There are many private schools to choose from in the greater Philadelphia area. Finding the right one can make all the difference in your child’s future. The best private schools not only challenge students academically, but also surround them with a community of support. They help students grow as individuals and instill skills and character traits that will serve students well into college and throughout life.
As you evaluate your private school options in Philadelphia, we recommend that you:
- Look for schools that offer small group classes or personalized education. A low student-to-teacher ratio helps all types of students excel academically. Teachers have more time to work with each student in these smaller classrooms, differentiating their instruction towards the student. Some schools, like Fusion Academy, also offer a truly personalized education experience with a one-to-one student to teacher ratio.
- Look beyond rankings to find the right culture and community. Focus on whether the school’s values align with your family’s, and whether the environment will help your child feel confident and supported. This could be a key factor if you’re looking for a school with a specific religious affiliation, such as a Catholic school, Episcopal school, or Jewish school.
- Visit schools to experience the environment firsthand. Observe class sizes, student interactions, and how teachers engage with students to get a sense of the daily experience.
- Talk to current parents and students about their experiences. Ask specific questions about how the school handles challenges, supports struggling students, and prepares graduates for their next steps.
Of course, you also want to factor campus location (including daily commute), tuition, and scholarship opportunities.
In this post, we look at 6 private schools in the greater Philadelphia area, including:
- Fusion Academy
- Germantown Friends School
- The Episcopal Academy
- Penn Charter
- Friends’ Central School
- The Shipley School
6 Best Private Schools in Philadelphia
1. Fusion Academy
Campuses in Ardmore, Malvern, and Warrington + an Online School for Remote Learning
Fusion Academy is an open-enrollment private school for high school and middle school students. Fusion was founded on the concept of personalized learning. Rather than expecting students to adapt to a one-size-fits-all approach, Fusion creates an educational environment that adapts to each individual student’s needs. This makes Fusion Academy a good option for all types of students, including:
- Students with learning differences (see our post on the best schools for learning differences)
- Gifted students (see our post on the best schools for gifted students)
- Students who need a flexible school schedule
- Students who need a specific classroom environment (such as a quieter classroom)
Our one-to-one student-to-teacher ratio allows teachers to fully personalize each lesson. Teachers can meet students exactly where they are academically, giving them the time and space to ask questions, explore ideas, and receive instruction tailored specifically to their needs. This individualized approach also helps teachers identify and address any challenges a student may be facing, creating a learning experience that truly supports growth and confidence.
This education model has proven itself with strong academic results. From Fusion Academy’s class of 2024:
- 99% of applicants were accepted to a 4-year college.
- 87% of Fusion students attended their first-choice college.
- 58% received merit scholarships, with an average award of $51,547.
Plus, Fusion students’ achievement scores grew 41% more in a school year than their peers nationally.
To learn more about the campus closest to you in Philadelphia, you can contact us here.
A Personalized Schedule and Classroom
A student’s personalized education starts at the beginning with Fusion Academy.
Before enrolling at Fusion Academy, students and their family meet with the Head of school to discuss goals, previous educational experiences, learning differences, and areas where the student is most confident. From there, the Head of School and the family will decide if Fusion Academy is the right fit, and if so, the Head of School will make personalized recommendations for the student’s education plan.
When the student begins, they will take these comprehensive assessments:
- MAP® testing covering Language Usage, Mathematics, and Reading with questions that adjust based on ongoing performance.
- Mindprint Learning provides a cognitive assessment that reveals why a student performs at certain levels, helping teachers understand cognitive processes and identify potential challenges.
These insights empower Fusion teachers to design truly personalized learning experiences that evolve throughout the semester. The one-to-one model lets teachers adjust their pace, teaching style, and approach in real-time, based on how an individual student is doing. If a student is struggling with a concept, the teacher can instantly adjust the pace or approach. If a student masters material quickly, they’re free to move ahead without having to wait for the rest of the class.
A student can further customize their education by choosing different class types. Fusion Academy offers:
- Essential courses: These courses are not as academically rigorous as the ones below, but still fulfill graduation requirements.
- College preparatory courses: These courses are designed to help prepare a student for college level courses.
- Honors courses: Advanced coursework for students ready for additional challenge and academic rigor.
- AP® courses: AP® courses prepare students for the AP exam which, if they receive a high enough score, can give them college credit.
For example, a student might take an Essential course in a subject where they need extra support and don’t need to advance to the college level, while still enrolling in college-preparatory and honors courses in their areas of strength.
We have an extensive course catalog – offering everything from Calculus and Mandarin to specialized Structured Literacy courses and innovative Executive Skills development, ensuring appropriate challenge and support for every learner.
