For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2,257 private schools serving 274,816 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 $13,171 for elementary schools and $19,052 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in Pennsylvania include Mercersburg Academy, Grier School, and Shady Side Academy Junior School.
The average acceptance rate is 81% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 27% and the student-teacher ratio is 11:1.
Top Ranked Pennsylvania Private Schools by County (2025-26)
County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in Pennsylvania?
The top-ranked private schools in Pennsylvania include Mercersburg Academy, Grier School, and Shady Side Academy Junior School.
How many private schools are located in Pennsylvania?
There are 2,257 private schools are located in Pennsylvania.
How much do private schools cost in Pennsylvania?
The average private school tuition in Pennsylvania is $13,171 for elementary schools and $19,052 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?
Which private schools in Pennsylvania are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Pennsylvania include: Bright Horizons At Cranberry vs. Goddard School, Goddard School vs. Bright Horizons At Cranberry, St. Vitus School vs. New Castle Christian Academy
Recent Articles
Private School Jobs in 2025: Opportunities & Insights
Discover private school jobs in 2025, including salaries, benefits, and differences from public schools. Learn how to start your private school career.
2025 Roadmap to Starting a Private School — Guide & Strategy
A 2025 step-by-step roadmap for launching your private school: strategy, funding, legal, curriculum, staffing, and sustainability insights.
Private School Curriculum in 2025: What’s Being Taught?
Explore 2025 private school academic programs, including AP, IB, STEM, and evolving graduation standards. A guide for parents and students.
