attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Pennsylvania?
62% of private schools in Pennsylvania are religiously affiliated, with most being Catholic or Amish.
Which private schools in Pennsylvania are often viewed compared to one another?

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