10 Best Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania in 2024

When we leave home to attend school, it is a familiar and sad event for all of us. For all of us, it’s typically an emotional time. 

But the crucial point is that if we reside at home, we should look for a place similar to home.

Let me explain why choosing one of the best boarding schools in Pennsylvania may be the best option before deciding on a school.

Our Kids claims that boarding schools provide several advantages for pupils. The choice to attend boarding school is the initial action in what many see as a major choice; by doing so, you will benefit in the long run from its benefits.

However, many prominent people, including previous presidents, actresses, athletes, famous business people, and other politicians, started their educational careers at private schools.

While we discuss boarding schools more broadly, we will mostly concentrate on boarding schools in Pennsylvania.

Let’s get started!!

Editor’s Pick: 10 Best Boarding Schools in Ohio | Requirements, Costs & How to Apply

Are there Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania?

You might be curious as to whether Pennsylvania has boarding schools. Yes, Pennsylvania is home to numerous boarding schools. These boarding schools are either co-educational, all-boys, or all-girls.

They include:

• The Hill School
• Westtown School
• Perkiomen School
• Linden Hall School for Girls
• Valley Forge Military Academy and College
• George School
• Mercersburg Academy
• Solebury School
• The Kiski School
• Shady Side Academy
• The Phelps School
• Milton Hershey School Admissions Office
• Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School
• Girard College
• Carson Long Military Academy

See More Boarding School: Best Boarding Schools In Oregon |

How Much Do Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania Cost?

You might also wonder how much these boarding schools cost on average.

Pennsylvania schools typically have no tuition, whereas private boarding schools can be expensive, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 per year. 

This also applies to the military academies in Pennsylvania.

Check Also: Best Boarding Schools in Florida |

Are there Cheap Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania?

Due to how costly boarding schools are, some parents might want to know if there are affordable boarding schools in Pennsylvania.

Most public boarding schools in Pennsylvania are tuition-free, but the private ones are expensive, except for some affordable ones.

These affordable ones include:

• Lancaster Mennonite School, with a yearly tuition of $10,250
• Pine Forge Academy, with a yearly tuition of $18,250
• Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, with a yearly tuition of $21,125

You Should Check Out: Best Boarding Schools in Ohio

What are the Best Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania?

We used the following rating criteria to accurately identify the best boarding schools in Pennsylvania. Thus, they comprise;

To make sure they hold respectable places, we checked their rankings. As a ranking element, we used Boarding Schools Review.

Also, we ranked these schools according to their areas of specialization in light of the challenges associated with admission. As far as we’re aware, equestrian schools are the focus.

Many students at this school must attend college after completing their studies there. We also evaluated this institution by looking at the average percentage of graduates who enroll in colleges immediately.

Therefore, the best boarding schools in Pennsylvania include the following:

• George School
• Hill School
• Mercersburg Academy
• Perkiomen School
• Shady Side Academy
• Solebury School
• Westtown School
• Valley Forge Military Academy
• Milton Hershey School
• Linden Hall

Don’t Fail to Read: Best Boarding Schools in Washington State

1. George School

The best boarding school in Pennsylvania is George School. And the cause is not difficult to understand because it is evident in how they approach everything.

In contrast to others, this boarding school allows you to experience and investigate extracurricular activities. According to them, pupils can experiment with calculus, participate in sports, and use 3D printers.

Also, one of the most difficult courses in an International Baccalaureate program, according to George School, is offered. They also offer other classes, including AP calculus and Spanish Seminars.

In addition, teachers at George School encourage and assist pupils in choosing their courses. In essence, their demanding learning environment continues to attract students.

• Nature of School: Private
• Student-to-teacher ratio: 7:1
• Location: Newtown, PA
• Graduation rate: 98%.

Visit School Here

See Also: Best Boarding Schools in Georgia

2. Hill School

Hill School was established in 1852 and has a long history of tradition and quality. This is the basis for many of their outcomes today, and it has obediently followed this course.

Character is highly valued in Hill School. They contend that character is what our modern world needs to advance. Their motto, “Whatever things are true,” encapsulates their philosophy perfectly.

Furthermore, Hill School firmly believes in the importance of community, respect, and goodwill. They encourage pupils to maintain relationships with their teachers outside of the classroom.

Also, they are now a top academic institution due to this connection. Just consider what it would be like to attend a school where the curriculum is constantly updated to reflect current requirements.

This school has a strong sense of community and shared success among the students. So, regardless of whether kids excel in athletics or academics, the reward structure remains the same.

• Nature of School: Private
• Student-to-teacher ratio: 9:1
• Location: Pottstown, PA
• Graduation rate: 100%

Visit School Here

Check Also: Best Boarding Schools in California

3. Mercersburg Academy

Mercersburg Academy is an outstanding boarding school in Pennsylvania. They have a history of innovation and brilliance, which sets them apart in every way.

