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Most Selective Private Preschools in Pennsylvania

The average private preschool acceptance rate in Pennsylvania is 80% per year (2025-26).
The most selective school in Pennsylvania is Gwynedd-mercy Academy Elementary School, with an acceptance rate of 10%.
Acceptance Rate Range: 10% 50% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 29%

Most Selective Private Preschools in Pennsylvania (2025-26)

School
Acceptance Rate
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Gwynedd-mercy Academy Elementary School
Gwynedd-mercy Academy Elementary School Photo - Gwynedd-Mercy Academy has kept pace with developing technology by equipping our classrooms, library and computer lab with interactive whiteboards, wireless Internet and Microsoft Surface tablets, iPads and computer work stations. Technology is integrated across the curriculum and classroom devices are available for all students, enhancing individualized instruction.
(Catholic)
(5)
Acceptance Rate: 10%
Grades: PK-8
816 Norristown Rd
Ambler, PA 19002
(215) 646-4916
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Calvary Baptist Academy
(Baptist)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-12
11394 Route 286 Hwy E
Clymer, PA 15728
(724) 254-9411
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Calvary Baptist Children's Learning Center
Daycare / Preschool (Baptist)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: NS-PK
801 W Marshall Street
Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 277-0257
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
French Creek Valley Christian
(Christian)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-6
420 North St
Saegertown, PA 16433
(814) 763-3282
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Friends Select School
(Friends)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-12
17th St & Benjamin Franklin
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 561-5900
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Friends' Central Lower School
(Friends)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: NS-5
228 Old Gulph Rd
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 642-7575
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Greater Works Christian School
Greater Works Christian School Photo - Character Counts Program
(Christian)
(15)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-8
301 College Park Drive
Monroeville, PA 15146
(724) 327-6500
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
La Escuelita Arcoiris
La Escuelita Arcoiris Photo
Special Program Emphasis
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-K
5915 Beacon St
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 421-4787
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Learning Tree
Daycare / Preschool
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-K
2566 Haymaker Rd Ste 301
Monroeville, PA 15146
(412) 372-2744
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Lehigh Christian Academy
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-12
1151 S Cedar Crest Blvd
Allentown, PA 18103
(610) 776-7301
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Les Petits Cherubs-audubon (main House)
Daycare / Preschool
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: NS
2540 S Parkview Drive
Norristown, PA 19403
(610) 650-8168
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Montgomery School
Montgomery School Photo - 5th Graders work with a team of scientists from the Ruth Patrick Center for Environmental Research (a program at the Academy of Natural Sciences) to conduct an in-depth study of Pickering Creek, which runs through Montgomery School's 60-acre campus.
(2)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-8
1141 Kimberton Road
Chester Springs, PA 19425
(484) 326-8822
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Mt. Airy Christian Day School
Daycare / Preschool (Church of God in Christ)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-K
6401 Ogontz Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19126
(215) 276-2990
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Northumberland Christian School
(Baptist)
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-12
351 5th Street
Northumberland, PA 17857
(570) 473-9786
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Overbrook Preschool And Kindergarten
Daycare / Preschool
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-K
6376 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19151
(215) 877-8945
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
St. James Elementary School
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-8
2602 Buffalo Rd
Erie, PA 16510
(814) 899-3429
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
St. James Elementary School
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: NS-9
8306 Brookside Rd
Elkins Park, PA 19027
(215) 635-4673
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
St. John The Baptist School
(Catholic)
(2)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-8
504 S Broadway St
Scottdale, PA 15683
(724) 887-9550
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
St. Martha Elementary School
(Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-8
11321 Academy Rd
Philadelphia, PA 19154
(215) 632-3720
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Sewickley Academy
Sewickley Academy Photo - For Who You Are. For Who You Will Become.
(10)
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-12
315 Academy Avenue
Sewickley, PA 15143
(412) 741-2230
Rank: #2 - 212. - 21.
Western Pennsylvania School For The Deaf
Special Education School
