Girard College is a full scholarship coeducational, college-prep boarding school for academically capable students, grades 1 through 12, from families with limited financial resources, headed by a single parent or guardian.
Girard College is a special admissions school and it's mission is to prepare students for advanced education and life as informed, ethical and productive citizens through a rigorous educational program that promotes intellectual, social, and emotional growth.
Girard's Core Values are integrity, respect, self-discipline, compassion, and responsibility.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: 1-12
- Enrollment: 319 students
- Acceptance rate: 20%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / Mar. 31
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Girard College ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
Sports offered
School History
School Resources
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 1-12
Year Founded
1848
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Campus Size
43
School Motto
Hail Girard!
School Mascot
Cavaliers
Student Body
Total Students
319 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
98%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
14 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 31 / Mar. 31
Tuition Notes
Girard College awards full-tuition scholarships to all qualified students who are accepted. Accepted and qualified families are not charged for our services.
% on Financial Aid
99%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$65,000
Acceptance Rate
20%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Tin Luu
Application URL
Endowment Size
$400 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess, Choral Music, Dance, Debate Club, Many Others, Mock Trial Team, World Affairs Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Instrumental Music
Chess, Choral Music, Dance, Debate Club, Many Others, Mock Trial Team, World Affairs Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Instrumental Music
School Notes
- Girard College is a full-scholarship 5-day-a-week private boarding school for academically capable students, grades 1 through 12, from families with limited financial resources, headed by a single parent or guardian. Girard's mission is to prepare students for advanced education and life as informed, ethical and productive citizens through a rigorous educational program that promotes intellectual, social and emotional growth. Girard's core values are integrity, respect, self-discipline, compassion and responsibility.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Girard College?
The acceptance rate of Girard College is 20%, which is lower than the national average of 81%. Girard College's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Girard College offer?
Girard College offers 13 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Track and Field, Volleyball and Winter Track. Girard College is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for most sports offered.
What is Girard College's ranking?
Girard College ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of students of color, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Girard College?
The application deadline for Girard College is Jan. 31 / Mar. 31.
In what neighborhood is Girard College located?
Girard College is located in the North Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 45 other private schools located in North Philadelphia.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Girard College also viewed these schools: Milton Hershey School, Friends Central School, The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12), Friends Select School and The Kamehameha Schools.
The nearest high school to Girard College is St. Joseph's Preparatory School (0.3 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Hope Christian Academy (0.2 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Gesu School (0.4 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-12 | 2,189 students 79.7 miles 1201 Homestead Ln
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(800) 322-3248
Hershey, PA 17033
(800) 322-3248
79.7
PK-12
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Grades: NS-12 4.9 miles 1101 City Avenue
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 649-7440
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 649-7440
4.9
NS-12
n/a
Grades: 6-12 | 546 students 1.3 miles 910 N. 6th Street (Multiple Campus Locations)
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 792-6224
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 792-6224
1.3
6-12
546
Friends Select School
(Friends)
Grades: PK-12 | 600 students 1.2 miles 17th St & Benjamin Franklin
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 561-5900
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 561-5900
1.2
PK-12
600
The Kamehameha Schools
(Church of Christ)
Grades: 7-12 | 2,441 students 4909.3 miles 2010 Princess Drive
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 541-5339
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 541-5339
4909.3
7-12
2,441
School Reviews
5 4/6/2019
Excellent school
5 7/24/2013
i have two kids ready to attend school next year, but i need to bring them along in December this year standard seven and two.
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