For the 2025 school year, there are 2,390 private schools serving 276,991 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 $11,420 for elementary schools and $17,237 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in Pennsylvania include The Agnes Irwin School, Grier School, and Mercersburg Academy.
The average acceptance rate is 87% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 27% and the student:teacher ratio is 12:1.
Top Ranked Pennsylvania Private Schools by County (2025)
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 The Agnes Irwin School, Grier School, and Mercersburg Academy.
How many private schools are located in Pennsylvania?
There are 2,390 private schools are located in Pennsylvania.
How much do private schools cost in Pennsylvania?
The average private school tuition in Pennsylvania is $11,420 for elementary schools and $17,237 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, Goddard School vs. Bright Horizons At Cranberry, St. Vitus School vs. New Castle Christian Academy
Recent Articles

How to Apply for a Private School Job
Discover the essential steps to successfully apply for a private school teaching position. This comprehensive guide covers the nuances of the application process, from crafting impeccable credentials to showcasing your passion for education. Learn how to stand out in a competitive field by highlighting your academic background, securing stellar recommendations, and demonstrating your ability to contribute to extracurricular activities.

Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
A musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private SchoolUse this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.