News Summary
Niche has unveiled its annual rankings for the best high schools in Pennsylvania, highlighting public and private institutions. Among local schools, Shady Side Academy, Winchester Thurston School, and The Ellis School made the top 25. Mercersburg Academy was named the best in the state, with Germantown Friends School and Episcopal Academy following. The rankings consider various factors including academic performance and student feedback, revealing a significant number of top schools in the Philadelphia area. The report serves as a valuable resource for families seeking quality education options.
Pittsburgh, PA – Niche has released its annual rankings for the “2025 Best High Schools in Pennsylvania,” showcasing both public and private institutions throughout the state. The rankings spotlight schools in southwestern Pennsylvania, revealing that Shady Side Academy, Winchester Thurston School, and The Ellis School are the only local schools to secure spots in the top 25 statewide rankings.
This year, Mercersburg Academy, located in Franklin County, earned the distinction of being the best high school in Pennsylvania. Aside from leading the state rankings, Mercersburg Academy also holds the position of 89th-best private high school nationally. Following closely behind, Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia is ranked as the second-best high school in the state, while the Episcopal Academy in Delaware County claims the third position.
The analysis from Niche is comprehensive, relying on various data points to determine school rankings. Among the seven weighted factors used by Niche are academic performance, culture and diversity, sports, clubs and activities, resources, and feedback collected from parents, teachers, and students.
Out of the top 25 high schools in Pennsylvania, a noteworthy concentration of 19 schools are situated in the Philadelphia area, indicating a significant academic presence in that region. The rankings reflect a broader trend in educational quality and diversity across the state.
Focusing on public high schools in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, several notable institutions garnered commendable grades. The following schools are highlighted for their academic performance and favorable student-to-teacher ratios:
- Beaver Area School District: 644 students, 16:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade B+
- Trinity Area School District: 1,093 students, 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade B+
- Pittsburgh Public Schools (various locations):
- Enrollment of 542 (8:1 ratio), grade B+
- Enrollment of 616 (16:1 ratio), grade B+
- Enrollment of 845 (17:1 ratio), grade B+
- Enrollment of 1,362 (13:1 ratio), grade A-
- North Hills School District: 1,383 students, 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade A-
- Bethel Park School District: 1,338 students, 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade A-
- Fox Chapel Area School District: 1,283 students, 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade A+
- Upper St. Clair School District: 1,288 students, 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade A+
- Mt. Lebanon School District: 1,840 students, 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade A+
- North Allegheny School District: 2,666 students, 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade A+
The overall performance of high schools in the Pittsburgh area demonstrates a commendable commitment to academic excellence, well-supported by favorable student-to-teacher ratios. The rankings provide insight into the educational landscape of Pennsylvania, highlighting both the strengths and areas for improvement across diverse districts.
As educational institutions continue to strive for excellence, these rankings by Niche serve as an essential guide for parents, students, and educators alike, helping them make informed decisions about education in Pennsylvania.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Best High Schools Southwestern Pennsylvania
- Google Search: Best High Schools in Pennsylvania
- WPXI: Best Public High Schools Pittsburgh Metro Area
- Wikipedia: Education in Pennsylvania
- Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Schools Class Rank and Mental Health
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- Stacker: Best Public High Schools Pittsburgh Metro Area
- Google News: Pennsylvania High School Rankings
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