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Grades: PK-12
300 East Swissvale Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
(412) 244-4214
Rank: #2222.
Penn-mont Academy
Montessori School
Acceptance Rate: 29%
Grades: PK-6
131 Holliday Hills Dr
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
(814) 696-8801
Rank: #23 - 2523. - 25.
St. Peter's School
St. Peter's School Photo
(4)
Acceptance Rate: 30%
Grades: NS-8
319 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-3963
Rank: #23 - 2523. - 25.
Shady Side Academy
Shady Side Academy Photo - Shady Side Academy Senior School resides on a 130- acre campus which offers incredible facilities and resources that enable students to fuel their passions. Advanced level courses, teachers that motivate and support, and a college-like campus all help to prepare students for college and beyond.
(3)
Acceptance Rate: 30%
Grades: PK-12
423 Fox Chapel Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
(412) 968-3179
Rank: #23 - 2523. - 25.
Shady Side Academy Country Day School
Shady Side Academy Country Day School Photo - Our newest outdoor classroom a treehouse, the only one its kind in Western Pennsylvania, and one of only a few across the country. The treehouse features a 12x20-foot enclosed classroom, and large windows. A 30x30-foot observation deck surrounds the building and a suspension bridge which runs from the base of the treehouse to a lookout platform on a nearby tree.
Acceptance Rate: 30%
Grades: PK-5
620 Squaw Run Road East
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
(412) 968-3000
Rank: #2626.
William Penn Charter School
(Friends)
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 31%
Grades: PK-12
3000 W School House Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 844-3460
Rank: #2727.
Germantown Academy
Germantown Academy Photo - Second grade students research various species in the Wissahickon Creek, which runs through the heart of GA's campus.
(5)
Acceptance Rate: 33%
Grades: PK-12
340 Morris Rd
Fort Washington, PA 19034
(267) 405-7070
Rank: #2828.
The Ellis School
The Ellis School Photo
All-girls
(18)
Acceptance Rate: 35%
Grades: PK-12
6425 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 661-5992
Rank: #29 - 3029. - 30.
Friends Central School
Friends Central School Photo - Friends' Central School is an independent, coeducational, Quaker, college-preparatory day school for Nursery through grade 12 students. Located on 41 acres across two campuses in Wynnewood, Pa., Friends' Central cultivates the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical promise of students. Since 1845, Friends' Central has been educating for excellence, inspiring tomorrow's leaders, honoring each individual, and encouraging students to peacefully transform the world.
(Friends)
(1)
Acceptance Rate: 38%
Grades: NS-12
1101 City Avenue
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 649-7440
Rank: #29 - 3029. - 30.
The Shipley School
The Shipley School Photo - Shipley Upper School
(5)
Acceptance Rate: 38%
Grades: PK-12
814 Yarrow Street
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(610) 525-4300
Rank: #3131.
Shady Side Academy Junior School
Shady Side Academy Junior School Photo - Shady Side Academy has four campuses. The Junior School, located in Point Breeze, begins at PK and goes up to the fifth grade. On this seven-acre campus, our youngest students reside in the newest facility built specifically for their needs. This photo shows PK students tending their garden. Our second PK - 5 campus is located in Fox Chapel.
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Grades: PK-5
400 S Braddock
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412) 968-3179
Rank: #32 - 3332. - 33.
Greene Street Friends School
Greene Street Friends School Photo - Middle School, grades 5-8, is marked by a rigorous academic program that recognizes that every child is unique and special. Students participate in many hands-on individual and group projects that promote curiosity and understanding. Students are well prepared for the top high schools, both public and private, in the area.
(Friends)
(4)
Acceptance Rate: 40%
Grades: PK-8
5511 Greene St
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 438-7000
Rank: #32 - 3332. - 33.
St. Edmund's Academy
St. Edmund's Academy Photo - St. Edmund's Academy, Squirrel Hill, PA
Acceptance Rate: 40%
Grades: PK-8
5705 Darlington Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 521-1907
Rank: #3434.
Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr
Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr Photo - Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr is a Catholic, independent college preparatory school for girls K-12, founded in 1865 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Known as SHA, the private girls' school is located in PA outside of Philadelphia with elementary, middle and upper school divisions located on one campus.
All-girls (Catholic)
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Grades: PK-12
480 S Bryn Mawr Ave
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(610) 527-3915
Rank: #35 - 3635. - 36.
The Agnes Irwin School
The Agnes Irwin School Photo
All-girls
(3)
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Grades: NS-12
275 S Ithan Ave
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(610) 801-1869
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pennsylvania average private preschools acceptance rate?
The Pennsylvania average private preschools acceptance rate is 80% for 2025-26.
What are the most selective private preschools in Pennsylvania?

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