Moravian Academy Upper School

For over 280 years, Moravian Academy has been a leader in providing a nurturing, challenging, and forward-thinking educational experience.
As one of the oldest independent schools in the nation, we take pride in our tradition of academic excellence and our ability to adapt and evolve with the needs of today's learners.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked PA School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 848 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $38,318
  • Acceptance rate: 66%
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 30 / Apr. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Moravian Academy Upper School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Dual Language Immersion Program
Secondary Immersion Language
Spanish
Year Founded
1971
Colors
Red, Gold
Last Day of School
Wed. Jun 3, 2026

Student Body

Total Students
848 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
37%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Moravian Academy Upper School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
64%
Number of AP Courses
16 courses
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1275
(Out of 1600)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform Grades K-8, Dress Code 9-12

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 30 / Apr. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition is different by division; beginning, lower, middle, upper
% on Financial Aid
42%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$21,000
Acceptance Rate
66%
National avg.: 81%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Elyse McGovern
Application URL
Endowment Size
$31 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
18 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Affinity GroupsChess
Global LanguagesMath Competitions
MSGC TV StudioRobotics


Arts and Music Programs:
ChorusConcert Band
Guitar EnsembleHandbells
OrchestraOrf
Private Vocal & Instrument LessonsSuzuki Strings
Theatre


Recreational Athletic Programs:
ArcheryCrossfit
Flag Football

School Notes

  • School Motto: Purpose. Presence. Progress.
  • School Mascot: Lion
  • Today's Moravian Academy was founded by Countess Benigna Von Zinzendorf and D. Esther Swain. These innovative women lived nearly two centuries apart, yet they shared the same forward-thinking philosophy: every child, regardless of gender, background, or belief, deserves an education that putsthemat the center.
  • We've lived that philosophy every day since 1742-because it works.
  • Our bedrock commitment to each individual student drives everything we do, from daily classroom lessons to the overarching curricular choices on our two distinct Preschool-Grade 8 campuses. At MA, your family can choose between a fully secular values-based program on theSwain Campus, or one infused by inclusive Moravian traditions and services on theHistoric Downtown Campus. Signature programs at each location develop self-knowledge, subject-matter expertise, and a lifelong love of learning, fully preparing your child for our Upper School. Your family can choose from the extensive outdoor education program of the Swain Campus, the Spanish Immersion Program of the Historic Downtown Campus, and many other multifaceted learning experiences.
  • Wherever they start their MA journey, students come together for Upper School on ourMerle-Smith Campus. This intentionally college-preparatory program fosters independent thinking, advanced research skills, and meaningful citizenship, along with a uniquely confident and joyful approach to life. No wonder our students enroll and succeed at the nation's top universities and pursue significant, satisfying careers.We invite you to learn more about ouracademic programsas well as the respective educational experiences on theSwain,Historic Downtown, andMerle-Smith Campuses. Then, when you're ready, comevisit us in person!
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Moravian Academy Upper School cost?
Moravian Academy Upper School's tuition is approximately $38,318 for private students.
What schools are Moravian Academy Upper School often compared to?
Moravian Academy Upper School is often viewed alongside schools like Bethlehem Catholic High School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Moravian Academy Upper School?
The acceptance rate of Moravian Academy Upper School is 66%, which is lower than the national average of 81%.
What sports does Moravian Academy Upper School offer?
Moravian Academy Upper School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Moravian Academy Upper School's ranking?
Moravian Academy Upper School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Moravian Academy Upper School?
The application deadline for Moravian Academy Upper School is Jan. 30 / Apr. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 30 / Apr. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Calendar

View the Moravian Academy Upper School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
School Closed & Offices Open - Yom Kippur
October 02, 2025 (Thursday)
School Closed & Offices Open - Fall Break
October 13, 2025 (Monday)
School Closed - Professional Development Day for all Faculty
October 14, 2025 (Tuesday)
School & Offices Closed - Thanksgiving Break
November 26, 2025 (Wednesday)
School Closed & Offices Open Intermittently - Winter Break
December 22, 2025 (Monday)

School Reviews

5  
We sent our children to Moravian school until eight grade. We liked the academics and the values and both kids did, too. Both of our children then went on to larger independent high schools, but learned terrific study skills at Moravian.
- Posted by

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked PA School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 848 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $38,318
  • Acceptance rate: 66%
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 30 / Apr. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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The average private school tuition in Bethlehem, PA is $9,755 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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