Winchester Thurston School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked PA School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Acceptance rate: 65%
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Winchester Thurston School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-12

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1887

Colors

Black, Purple, Yellow

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

45%

State avg.: 27%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

100 teachers

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

65%

Average Class Size

15 students

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

khaki or blue pants/skirt or jumper, white or blue shirt (PK-8); in grades 9-12, we have a dress code, not a uniform.

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Acceptance Rate

65%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Brooks Follansbee

Sports

Total Sports Offered

9 sports

Sports

BasketballCrew

Cross CountryField Hockey

LacrosseSoccer

TennisTrack and Field

Volleyball

School Notes

Winchester Thurston School leads the way in educational innovation, rigorous academics, scholarly standards, and a learning environment that better prepares students for the challenges of a changing world.
WT is a Jr. Pre-K - 12 independent school in the Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh where students achieve at the highest levels.

School Mascot: Bears

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate of Winchester Thurston School?

The acceptance rate of Winchester Thurston School is 65%, which is lower than the national average of 81%. Winchester Thurston School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.

Does Winchester Thurston School offer a summer program?

Yes, Winchester Thurston School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does Winchester Thurston School offer?

Winchester Thurston School offers 9 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.

What is Winchester Thurston School's ranking?

Winchester Thurston School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Winchester Thurston School?

The application deadline for Winchester Thurston School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

In what neighborhood is Winchester Thurston School located?

Winchester Thurston School is located in the Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA. There are 6 other private schools located in Shadyside.

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Pittsburgh, PA is $13,280 for elementary schools and $18,184 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Pittsburgh, PA is 68% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).