For the 2026 school year, there are 2,238 private schools serving 273,514 students in Pennsylvania (there are 2,928 public schools, serving 1,668,648 students). 14% of all K-12 students in Pennsylvania attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $13,080 for elementary schools and $19,143 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in Pennsylvania include Mercersburg Academy, Malvern Preparatory School, and The Agnes Irwin School.
The average acceptance rate is 81% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 27% and the student-teacher ratio is 11:1.
Overview
This State (PA)
US
# Schools
2,238 Schools
Student Body:
# Students
273,514 Students
5,709,608 Students
% Average Students of Color
27%
34%
Student By Grade
Academics and Faculty:
# Teachers
23,942 Teachers
508,013 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
53%
55%
Average Class Size
15 students
15 students
Average Number of AP Courses
12 courses
13 courses
Average SAT score
1229
(Out of 1600)
1233
Average ACT score
28
(Out of 36)
26
Tuition and Acceptance Rate:
Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$14,809
$14,889
Average Summer Program Cost
$1,785
$1,154
Average % on Financial Aid
45%
35%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$6,284
$7,118
Average Acceptance Rate
81%
82%
Average Endowment Size
$56.22 million
$61.83 million
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.60
0.65
# American Indian Students
350 Students
30,180 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
1%
# Asian Students
9,515 Students
265,302 Students
% Asian Students
4%
5%
# Hispanic Students
12,745 Students
507,894 Students
% Hispanic Students
5%
9%
# Black Students
27,502 Students
417,176 Students
% Black Students
10%
7%
# White Students
160,033 Students
2,937,451 Students
% White Students
58%
52%
# Hawaiian Students
253 Students
22,254 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
64,079 Students
1,473,886 Students
% of Others Students
23%
26%
All Ethnic Groups
Extracurriculars and Sports:
Average Number of Extracurriculars
10 extracurriculars
9 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
7 sports
7 sports
Top-Ranked Pennsylvania Private Schools by County (2026)
County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in Pennsylvania?
The top-ranked private schools in Pennsylvania include Mercersburg Academy, Malvern Preparatory School, and The Agnes Irwin School.
How many private schools are located in Pennsylvania?
There are 2,238 private schools are located in Pennsylvania.
How much do private schools cost in Pennsylvania?
The average private school tuition in Pennsylvania is $13,080 for elementary schools and $19,143 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in Pennsylvania?
Approximately 27% of students in Pennsylvania private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in Pennsylvania go to private school?
14% of all K-12 students in Pennsylvania attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Pennsylvania?
Which private schools in Pennsylvania are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Pennsylvania include: Bright Horizons At Cranberry vs. Goddard School, St. Vitus School vs. New Castle Christian Academy, Goddard School vs. Bright Horizons At Cranberry
Recent Articles
Private School Fees Increase Mid-Year: A Parent Action Plan
A 2026 parent action plan for managing mid-year private school tuition increases, including contracts, negotiation tips, and financial options.
Private School Scholarship Scams & Red Flags to Watch Out For (2026 Guide)
Learn how to spot private school scholarship scams in 2026, including red flags, real examples, and expert tips to protect families.
Diversity in Private Schools: Progress and Obstacles in 2026
Explore how private schools are advancing diversity in 2026, key gains made, ongoing challenges, and what families should know.
