Deborah McCabeMoving to a new city is a whirlwind, and finding the right school for your kids can feel like the highest-stakes part of the journey.
If you’re currently hunting for the best private school in Philadelphia, you’ve likely realized that the academic options here are as diverse as the neighborhoods themselves.
Many of these institutions offer rigorous curricula in which students often use academic tutoring to stay ahead or master complex subjects.
Whether your child needs dedicated math tutors to sharpen their STEM skills or a more comprehensive support, the right school environment makes all the difference.
To help you navigate this transition, I’ve broken down the top contenders in the area, where students actually thrive rather than just survive.
How much does tuition cost in private schools in Philadelphia?
Private school tuition in Philadelphia usually ranges from $14,000 to $20,000, but elite spots can climb much higher.
| School Name | Grade Level | Estimated Annual Tuition |
| Friends Select School | Grades 9–12 | $53,000 |
| Germantown Friends School | All Grades | $30,350 – $51,750 |
| Springside Chestnut Hill Academy | Upper School | $51,600 |
| The Philadelphia School | Preschool–8 | Varies (Need-based aid available) |
| Waldorf School of Philadelphia | Preschool–8 | $14,000 – $20,000 (Average range) |
1. Friends Select School
Website: https://www.friends-select.org/
Address: 1651 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Contact: 215-561-5900
Hours: By appointment
The urban vibe of Friends Select is hard to beat if you want your kids to really know the city.
Their “City as a Classroom” model is a total standout because it uses the Benjamin Franklin Parkway as an extension of the school. With this, students have direct access to museums and cultural spots.
Furthermore, it’s actually the only Pre-K through 12 (PK–12) Quaker school in Center City, so the curriculum is grounded in “SPICES” (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equity, and Stewardship).
While the academic rigor is definitely there, they place a huge emphasis on social justice and wellness, too. I love that they have a unified journey from the early years through graduation.
But, since they are right in the heart of the city, you won’t find the massive, sprawling athletic fields that some suburban schools have. It’s a bit of a trade-off for that prime location.
2. The Philadelphia School
Website: https://www.tpschool.org/
Address: 2501 Lombard Street
Contact: 215-545-5323
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–6 PM
If you’re leaning toward a progressive, inquiry-based approach, The Philadelphia School (TPS) is basically the gold standard around here.
Their “Our Classroom is Everywhere” philosophy means kids are constantly out exploring both urban environments and nature sites.
I actually chatted with a neighbor whose son goes here, and she mentioned how much he loves the hands-on, project-based learning that lets him follow his own curiosity.
The school is specifically designed as a Preschool–8th grade (PS–8) model to focus on those crucial early development years.
They also have a massive commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), which makes the community feel very welcoming.
The only real downside is that they don’t have a high school, so you’ll have to go through the whole application process again once 8th grade wraps up.
3. Germantown Friends School
Website: https://www.germantownfriends.org/
Address: 31 West Coulter Street
Contact: 215-951-2300
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
For families who want a top-tier intellectual culture, Germantown Friends School (GFS) is always at the top of the conversation.
This place is widely known for academic rigor and a seminar-style learning approach that really prepares kids for college-level thinking.
Like other Quaker schools, they weave integrity and social responsibility into everything they do, but they also place a massive focus on the arts, integrated into the daily schedule.
Their PK–12 pathway is great for parents who want long-term stability for their kids. Plus, their athletics program is surprisingly robust for a school so focused on academics.
Just be aware that the environment can get pretty high-pressure, and some students find the workload a bit intense compared to other spots. Also, the commute to Germantown can be a bit of a trek depending on where you live.
4. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
Website: https://www.sch.org/
Address: 500 West Willow Grove Avenue
Contact: 215-247-4700
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
The hybrid model at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH) isn’t something you see every day, given the single-sex classes for younger kids and a coed Upper School.
It’s notable how this setup is meant to give students the best of both developmental worlds as they grow.
I went on a campus tour recently and was honestly blown away by their Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL), where even the little ones learn about design thinking and innovation.
The campus itself is huge; 62 acres right next to the Wissahickon watershed. There’s plenty of room for their championship-level sports teams and outdoor science lessons.
They also have some of the best robotics and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) programs in the region.
However, keep in mind that the single-sex model for those middle years isn’t for everyone, so you’ll want to make sure your kid is comfortable with that.
5. The Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Website: https://phillywaldorf.com/
Address: 6000 Wayne Avenue
Contact: 215-248-1662
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
The Waldorf School of Philadelphia offers a much more holistic, “head, heart, and hands” approach that feels very different from traditional private schools.
Their curriculum is strictly based on child development stages, so they prioritize things
You won’t see a lot of standardized testing or screens here, as the focus is on building creativity and emotional intelligence through practical experiences.like gardening, woodworking, and arts alongside regular academics.
I love its very gentle, community-focused environment where teachers and students often stay together for years to build deep bonds. It’s also a wonderful PK–8 option if you want your child to have a strong connection to nature while living in the city.
But, if you’re looking for a highly accelerated, test-driven academic track to get into elite high schools, this non-traditional structure might feel a bit slow for your taste.
