Featured courtesy of Friend’s Central School
Private, parochial and alternative schools in the Main Line region and western suburbs step up their game for the new school year.
Academy of Notre Dame De Namur
What’s new: A greater focus on mental health through the ND Cares initiative. Private. Grades 6 through 12, girls only. 560 Sproul Road, Villanova, (610) 687-0650, ndapa.org.
The Agnes Irwin School
What’s new: A yearlong focus on nurturing passions and well-being, setting the right conditions for students to feel mentally fortified and prepared to strive for excellence. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 12, girls only. 275 S. Ithan Ave., Rosemont, (610) 801-1869, agnesirwin.org.
Aim Academy
What’s new: A two-story building addition with updated science labs and spaces for emerging technology like robotics, coding, virtual reality and AI. Alternative. Serving bright students with language-based learning differences. 1200 River Road, Conshohocken, (215) 483-2461, aimpa.org.
The Baldwin School
What’s new: Lynne Macziewski begins her tenure as head of school. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 12, girls only. 701 Montgomery Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-2700, baldwinschool.org.
Delaware Valley Friends School
What’s new: A campus expansion project is in the works to add classroom space, offices, updated art studios, a larger cafeteria, an outdoor courtyard and a new entrance. Stormwater remediation will benefit the surrounding community. Alternative. A Quaker education for students who learn differently but are academically high-scoring. 19 E. Central Ave., Paoli, (610) 640-4150, dvfs.org.
Benchmark School
What’s new: A playground upgrade via a partnership with Studio Ludo, a female-run nonprofit focused on play spaces and behavior. Alternative. Serving bright students who learn differently or have yet to reach their academic potential. 2107 N. Providence Road, Media, (610) 565-3741, benchmarkschool.org.
Bishop Shanahan High School
What’s new: New fine arts electives, along with an esports program that serves as a gateway to STEM. Parochial. Grades 9 through 12, coed. 220 Woodbine Road, Downingtown, (610) 518-1300, shanahan.org.
Cardinal O’Hara High School
What’s new: Centers for wood art and ceramics, media, and esports, plus a 3D virtual Anatomage Table for anatomy studies. Parochial. Grades 9 through 12, coed. 1701 S. Sproul Road, Springfield, (610) 544-3800, cohs.com.
Church Farm School
What’s new: The STEM Flex Center, which offers additional classes and equipment to students. Private. Boarding/day, grades 9 through 12, boys only. 1001 E Lincoln Hwy., Exton, (610) 363-7500, gocfs.net.
Devon Preparatory School
What’s new: New turf and an indoor field house to enhance the athletics program. Private. Grades 6 through 12, boys only. 363 N. Valley Forge Road, Devon, (610) 688-7337, devonprep.com.
Episcopal Academy
What’s new: A new playground, plus an Anatomage Table for 3D studies of the human body. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 12, coed. 1785 Bishop White Drive, Newtown Square, (484) 424-1400, episcopalacademy.org.
Friends School Haverford
What’s new: A greater focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; new science and Spanish specialists. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 5, coed. 851 Buck Lane, Haverford, (610) 642-2334, friendshaverford.org.
Germantown Academy
What’s new: A 25,000-square-foot health and wellness center. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 12, coed. 340 Morris Road, Fort Washington, (215) 646-3300, germantownacademy.net.
Germantown Friends School
What’s new: The Center for the Arts, home to programs in dining, culinary and visual arts, engineering, and film studies. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 12, coed. 31 W. Coulter St., Philadelphia (215) 951-2300, germantownfriends.org.
George Crothers Memorial School
What’s new: A prevocational program for unique learners ages 18–21, complete with a full-size kitchen and washer/dryer to teach students independent life skills. Alternative. Serving children with intellectual and physical disabilities. 401 Rutgers Ave., Swarthmore, (610) 328-5955, cades.org.
Gladwyne Montessori
What’s new: A 1,600-square-foot visual and industrial arts center. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 6, coed. 920 Youngsford Road, Gladwyne, (610) 228-0445, gladwyne.org.
