Newtown Friends School Photo

Best Pennsylvania Private Schools (2025-26)

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 The Agnes Irwin School, Mercersburg Academy, and Shady Side Academy.
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
1,090
8%
196
26,789
16%
64
6,108
9%
22
2,135
12%
139
18,702
18%
26
3,277
12%
15
2,160
12%
25
1,935
12%
124
14,454
15%
25
1,463
14%
56
8,397
11%
115
23,576
23%
5
820
21%
28
4,863
12%
29
2,849
13%
29
1,101
11%
205
14,720
19%
46
7,631
13%
37
4,908
10%
21
1,427
10%
29
1,171
20%
230
35,057
23%
56
5,415
8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private schools in Pennsylvania?
The top-ranked private schools in Pennsylvania include The Agnes Irwin School, Mercersburg Academy, and Shady Side Academy.
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?
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?

Recent Articles

What Is an Independent School? Definition & Guide 2025
What Is an Independent School? Definition & Guide 2025
Explore what defines an independent school in 2025 — governance, mission, cost, enrollment and how to evaluate independent schools as a parent or educator.
What’s a Private School? A 2025 Guide for Parents & Students
What’s a Private School? A 2025 Guide for Parents & Students
Explore what defines a private school, its tuition, enrollment trends, and how it differs from public options in 2025—clear, authoritative insights.
Financial Aid for Community College: What Private-School Families Need to Know
Financial Aid for Community College: What Private-School Families Need to Know
A guide for private-school families navigating financial aid for community college—what to expect, how it works, and key strategies in 2025.