Mercersburg Academy has a student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1, with 442 pupils. In addition to the number of students, there are 104 faculty members.

With an average class size of 11, students can enroll in 107 courses offered at this school. Additionally, students can participate in an exchange program in Chile or Germany.

Since its founding, this school has generally spent over $297 million. In essence, more than 50% of their pupils have benefited from financial aid of some kind.

• Nature of School: Private
• Student-to-teacher ratio: 4:1
• Location: Mercersburg, PA
• Graduation rate: 100%

Visit School Here

You Should Check Out: Best Boarding Schools In Utah

4. Perkiomen School

Among the best boarding schools in Pennsylvania is Perkiomen School, founded in 1875, which continues to encourage bravery, strength, and fortitude. They continue to be admired and held in great regard for this reason.

The Perkiomen School encourages its students’ curiosity and capacity for problem-solving. They can therefore afford the best liberal arts education available.

However, they are dedicated to creating a diverse and talented student body as a boarding and day school, a location where students may meet and work together to solve problems in the real world.

In addition, students have the choice to follow their interests in the world outside of school. In reality, this desire strengthens the bonds between students and their teachers.

• Nature of School: Private
• Student-to-teacher ratio: 6:1
• Location: Pennsburg, PA
• Graduation rate: 100%.

Visit School Here

See Also: Best Boarding Schools in New York

5. Shady Side Academy

Shady Side Academy consistently pushes its students to think critically. From a one-room schoolhouse, they have expanded into a sizable educational community.

Furthermore, they aggressively teach and advise forward-thinking pupils at well-respected private schools to help them meet their goals and ambitions. These outcomes serve as the basis for their construction.

At Shady Side, there is always a trail that students will take to accomplish their objectives.

• Nature of School: Private
• Student-to-teacher ratio: 8:1
• Location: Pittsburgh, PA
• Graduation rate: 100%

Visit School Here

Read Also: Best Boarding Schools In Chicago |

6. Solebury School

In contrast to other institutions, Solebury adheres to a particular ideology. They think that because young people want to study, all that is required is to design a curriculum that best satisfies that desire.

However, their investigative work and drive to link several fields do, in fact, clearly convey this. They have learned a lot and innovated a lot thanks to this inquiry.

Furthermore, teachers and kids may easily connect at Solebury because of the atmosphere of respect. As a result, they abandon conventional patterns that have a limited association.

You are enrolled in one of Pennsylvania’s top boarding schools when you attend Solebury. A location where you can build a path for your goals and aspirations.

• Nature of School: Private
• Student-to-teacher ratio: 5:1
• Location: New Hope, PA
• Graduation rate: 100%.

Visit School Here

7. Westtown School

Westtown School is the oldest continually running co-educational boarding school, founded in 1799. Their cause is supported in every way by their extensive history and supporting evidence.

Furthermore, Westtown School holds accreditation from the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools. As a result, 85 percent of their 107 teaching faculties’ students are on campus.

Also, this university’s campus spans more than 600 acres of land. The school occupies most of the property, but the remaining areas also have an educational organic farm.

In addition, the student body there is extremely diversified. Over 19 states and 17 foreign nations are represented among the students at Westtown. Scholarships and prizes totaling $9.5 million have been awarded to these students.

Academically and athletically, Westtown students achieve exceptionally well. They thrive in basketball, soccer, badminton, and athletics because of their varied sports facilities.

• Nature of School: Private
• Student-to-teacher ratio: 8:1
• Location: West Chester, PA
• Graduation rate: 100%.

Visit School Here

8. Valley Forge Military Academy

Valley Forge Academy is a school that is solely dedicated to fostering both intellectual and personal power. Many of their kids have succeeded in achieving this goal.

However, the activities of this academy are governed by five ideologies. These pillars include academic excellence, moral development, self-motivation, physical growth, and leadership.

Also, their combined military and academic communities help them accomplish these goals. A group of people who value friendship and knowledge at all levels.

In addition, their teachers impart knowledge to these pupils about life and several topics in every faculty. Each student can interact with their teacher personally to find a solution to an issue.

Finally, your life, character, and personality will be polished once you graduate from the cadet program as a young man. As a result, they rank as one of Pennsylvania’s top boarding schools.

• Nature of School: Private
• Student-to-teacher ratio: 13:1
• Location: Wayne, PA
• Graduation rate: 100%.

Visit School Here

9. Milton Hershey School

The Milton Hershey School was established in 1909 by Milton and Catherine Hershey. 

However, this school was founded to serve children from low-income households. Over 10,000 student lives have been changed as of today.

The Milton Hershey School doesn’t stray from its guiding ideas. Integrity, a good attitude, respect for one another, and dedication to the objective are some of these principles, sometimes known as their sacred values.

