The Phelps School is a private boarding and day school for boys in grades six through 12 and a postgraduate year.
We're a small school--about 110 students--so we can provide each student with a personalized learning experience.
We offer everything from Advanced Placement (AP) courses for gifted students to an Academic Support Program (ASP) for students with learning differences.
What truly differentiates The Phelps School is the dedication we have to each individual boy and helping him to reach his full potential academically, personally and socially.
Our staff and faculty are deeply committed, and involved 24-7 in our students' lives as teachers, coaches, dorm parents and more.
We have competitive athletic teams and all kind of extracurricular activities, all on our 70-acre campus in Malvern, PA.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Grades: (Boarding) 6-12, PG
- Enrollment: 110 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $57,000
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $34,000
- Average class size: 7 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Phelps School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 289 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Student Attention
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Learning Difference Programs
Our comprehensive Academic Support Program is a solid component of our college-preparatory program.
n/a
Year Founded
1946
1907
Campus Size
70 acres
130 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
110 students
314 students
% International Students
33%
20%
% Students Boarding
72%
69%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
14
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
61%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$1.5 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$57,000
$63,925
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$34,000
$35,185
% Students on Financial Aid
40%
40%
Acceptance Rate
Director of Admissions
Admissions
Len Armstrong
Len Armstrong
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
14
17
Courses
AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Statistics, AP United States History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
7
16
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
9
23
Extracurriculars
Yearbook
Club or Organization:
Film Club, Gardening Club, National Honors Society, Woodshop
Arts and Music Programs:
Music, Studio Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness Club, Indoor Sports
Club or Organization:
Film Club, Gardening Club, National Honors Society, Woodshop
Arts and Music Programs:
Music, Studio Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness Club, Indoor Sports
College Matriculation
Year: 2013 - 2014
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
Pennsylvania State University
4
Michigan State University
3
Boise State University
1
Boston College
1
High Point University
1
Skidmore College
1
Syracuse University
1
University of Connecticut
1
Virginia Commonwealth University
1
West Virginia University
1
School Notes
-
The Phelps School is welcoming visitors to campus! Monday-Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm, and by appointment! Call Today!The Phelps School, located in Malvern, Pennsylvania, is a private, nonsectarian boarding and day school for boys in grades six through 12 and a postgraduate year. Founded in 1946 by Dr. Norman T. Phelps, it upholds its original credo of "Dedication to the Individual Boy." True to this philosophy, The Phelps School is committed to providing a highly customized educational experience that empowers each student to reach his fullest potential academically, personally and socially. The school serves a diverse population of approximately 110 students annually, of which 35 percent are international students and 30 are day students.
- With an average class size of seven, The Phelps School offers the ideal setting for boys who thrive in a small, nurturing and structured environment.
- Learning at the Phelps School is personalized for each student and ranges from college-level Advanced Placement (AP) courses for academically gifted students to comprehensive Academic Support Program (ASP) for students with learning differences.
- The Phelps School is known to take a holistic approach to the educational experience, fostering the growth of intellectual knowledge, social awareness, work ethic and commitment to service to develop young men of character and integrity.
- The staff and the faculty at The Phelps School are deeply invested in the wellbeing of each student and his ability to achieve individual success.
- Our student population is highly diverse, uniting students from different cultures and backgrounds and with varying skill-sets.
- The small size of The Phelps School provides every student with numerous opportunities to excel and flourish in academics, athletics and leadership.
- As an all-boys school, The Phelps School understands boys and their needs.
- The Phelps school transforms lives by empowering students to reach their highest potential. We prepare students for college and for life.
- LD types supported: Our comprehensive Academic Support Program is a solid component of our college-preparatory program.
- The Phelps School accreditations: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), International Boys' School Coalition (IBSC)
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Phelps School cost?
The Phelps School's tuition is approximately $57,000 for boarding students and $34,000 for day students.
What sports does The Phelps School offer?
The Phelps School offers 7 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer and Tennis.
What is The Phelps School's ranking?
The Phelps School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small average class sizes and Low student:teacher ratio.
When is the application deadline for The Phelps School?
The application deadline for The Phelps School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
The Phelps School is a school that specializes in providing an individual education to each student. The classes were very small and the staff was more than willing to help me in every aspect. . .
Recent Articles

Nurturing Futures: A Journey through Boarding at Haut-Lac School in Switzerland
Nestled in the hills overlooking Lake Geneva in the French-speaking part of Switzerland lies an educational gem that embodies a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural richness and a profound sense of community. Founded over 30 years ago, Haut-Lac International Bilingual Day and Boarding School is now home to both 600 day students and a maximum of 30 boarders from around the world.

What To Wear at Your Job Interview
Navigating job interviews can be stressful, but knowing what to wear shouldn't be. Our comprehensive guide covers the essential dress code tips for men and women interviewing at boarding schools. Make your first impression count with style and professionalism.

Navigating the Modern Maze: Emerging Challenges for Boarding Schools
Explore the pressing challenges facing boarding schools, from marketing difficulties and rising insurance costs to facility maintenance and recruitment of competent trustees and teachers. This article delves into these complex issues and proposes innovative strategies to overcome them.