The Crefeld School

The Crefeld School is an independent, gender inclusive day school, serving grades seven through twelve. The Crefeld School's mission is to graduate self-aware, empathetic, lifelong learners, who possess an appreciation for diverse perspectives, their role in society, and their ability to act as agents of change. Located in Chestnut Hill, Crefeld provides an intentionally different college preparatory program to help students become their best selves. We embrace a diverse community in which all members are safe, respected, and valued; and we believe that in actively promoting this type of learning environment, we are fostering intellectual, social, and emotional growth for all. We celebrate and value the many ways our community is diverse, including: Ethnic/Racial/Faith,
Geographic (~100 students from ~55 zip codes),  Socioeconomic,  Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity,
Family Systems, and Neurodiversity.  Why do families choose Crefeld? Crefeld is a different kind of school where nobody is the same and everybody can succeed. Everyone has their own unique strengths that add value to the community. Small class sizes, close relationships with teachers and peers from all backgrounds, along with responsive academic and emotional support creates a challenging, creative, and flexible learning environment tailored to each student`s strengths. Who comes to Crefeld? Students from varied backgrounds & walks of life looking for: A Progressive, Student-Centered School
A Safe School that Values Each Student  Extra Learning and/or Emotional Support in a College Prep Environment
Students Who are Smart, Creative, Collaborative Students, who want to take ownership of their learning
Crefeld is accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked PA School
  • Grades: 7-12
  • Enrollment: 91 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $33,910
  • Acceptance rate: 65%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Crefeld School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Gifted; Mild Learning Differences; ADHD; High Functioning ASD
Year Founded
1970

Student Body

Total Students
91 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
34%
State avg.: 26%
Students by Grade
The Crefeld School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
88%
Average Class Size
10 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Financial Aid is Available
% on Financial Aid
48%
Acceptance Rate
65%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Troy Thomas

Sports

Total Sports Offered
2 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
15 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Black Student Union, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, Perspectives (Diversity) Committee

Arts and Music Programs:
Bookbinding, Drawing & Painting, Glassblowing Studio, Glee Club, Mixed Media Sculpting, Modern Dance, Music Performance, Printmaking, Sewing, Theater

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing

School Notes

  • The Crefeld School has an intentionally different approach to a college-prep education-one that empowers every student to grow to their strengths, find meaning in their learning, and feel ownership of their school community. Challenging academics, a focus on social justice and service, and authentic relationships, allow students to become their best selves. In a school that is small by design, with a robust advisory system, students are trusted and respected as individuals, supported and challenged, and become empathetic, lifelong learners. After completing the culminating experience of Graduation by Exhibition, students have identified their passions and talents, know how to address their challenges, and are equipped to achieve their full potential in college and as engaged citizens.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Crefeld School cost?
The Crefeld School's tuition is approximately $33,910 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Crefeld School?
The acceptance rate of The Crefeld School is 65%, which is lower than the national average of 86%. The Crefeld School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.
What sports does The Crefeld School offer?
The Crefeld School offers 2 interscholastic sports: Basketball and Cross Country.
What is The Crefeld School's ranking?
The Crefeld School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for The Crefeld School?
The application deadline for The Crefeld School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
What neighborhood is The Crefeld School located?
The Crefeld School is located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 4 other private schools located in Chestnut Hill.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (5 reviews)
5  
I went through high school at Crefeld, and I think they did as well with me as any school could. I'm autistic and have a lot of problems with getting work done (as well as some sensory issues) and Crefeld generally did a good job accommodating my needs once I articulated them. Teachers are helpful and interested in what they're teaching. Regarding extracurriculars, there's a block of time built into every Friday afternoon where students can take part in various groups, like open art, anime club, and Glee club. I was in Glee for four years and it was a great and supportive environment to get more comfortable performing. I graduated high school last spring, which I don't think I would have if I had gone to the public high school in my area (which has a lot of money but no idea how to use it). Also, Crefeld has chickens and I love them and George has big Principal Flutie energy but in a good way.
- Posted by
5  
this was an outstanding choice for my daughter , and for our entire family! Crefeld faculty are caring, supportive, original - they cared for her and gave her room to be herself. Students there have the chance to work in a glass studio, to travel for a week each year, even to travel internationally. We saw our daughter grow into many new opportunities because she felt so safe there. NO bullying or harassment is tolerated at all. The entire community feels connected to each other and they all celebrate each other's achievements. And at the end of the day, the academic outcomes are terrific - great college acceptance rate, great scholarship offers... You can get to those same results without the stress of AP exams, constant pressure and anxiety! If you are concerned with the direction public education has been forced to take, tour Crefeld and know there is an alternative !
- Posted by
5  
I am thankful that Crefeld is part of my life. This has been a place that has given me many, many amazing friends. My academics are much better here, compared to my old school, and Crefeld has a strong art program including a glass studio. I found a love for glass blowing here that I believe will last me for the rest of my life. The school administration isn't very good but many of the individual teachers are amazing. If you have a kid who is a little bit different you should send them to Crefeld. They will meet people who are just like them, people who understand them and people who care about them. Crefeld is a community of really special people and it has become a family to me in my years here.
- Posted by
5  
I was a transfer student at Crefeld after having a miserable time at GFS. Crefeld provided some control over your education. You had to take required courses but like a college there was your input in which english or science class you wanted .This made me learn more,took more chances in exploring ideas I may not have done before. I loved school again.I went 1980-82 and I can say Mark Goodman was a teacher who was one of the best teachers i ever had. He even created an accelerated class for me and another student ,we had opposite views on the subject and we learned how to listen to both sides.I remember Crefeld encouraging creativity,curiosity and a love for learning.The teachers were involved in helping with teen problems,They were part of the village that raises children.I was allowed to teach theatre class as i had been acting for years. The final result was a play in my families theatre. The teachers were amazing.
- Posted by
5  
Crefeld is a wonderful school. My son looks forward to going every day. Great attention is paid to his academic and personal development. This school is a dream come true.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked PA School
  • Grades: 7-12
  • Enrollment: 91 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $33,910
  • Acceptance rate: 65%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Philadelphia, PA is $8,688 for elementary schools and $15,444 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Philadelphia, PA is 71% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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