Despite being a free boarding school in Pennsylvania, they care for its students’ social and economic needs. The goal is still to assist people in leading more fruitful lives.

Furthermore, this school enrolls around 2,100 students through the 12th grade without accepting international students. The number of boys and girls attending their school is equal.

Also, all students receive an unrestricted education in a warm, familial environment. Eight to twelve students are living there in more than 180 student homes.

• Nature of School: Private
• Student-to-teacher ratio: 10:1
• Location: Hershey, PA
• Graduation rate:80%

Visit School Here

10. Linden Hall

Lindel Hall is a private residential school for girls established in 1746. It has continued to be the oldest independent boarding school in the United States since it began operating.

However, they continue to influence and inspire young women as a school dedicated to girls’ education. They essentially accomplish this by providing a platform for kids to learn knowledge and practical life skills.

Furthermore, their graduates have achieved outstanding careers in various businesses. More than 45 different countries and 15 different US states send students to their programs.

Also, the aviation centers and unique riding programs offer the girl pupils real-world experience. They are undoubtedly among the best boarding schools in Pennsylvania due to their residence area.

In addition, a structure dedicated to hands-on work in engineering and robotics classrooms across various topic areas was recently launched as “Makerspace.”

• Nature of School: Private
• Student-to-teacher ratio: 6:1
• Location: Lititz, PA
• Graduation rate: 100%

Visit School Here

Additionally, we have decided to group these boarding schools into several categories based on where they may be situated in North Carolina and why they were founded.

Continue reading!!

What are the Boarding Schools in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

Pittsburgh is a city in western Pennsylvania at the confluence of three rivers. It is also home to some of the boarding schools found in the State.

These boarding schools include:

• Shady Side Academy
• First Love Christian Academy
• Cornerstone Christian Preparatory Academy at Wilson Campus

What are the Boarding Schools in Hershey, Pennsylvania?

Hershey is just east of Pennsylvania’s state capital, Harrisburg. It also houses some of the boarding schools located in Pennsylvania. These boarding schools include all-girls, all-boys, and even co-educational boarding schools.

They include:

• Milton Hershey School Admissions Office
• The Vista School

What are the Elementary Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania is home to a large number of elementary boarding schools. Most students attending these middle schools are in grades 4 through 9.

The elementary boarding schools in Pennsylvania include:

• Westtown School
• Linden Hall School for Girls
• George School
• Perkiomen School

Are there Public Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, there are a lot of public boarding schools. The General Assembly and local school boards, whose members are elected, control how Pennsylvania’s public and boarding schools are managed and funded.

These public schools include:

• Milton Hershey School

Are there Private Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania?

There are typically only a handful of excellent public boarding schools. Therefore, the rest are private.

Indeed, there are numerous private boarding schools in Pennsylvania. 

Some of these schools include:

• Shady Side Academy
• Solebury School
• Lindel Hall
• Perkiomen School

What are the All-Girls Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania?

Only girls are admitted to several boarding schools in Pennsylvania. So, here are some of them if you’re seeking an all-girls boarding school in Pennsylvania:

• Linden Hall
• The Grier School

What are the All-Boys Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania?

Only boys are admitted to several boarding schools in Pennsylvania. So, here are some of them if you’re looking for an all-boys boarding school in Pennsylvania:

• Church Farm School
• The Kiski School
• The Phelps School
• Valley Forge Military Academy
• Carson Long Military Institute

Are there Military Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania?

Your kid must undergo the necessary training over an extended period if they want to join the military. Your child will benefit from military boarding school. So, the amazing military boarding schools in Pennsylvania include:

• Valley Forge Military Academy
• Carson Long Military Institute

What are the Christian Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania?

Christian boarding schools educate children while guiding them in the proper direction. Here are some of the best Christian boarding schools in Pennsylvania from which you can choose if you want to enroll your child:

• Church Farm School
• George School
• Westtown School
• Blue Mountain Academy

What are the Therapeutic Boarding Schools in Pennsylvania for Troubled Youths?

Therapeutic boarding schools provide extra attention and care to help ill students recover from their conditions. Therefore, you should consider enrolling your child in a therapeutic school if they have a chronic disease or undesirable behaviors.

Therefore, the best therapeutic schools in Pennsylvania include the following;

• Agape Boarding School
• Elk Mountain Academy
• House of Hope – Kansas City
• Master’s Ranch
• Master’s Ranch – West
• Cornerstone Christian Preparatory Academy at Wilson Campus

Conclusion

When you look at them closely, there are some obvious distinctions between two children who attended two different schools—one a boarding school and the other a day school.

Of course, boarding schools prioritize every element of the student’s life, unlike day schools, from his academic standing to his sense of direction, focus, and general demeanor.

You can choose from any of the schools above to enroll your child in a boarding school for boys or girls.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

• kiiky.com–
• niche.com–
• niche.com–