Mercyhurst Preparatory School Photo - With full time faculty members experienced in instrumental and vocal music, theatre, and dance, students have the opportunity to explore all facets of performing during their high school careers. Mercyhurst Prep involves students in three main-stage theatre productions, two dance recitals, two choral concerts, two show choir performances, and two orchestral performances annually.

Best Erie Private High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 private high schools serving 1,627 students in Erie, PA.
The top-ranked private high schools in Erie, PA include Bethel Christian School Erie, PA, Cathedral Preparatory School, and Erie First Christian Academy.
The average acceptance rate is 99%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania private high school average acceptance rate of 78%.
71% of private high schools in Erie, PA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Assembly of God).

Top-Ranked Erie Private High Schools (2026)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Bethel Christian School Erie, PA
Bethel Christian School Erie, PA Photo - BCS Basketball before a home game
(Baptist)
(8)
1781 W 38th St
Erie, PA 16508
(814) 868-2365
Gr: PK-12 | 244 students Avg. class size: 17 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Cathedral Preparatory School
All-boys (Catholic)
225 W 9th St
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 453-7737
Gr: 9-12 | 406 students Avg. class size: 23 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 22 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Erie First Christian Academy
(Assembly of God)
8150 Oliver Rd
Erie, PA 16509
(814) 866-6979
Gr: PK-12 | 278 students
Mercyhurst Preparatory School
Mercyhurst Preparatory School Photo - MPS students can participate in studio arts, dance, music, photography, and theater. Mercyhurst Prep offers 49 courses in the performing and visual arts, and the arts faculty is comprised of active award-winning artists who are regularly engaged in exhibiting, performing, and teaching in the community.
(Catholic)
538 E Grandview Blvd
Erie, PA 16504
(814) 824-2210
Gr: 8-12 | 497 students Avg. class size: 23 students Sports: 15 | Extracurrculars: 34 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Community Country Day School
Special Education School
5800 Old Zuck Rd
Erie, PA 16506
(814) 449-3585
Gr: 1-12 | 54 students
Dr Gertrude A Barber Center, Inc
Special Education School
136 East Ave
Erie, PA 16507
(814) 878-4052
Gr: PK-12 | 146 students Avg. class size: 9 students
Triumphant Life Christian Academy
(Christian)
5651 Perry Hwy
Erie, PA 16509
(814) 464-1554
Gr: 3-9 | 2 students
[+] Show Closed Private Schools in Erie, Pennsylvania

Erie, Pennsylvania Private Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
8155 Oliver Rd
Erie, PA 16509
(814) 679-4400
Gr: NS | 60 students Tuition listed
Harbor Creek Christian School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School (Baptist)
4719 Buffalo Road
Erie, PA 16510
(814) 898-3187
Gr: K-12 | 54 students
1012 E 28th St
Erie, PA 16504
(814) 456-7212
Gr: PK-8 | 181 students
2910 Sterrettania Road
Erie, PA 16506
(814) 838-2155
Gr: NS-6 | 104 students
426 Eagle Point Blvd
Erie, PA 16511
(814) 455-1268
Gr: PK-8 | 125 students
2501 Plum Street
Erie, PA 16502
(814) 459-7247
Gr: K-8 | 144 students
606 Raspberry Street
Erie, PA 16502
(814) 454-2454
Gr: PK-8 | 160 students
504 E 27th St
Erie, PA 16504
(814) 452-6874
Gr: K-9 | 176 students
160 W 11th St
Erie, PA 16501
(814) 452-4276
Gr: PK-8 | 268 students
Sarah A Reed Children's Center (Closed 2025)
Alternative School (Christian)
310 E 10th St
Erie, PA 16503
(814) 455-6562
Gr: PK-3 | 54 students
2403 W 8th St
Erie, PA 16505
(814) 453-7737
Gr: 9-12 | 303 students
2551 W 8th St
Erie, PA 16505
(814) 838-5451
Gr: NS-8 | 463 students

Overview

This Town (Erie)
This State (PA)
# Schools
7 Schools

Student Body:

# Students
1,627 Students
118,922 Students
% Average Students of Color
23%
27%

Academics and Faculty:

# Teachers
113 Teachers
12,740 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
9:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
70%
58%
Average Class Size
18 students
14 students
Average Number of AP Courses
13 courses
12 courses
Average SAT score
1120
(Out of 1600)
1227
Average ACT score
20
(Out of 36)
28

Tuition and Acceptance Rate:

Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$8,072
$19,133
Average % on Financial Aid
45%
49%
Average Acceptance Rate
99%
78%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.56
0.54
# American Indian Students
n/a
190 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
132 Students
5,195 Students
% Asian Students
8%
5%
# Hispanic Students
49 Students
6,176 Students
% Hispanic Students
3%
5%
# Black Students
149 Students
13,377 Students
% Black Students
9%
11%
# White Students
1,037 Students
77,591 Students
% White Students
63%
65%
# Hawaiian Students
n/a
100 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
276 Students
16,136 Students
% of Others Students
17%
14%
All Ethnic Groups

Extracurriculars and Sports:

Average Number of Extracurriculars
20 extracurriculars
13 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
11 sports
9 sports

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked private high schools in Erie, PA?
The top-ranked private high schools in Erie, PA include Bethel Christian School Erie, PA, Cathedral Preparatory School, and Erie First Christian Academy.
How many private high schools are located in Erie?
7 private high schools are located in Erie.
How diverse are private high schools in Erie?
Erie private high schools are approximately 23% minority students, which is lower than the Pennsylvania private school average of 27%.
What percentage of private high schools are religiously affiliated in Erie?
71% of private high schools in Erie are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Assembly of God).
Which private high schools in Erie are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Guide to private school financial aid in 2026, with current costs, key planning timelines and practical steps parents need to maximize aid options.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Discover why extracurricular activities remain essential in 2026, with updated research, costs, and admissions insights for parents and students.
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
Learn how to appeal for financial aid after admission to a private school, with expert steps, timelines, and 2026 updates for families.