Pennsylvania Boarding Schools

Schools and students in Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has 10 boarding schools serving 5,112 students. They include 7 co-ed schools, 1 all-boys school and 2 all-girls schools.
Tuition above the national average: Average tuition in Pennsylvania is $76,242, based on 8 reporting schools, 14% above the national average of $66,936.
Financial aid above the national average: On average, 49% of students are on financial aid, based on 9 reporting schools, 6 points above the national average of 43%.
Class size in line with the national average: Classes average 11 students, based on 10 reporting schools, compared with 12 nationally.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Boarding Schools: 10
  • # Students Served: 5,112
  • Average Tuition: $76,242
  • % Students on Financial Aid: 49%
  • Average Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Average Class Size: 11 students
  • Average SAT Score: 1,351
  • % Faculty w/Advanced Degree: 72%
  • % Students Boarding: 76%
  • % International Students: 30%
  • % Students of Color: 37%

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Boarding Schools: 10
  • # Students Served: 5,112
  • Average Tuition: $76,242
  • % Students on Financial Aid: 49%
  • Average Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Average Class Size: 11 students
  • Average SAT Score: 1,351
  • % Faculty w/Advanced Degree: 72%
  • % Students Boarding: 76%
  • % International Students: 30%
  • % Students of Color: 37%

Top Pennsylvania Boarding Schools (2026-27)

George School Photo
Gr: 9-12 | 540 students
Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Avg. class size: 13 students
Tuition listed
Society of Friends
1690 Newtown Langhorne Road
Newtown, PA 18940
(215) 579-6547
(9)
Grier School Photo
Gr: 7-12, PG | 5-12, PG (day) | 250 students
Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Avg. class size: 9 students
Acceptance rate: 50%
Tuition listed
All-girls
2522 Grier School Road
Birmingham, PA 16686
(814) 684-3000
(6)
The Hill School Photo - The Hill School sets a high standard for students in their dress and appearance to express pride in themselves and their respect for one another. Academic Dress is worn throughout the academic day whenever students are in an academic or public area, chapel services, sit-down meals, required evening performance, or any other designated occasion.
Gr: 9-12, PG | 539 students
Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Avg. class size: 10 students
Acceptance rate: 25%
Tuition listed
860 Beech Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 326-1000
(8)
The Kiski School Photo - Beginning in 2024, Kiski will offer co-education, extending our outstanding opportunities and unique educational environment to both boys and girls.
Gr: 9-12, PG | 205 students
Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Avg. class size: 11 students
Acceptance rate: 65%
Tuition listed
1888 Brett Lane
Saltsburg, PA 15681
(724) 639-8035
Linden Hall School for Girls Photo
Gr: 6-12, PG | 90 students
Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
Avg. class size: 8 students
Acceptance rate: 80%
Tuition listed
All-girls
212 E Main Street
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 626-8512
Mercersburg Academy Photo
Gr: 9-12, PG | 442 students
Student-teacher ratio: 4:1
Avg. class size: 12 students
Acceptance rate: 29%
Tuition listed
100 Academy Drive
Mercersburg, PA 17236
(717) 328-6173
(20)
Milton Hershey School Photo
Gr: PK-12 | 2,200 students
Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Avg. class size: 12 students
Non-denom. / Christian
1201 Homestead Lane
Hershey, PA 17033
(717) 647-5507
(1)
Perkiomen School Photo - Innovation Center
Gr: 6-12, PG | 380 students
Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Avg. class size: 12 students
Tuition listed
200 Seminary Street
Pennsburg, PA 18073
(215) 679-9511
(5)
The Phelps School Photo - At Phelps, students are at the heart of all we do. We educate boys in grades 6-12 from potential to purpose.
Gr: 6-12, PG | 100 students
Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Avg. class size: 10 students
Acceptance rate: 95%
All-boys
583 Sugartown Road
Malvern, PA 19355
(443) 386-2199
Westtown School Photo - Campus Photo
Gr: 9-12 | PK-12 (day) | 366 students
Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Avg. class size: 15 students
Acceptance rate: 53%
Tuition listed
Quaker
975 Westtown Rd
West Chester, PA 19382
(610) 399-7900
(44)

Historical Statistics Overview

This State (PA)
US (avg. per state)
# Schools
10 Schools
6.4 Schools

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

# Students
4,999 Students
2,517 Students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Academics and Faculty

This State (PA)
US
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
8:1

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

% Faculty with Advanced Degree
69%
69%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Academic Programs

This State (PA)*
US
* Fewer than 3 schools in Pennsylvania report Avg. IB Courses, so the Northeast regional average is shown for that row.
Avg. AP Courses
20
22

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Avg. IB Courses
24
28

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Avg. Class Size
12
13

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Academic Performance

This State (PA)
US
Avg. SAT Score
1367
1271
Avg. ACT Score
29
27
Avg. Acceptance Rate
56%
59%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Tuition and Finances

This State (PA)*
US
* Fewer than 3 schools in Pennsylvania report Avg. Tuition (International), so the Northeast regional average is shown for that row.
Avg. Tuition (Boarding)
$71,841
$64,455

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Avg. Tuition (Day)
$41,117
$38,004

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Avg. Tuition (International)
$71,634
$62,450

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Avg. Financial Aid Rate
49%
42%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$27,151
$27,075

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Avg. Endowment
$112 MM
$84 MM

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Student Diversity

This State (PA)
US
% Students of Color
38%
30%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

% International Students
31%
27%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

% Boarding Students
77%
59%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many boarding schools are located in Pennsylvania?
There are 10 college-preparatory boarding schools located in Pennsylvania.
What is the average tuition cost of boarding school in Pennsylvania?
The average Pennsylvania boarding school tuition cost is $76,242 per year.
What is the oldest boarding school in Pennsylvania?
Linden Hall School for Girls, founded in 1746, is the oldest boarding school in Pennsylvania.
What boarding school in Pennsylvania has the lowest acceptance rates?
The Hill School has the lowest boarding school acceptance rate (25%) in Pennsylvania.
What boarding school in Pennsylvania has the highest average SAT scores?
Mercersburg Academy has the highest average SAT scores (1403) in Pennsylvania.
Which boarding schools in Pennsylvania are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of boarding schools in Pennsylvania include: Westtown School vs. George School

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