Other Key Features of Personalization at Fusion Academy
- Flexible schedules and open enrollment: Campus hours typically run from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, allowing for custom schedules that work around other commitments like athletic programs, theater, or family needs. We also offer online classes, available from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM Eastern Time.
Plus, with open enrollment, students can enroll throughout the year and can also progress onto the next class without having to wait for a semester to end officially.
- Full-time or part-time classes: Students can enroll in a full-time program or take individual Classes for Credit if they’re looking for a select few courses to fulfill graduation requirements.
- Tutoring/mentoring: Beyond regular coursework, Fusion provides additional academic support and mentoring to help students succeed in challenging subjects or develop specific skills. This includes everything from test preparation to executive functioning coaching.
Campus Life at Fusion Academy
Fusion provides rich social opportunities within a small, close-knit campus community – most serving no more than 100 students. This intimate setting makes it easy for students to build meaningful connections with both peers and teachers, while still enjoying a vibrant school life.
From student-led clubs to educational field trips and community service, students gain friendships, confidence, and real-world experience.
Students from the Ardmore campus on a field trip to Michener Art Museum
Each campus has a Quiet Homework Café and a Social Homework Café.
The Quiet Homework Café is a quiet area where students can focus on completing their schoolwork so they don’t need to take it home with them. Every student is scheduled for dedicated time in the Homework Café, which is staffed by faculty members who can help students if they have questions on their schoolwork. Students can also work together or quietly side-by-side.
The Social Homework Café provides a structured environment for socialization, where students gather for lunch, club meetings, and social events. Students develop friendships through clubs, events, and shared interests. Because clubs are student-led, they vary from campus to campus, and they include activities like Model UN, debate, chess, running club, and Dungeons & Dragons.
Teachers actively help students connect with like-minded peers, fostering relationships based on common interests and complementary personalities. This intentional approach to social development ensures that even students who have struggled to make friends at previous schools find their community at Fusion.
How Fusion Academy Prepares Students for College and Life After High School
Fusion Academy helps students develop stronger executive functioning skills, teaching them how to organize their work, manage their time, and approach new subjects with confidence. These skills prove invaluable when students transition to the increased independence required in college.
The one-to-one learning environment helps students become more confident both academically and socially. Students learn to advocate for themselves, ask questions without fear of judgment, and develop the self-assurance they need to thrive in university settings.
Fusion Academy also offers comprehensive post-secondary counseling services that go beyond traditional college counseling. Our nationwide team of post-secondary counselors help students explore all post-graduation options, whether that’s a four-year university, community college, trade school, gap year, or military service. We provide support with resume building, application processes, scholarship searches, and interview preparation.
Learn More about Fusion Academy
If you want to learn more about Fusion Academy, you can:
- Request more information.Select which campus you’re interested in, and someone from the admissions team will reach out to you.
- Read and watch student and parent stories. Our student and parent testimonials talk about gaining confidence, finding and pursuing academic passions, and overcoming challenges.
You can also keep reading to learn about other private schools available in the Greater Philadelphia area.
2. Germantown Friends School
Germantown Friends School offers a Quaker education serving students from pre-K through 12th grade on its campus in Northwest Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood. Founded in 1845, the school enrolls approximately 850 students.
The student-to-teacher ratio is 8:1 across all divisions. The Upper School offers 18 Advanced Placement courses including AP Biology, AP Calculus BC, AP Studio Art, AP U.S. History, and AP Spanish Language. The curriculum includes four years of English, three years of mathematics, three years of science, three years of history, two years of world language, and arts requirements.
The school operates three divisions: Early Childhood (pre-K to kindergarten), Lower School (grades 1–5), and Upper School (grades 6–12). Students participate in weekly Meeting for Worship, as part of the Quaker tradition.
Programs include a robust performing arts department with theater productions and musical ensembles, visual arts studios, and competitive athletics in the Inter-Academic League and Friends Schools League. The school offers varsity sports including lacrosse, basketball, soccer, and tennis.
Community service is integrated into the curriculum, with students completing service learning projects and participating in social justice initiatives. The school also offers study abroad opportunities and internship programs for upper school students.
3. The Episcopal Academy
The Episcopal Academy serves students from pre-K through 12th grade on a 123-acre campus in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1785, the school enrolls approximately 1,200 students across three divisions.
The student-to-teacher ratio is 8:1. The Upper School curriculum offers over 20 Advanced Placement courses including AP Computer Science, AP Physics, AP Art History, and AP Economics. Graduation requirements include four years of English, four years of mathematics, three years of science, three years of history, three years of world language, and arts credits.
