Types of Pennsylvania Private Schools

Private schools vary in terms of structure, curriculum, and teaching methods. The Pennsylvania Department of Education provides a database of all registered private schools in the state here.

Classical schools

Following the educational model of the ancient Greek and Romans, classical schools structure curriculum following the three stages of the Trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric). In the grammar stage, elementary students focus on memorizing facts, new vocabulary, and rules in math. In the logic stage, middle school students analyze the “why”—the reasoning and logic—behind the facts. In the rhetoric stage, high school students master the art of persuasion and communication. The three stages build on each other and produce students with a deep knowledge base and the tools to communicate effectively.

Advantages of classical schools include that tuition tends to be lower (nationwide average is under $8,000/year) and students reportedly perform well on the ACT and SAT.

Examples of classical schools in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia Classical School (Philadelphia), Covenant Christian Academy (Harrisburg), Veritas Academy (Lancaster), and Trinity Christian School (Pittsburgh).

Religious schools

Catholic schools make up the largest number of religious schools, but there are also private schools run by Protestants, Muslims, Jews, and other religious faiths. Religious schools can overlap with the other forms of private school; for example, many Christian schools teach the classical method mentioned above. A distinctive characteristic of religious schools is often a religion-centered approach to education, but this is not always the case. Depending on the school, a student may or may not need to affirm a statement of faith.

Examples of religious schools in Pennsylvania include All Saints Academy (Scranton), Logos Academy (York), and Al-Aqsa Islamic Academy (Philadelphia). 

Secular private schools

Nonreligious and independent private schools is a broad category that includes a variety of institutions. Some secular schools have curriculum focused on college prep while others practice innovative teaching methods. These private schools serve a much smaller student base than religious schools; in fact, only about 20% of private school students attend nonsectarian schools. These schools are also usually more expensive, double the average Catholic school tuition cost.

Examples of secular private schools in Pennsylvania include Sewickley Academy (Allegheny County), The Grayson School (Philadelphia), and Agnes Irwin School (Montgomery County).

College preparatory boarding schools

“Prep schools” are known for their highly motivated environment, high-quality teachers, academic achievements, and specialized extracurriculars. Living away from home with their teachers and classmates at school, students are also taught to be independent and prepared for college life. All of these features come at a big price tag, however, with an average cost of almost $57,000 per year.

Examples of prep schools in Pennsylvania include The Hill School (Pottstown), Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh), Mercersburg Academy (Mercersburg), and Friends Select School (Philadelphia).

Montessori schools

Montessori schools follow a hands-on, “follow the child” approach that was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. The approach emphasizes creativity, self-direction, and experiential learning. In mixed-age classrooms, children choose their work and learn at their own pace. Rather than teach in front of the room, instructors act as guides and will often interact with the children on an individual or small group basis.

Sounds unconventional? Yes, but Montessori schools have produced unconventional alumni, including Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Sergey Brin (cofounder of Google), and Larry Page (cofounder of Google).

Examples of Montessori schools in Pennsylvania include Keystone Montessori School (Pittsburgh), Clementine Montessori School (Philadelphia), and East Shore Montessori School (Harrisburg).

Waldorf schools

The Waldorf method seeks to encourage well-rounded, independent thinking through a broad curriculum. Waldorf Schools integrate arts into each subject, encouraging storytelling, music, drama, and even rhythmic movements in classrooms. Proponents of the method hold that a “focus on relationships, the arts, the imagination and nature educates the whole child: ‘the head, the heart and the hands.’” Illustrative of the method’s emphasis on relationships, a Waldorf teacher will often follow her students through the grades.

Examples of Waldorf Schools in Pennsylvania include Waldorf School of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh), The Waldorf School of Philadelphia (Philadelphia), and Susquehanna Waldorf School (Marietta).

Special education schools

Private special education schools are designed and equipped to teach students that need unique care. Students are supported by a variety of trained staff, including special education teachers, behavioral specialists, counselors, nurses, and therapists.

Examples of special education schools in Pennsylvania include: The Watson Institute (Allegheny County), New Story Schools (Allegheny County), and Elywn (Philadelphia).