The Davidson School is an Approved Private School for students, ages 3 through 21, with special needs.
Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Davidson School has four locations: Chester, Media, Philadelphia, and West Chester, PA.
In addition to academic instruction, students receive special education instruction, physical and occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychological and vision services, social skills training, and behavior support.
The Davidson School provides a highly structured classroom environment with a low student-to-staff ratio.
Davidson School offers programming for students with: Autism Spectrum Disorder Communication Difficulties Medically Fragile Mental Retardation Neurological Impairments Physical and Cognitive Disabilities Sensory Impairments Social-Emotional and Behavioral Challenges The Davidson School is committed to meeting the needs of each student by fostering self-determination and independence, as well as by assisting him or her in the transition from early years through school age and from school age to adulthood.
The members of our professional staff maintain a current certification and/or license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for their area of expertise.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked PA School
- School Type: Special Education School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 305 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Davidson School Elwyn Inc ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School History
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Intellectual, emotional, developmental and physical disabilities
Year Founded
1852
Campus Size
250 acres
Student Body
Total Students
305 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
65%
State avg.: 27%
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.:  13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
School Notes
- Students are referred to the Davidson Schol by their local school district. Please contact your local school district office. The Davidson School serves students from 55 school districts in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Davidson School Elwyn Inc's ranking?
Davidson School Elwyn Inc ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Highest percentage of students of color, Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Davidson School Elwyn Inc?
The application deadline for Davidson School Elwyn Inc is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5  5/13/2017
I have worked at the Elwyn Davidson School for 10 years. The staff and administration are all dedicated to the best interest of each student. I would never hesitate to send my child here, knowing they will be cared for and educated in a safe, nurturing environment.
5  5/17/2016
I am seeking an environment that won't discontinue learning by making my son's main focus a job skill. An environment that aims to learn who the student is and build on the proven strengths.
Endorse Davidson School Elwyn Inc. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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