The school operates in three divisions: Pre-Primary and Primary School (pre-K to grade 5), Middle School (grades 6–8), and Upper School (grades 9–12). The campus includes modern science laboratories, a 750-seat performing arts center, multiple athletic fields, and a chapel.
Programs include the Signature Experience for seniors, allowing independent research or internships. The school competes in the Inter-Academic League with over 60 athletic teams across sports including crew, field hockey, wrestling, and swimming. Arts programs encompass theater, orchestra, chorus, and visual arts with dedicated studio spaces.
The school offers chapel services twice weekly and religion courses are part of the curriculum. Students can participate in Model UN, debate team, robotics club, and various honor societies.
4. Penn Charter
Penn Charter serves students from pre-K through 12th grade on a 47-acre campus in Philadelphia’s East Falls neighborhood. Founded in 1689, the school enrolls approximately 950 students and is one of the oldest schools in the United States.
The student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1. The Upper School offers over 25 Advanced Placement courses including AP Computer Science, AP Environmental Science, AP Music Theory, and AP Chinese. The curriculum requires four years of English, four years of mathematics, three years of laboratory science, three years of history, and three years of world language.
The school operates in four divisions: Early Childhood (pre-K to kindergarten), Lower School (grades 1–4), Middle School (grades 5–8), and Upper School (grades 9–12). The campus sits along the Schuylkill River and includes science laboratories, arts facilities, and athletic fields.
Programs include engineering and computer science courses, as well as a capstone senior project requirement. The school competes in the Inter-Academic League and Friends Schools League with teams in lacrosse, crew, soccer, basketball, and tennis. Students participate in Meeting for Worship weekly as part of the Quaker tradition.
The school offers study abroad programs, internship opportunities, and extensive community service requirements. Clubs include robotics, debate, Mock Trial, and various academic honor societies.
5. Friends’ Central School
Friends’ Central School serves students from nursery through 12th grade across two campuses in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. The Lower School campus serves nursery through grade 4, while the Main Campus serves grades 5–12. Founded in 1845, the school enrolls approximately 800 students.
The student-to-teacher ratio is 9:1. The Upper School offers over 20 Advanced Placement courses including AP Statistics, AP Chemistry, AP French Language, and AP World History. Graduation requirements include four years of English, three years of mathematics, three years of science, three years of social studies, and three years of world language.
The school operates in three divisions: Lower School (nursery–grade 4), Middle School (grades 5–8), and Upper School (grades 9–12). The Main Campus includes science laboratories, a library, gymnasium, and outdoor athletic facilities.
Programs include a required Senior Project for graduating students and global studies certificate program. The school competes in the Friends Schools League with teams in field hockey, basketball, baseball, and track and field. Students participate in Meeting for Worship and community service requirements.
The arts program includes theater productions, instrumental and choral ensembles, and visual arts studios. The school offers study abroad opportunities, internships, and clubs including Model UN, literary magazine, and environmental action group.
6. The Shipley School
The Shipley School serves students from pre-K through 12th grade on a 22-acre campus in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1894, the school enrolls approximately 850 students across four divisions.
The student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1. The Upper School offers over 20 Advanced Placement courses including AP Biology, AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Studio Art, and AP Psychology. Graduation requirements include four years of English, four years of mathematics, three years of laboratory science, three years of history, three years of world language, and arts requirements.
The school operates in four divisions: Early Childhood (pre-K to kindergarten), Lower School (grades 1–5), Middle School (grades 6–8), and Upper School (grades 9–12). The campus includes science laboratories, a black box theater, ceramics studio, and digital media lab.
Programs include the Senior Capstone Project, Global Studies certificate program, and study abroad opportunities. The school competes in the Inter-Academic League with teams in lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, swimming, and tennis. Students can participate in theater productions, orchestra, chorus, and visual arts classes.
The school offers internship programs, community service requirements, and clubs including debate team, robotics, environmental club, and various academic honor societies. Advisory programs provide ongoing support throughout all grade levels.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in learning more about how Fusion Academy’s personalized approach could benefit your child, we encourage you to:
- Schedule a tour of our Philadelphia area campuses to experience our one-to-one learning model firsthand.
- Learn about our admissions process and how we create individualized learning plans for each student.
- Explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities that can make Fusion Academy accessible for your family.
- Connect with current Fusion families to hear about their experiences and outcomes.
Ready to see if Fusion Academy is the right fit for your child? Contact us today to schedule a visit and learn more about our personalized approach to education.
