Distinguished by its innovative academic programs and single-sex to coed educational model, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH) offers students-18 months to 18 years-a welcoming learning community set in an urban oasis at the edge of the Wissahickon Valley in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia.
Combining 300 years of academic excellence through the merger of Springside School and Chestnut Hill Academy, SCH is now the largest independent school in the city.
Deeply talented educators prepare our students to be thoughtful, curious, and independent thinkers with the skillset and mindset for future success.
The school's premier facilities, from makerspaces to turf fields, draw students from over 100 zip codes.
Signature programs include entrepreneurial leadership, robotics and engineering, classic and tech-forward arts, a boots-on outdoor education, and a Reggio Emilia-inspired Early Childhood Center.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 1,216 students
- Yearly Tuition: $28,000
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1861
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
1,216 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
150 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
13 courses
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
School uniform varies depending on grade level.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$28,000
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies depending on grade level. Read about our tuition: www.sch.org
% on Financial Aid
58%
Admissions Director
Katy Friedland, Director of Admissions & Enrollment
Admissions Associate
Maggie Baker
Endowment Size
$47 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
17 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
15 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Black Student Union, Cappies, Community Council, Events Council, Gay Straight Alliance, Honor Council, Math Peer Tutor, Mock Trial, Model UN, Robotics, School Newspaper, Service Council, World Language Council, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Players
Black Student Union, Cappies, Community Council, Events Council, Gay Straight Alliance, Honor Council, Math Peer Tutor, Mock Trial, Model UN, Robotics, School Newspaper, Service Council, World Language Council, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Players
School Notes
- The Sands Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) provides unique learning opportunities that empower students to tackle any challenge using entrepreneurial thinking. CEL projects and programs incorporate technology, design, and entrepreneurship in a hands-on, project-based fashion. As they engage with the wider world, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy students graduate ready to shape the future through inquiry, enterprise, and leadership.
- From their earliest years at SCH, students learn to become creative designers and problem solvers through a school-wide engineering and robotics curriculum that is one of the few of its kind in the country. With 20 years of experience, SCH's Engineering & Robotics Team 1218 has won multiple esteemed awards including the World Champion title in 2019.
- Through a significant and enduring commitment to environmental sustainability, SCH students are passionate environmental stewards and thoughtful agents for change.
- As a result of an impressive breadth and depth of experience for students, Pre-K12, SCH students acquire an appreciation for the rich legacy of artistic expression throughout the art and new media skills needed to be digitally and creatively literate.
- SCH students think critically about their roles as global citizens in an increasingly interconnected world and extend their curricular studies and awareness of global issues.
- By exposing students to outdoor education at SCH, they develop confidence and independence, gain new perspectives on their classroom studies, and develop a greater appreciation of and respect for nature.
- Situated on a 62-acre campus in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, the school prides itself on preparing students to lead lives characterized by thoughtfulness, integrity, and a passion to effect positive change. Learn more at www.sch.org/learn.
- SCH is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and the Pennsylvania Association of Private Academic Schools.SCH also holds membership in NAIS, NASSP, CEEB, NACAC, PACAC, and the Cum Laude Society.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Springside Chestnut Hill Academy cost?
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy's tuition is approximately $28,000 for private students and $430 for summer students.
What sports does Springside Chestnut Hill Academy offer?
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy offers 17 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for most sports offered.
What is Springside Chestnut Hill Academy's ranking?
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Springside Chestnut Hill Academy?
The application deadline for Springside Chestnut Hill Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Springside Chestnut Hill Academy located?
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy is located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 4 other private schools located in Chestnut Hill.
School Reviews
5 4/20/2023
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy is an excellent all-school for a family interested in a rigorous education and an environment that creates a well-rounded student. The students that graduate from this institution are strong and focused. They are ahead of the game in every area!!! My husband and I love this school for our two children. It really is top-notch!! The administration is on top of everything and it's refreshing that they are evenhanded and fair when dealing with a diverse group of students from all backgrounds and nationalities.
5 12/15/2021
This is a great school for your kids all the teachers are nice and the academics are superb.
5 5/16/2019
The growth that SCH has experienced since the merger is incredible. The faculty and student body truly live the stated mission. Students are encouraged to pursue their passions; whether they include athletics or visual or performing arts. Faculty is dedicated and caring. Our son is thriving here, and we are so happy that we chose to be part of the SCH community!
5 4/23/2018
SCH is a fantastic place for a student to learn, play, explore, grow, find friends, and gain mentorship. The school has a unique model of single sex education for boys and girls, pre-k through 8th grade, and coed education, 9th through 12th grade. With the rigorous college prep program, Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership from 4th through 12th grades, outstanding robotics & engineering program, arts curriculum, and athletics - all on the edge of the Wissahickon woods - on a 62-acre campus, SCH offers a wonderful academic & extracurricular experience.
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