Glen Mills Schools

The Glen Mills Schools was founded in 1826, originally incorporated as the Philadelphia House of Refuge.
The Philadelphia House of Refuge was the third school of its type in the country, following the New York House of Refuge in 1824 and the Boston House of Refuge in 1825.
The program includes room and board, clothing, behavior management, individual and group counseling, academic and vocational programming, medical and dental services, as well as athletic and recreational opportunities.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked PA School
  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten
  • Enrollment: 743 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Top Rankings

Glen Mills Schools ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:

Category
Attribute
Student Body

School Overview

School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten

Student Body

Total Students
743 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
86%
State avg.: 27%

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
108 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 11:1

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glen Mills Schools's ranking?
Glen Mills Schools ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Highest percentage of students of color and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Glen Mills Schools?
The application deadline for Glen Mills Schools is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

Endorse Glen Mills Schools. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Learning Support vs. Tutoring: What's Included in Private School Tuition?
Learning Support vs. Tutoring: What's Included in Private School Tuition?
Learn the difference between learning support and tutoring, what's typically included in private school tuition, and what parents should ask before enrolling.
How to Evaluate Reading and Writing Instruction in the Early Grades
How to Evaluate Reading and Writing Instruction in the Early Grades
Learn how to evaluate reading and writing instruction in the early grades, including phonics, writing, assessments, and literacy support in private schools.
The Social Fit Interview: Questions to Ask Students, Not Admissions
The Social Fit Interview: Questions to Ask Students, Not Admissions
Discover how talking with current students can reveal a private school's true culture and help families assess social fit before enrolling.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked PA School
  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten
  • Enrollment: 743 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Delaware County, PA is $24,026 for elementary schools and $33,425 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Delaware County, PA is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links