The Haverford School
What’s new: Renovated squash courts. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 12, boys only. 450 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, (610) 642-3020, haverford.org.
Hill Top Preparatory School
What’s new: An esports and tech center with a 3D printing lab; a newly renovated wellness center with special programing to facilitate healthy living. Private. Serving college-bound students with neurodiverse learning challenges. 737 S. Ithan Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 527-3230, hilltopprep.org.
Holy Child Academy
What’s new: Rebecca A. Kellich begins her tenure as head of school. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 8, coed. 475 Shadeland Ave., Drexel Hill, (610) 259-2712, holychildacademy.com.
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy
What’s new: Upper school students can pursue studies in STEM, business and entrepreneurship, or art through the Barrack Institutes program. Private. Grades 6 through 12, coed. 272 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 922-2300, jbha.org.
Kimberton Waldorf School
What’s new: A forest kindergarten program that brings students outdoors to learn in every season. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 12, coed. 410 W. Seven Stars Road, Phoenixville, (610) 933-3635, kimberton.org.
Main Line Classical Academy
What’s new: An expanded AP presence, plus classes in soft skills to foster relationships and academic success. Private. Kindergarten through grade 12, coed. 455 S. Roberts Road, Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-2300, mainlineclassical.org.
Malvern Preparatory School
What’s new: The newly constructed Riley Hall provides a center for middle school life. Private. Grades 6 through 12, boys only. 418 S. Warren Ave., Malvern, (484) 595-1100, malvernprep.org.
Media-Providence Friends School
What’s new: A music program with weekly lessons that culminate in a recital. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 8, coed. 125 W. Third St., Media, (610) 565-1960, mpfs.org.
Merion Mercy Academy
What’s new: The Diploma with Distinction program, where students pursue sustainability, leadership and communication, law and justice, or arts and culture through specific courses, co-curricular activities and community service. Private. Grades 9 through 12, girls only. 511 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, (610) 664-6655, merion-mercy.com.
The Miquon School
What’s new: Geetha Holdsworth begins her tenure as head of school. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 6, coed. 2025 Harts Lane, Conshohocken, (610) 828-1231, miquon.org.
Friends’ Central School
What’s new: The Center for Innovation and Design, featuring robotics programing. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 12, coed. Lower School Campus: 228 Old Gulph Road, Wynnewood, (610) 642-7575. Middle & Upper School Campus: 1101 City Ave., Wynnewood, (610) 649-7440. friendscentral.org.
Montgomery School
What’s new: A state-of-the-art innovation center with a makerspace and design lab, plus performance and multipurpose spaces. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 8, coed. 1141 Kimberton Road, Chester Springs, (610) 827-7222, montgomeryschool.org.
Open Connections
What’s new: A pavilion for outdoor learning and plans for a greenhouse. Alternative. Serving students who seek an innovative, collaborative and process-conscious educational environment. 1616 Delchester Road, Newtown Square, (610) 459-3366, openconnections.org.
Perelman Jewish Day School
What’s new: Environmental science programs and entrepreneurial studies. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 5, coed. Stern Center: 49 Haverford Road, Wynnewood, (610) 658-2518. Forman Center: 7601 Old York Road, Melrose Park, (215) 635-3130, visitpjds.org.
The Phelps School
What’s new: The school’s successful athletic program is welcoming high-level athletes from around the world. Private. Boarding/day, grades 6 through 12, boys only. 583 Sugartown Road, Malvern, (610) 644-1754, thephelpsschool.org.
Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr
What’s new: Lower school multiage classrooms honor the whole child and allow for greater flexibility and differentiation in meeting students’ needs. Private. Kindergarten through grade 12, girls only. 480 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 527-3915, shabrynmawr.org.
St. Aloysius Academy
What’s new: An upgraded physical education program with pickleball and new equipment. Private. Kindergarten through grade 8, boys only. 401 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-1670, staloysiusacademy.org.
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
What’s new: Recent renovations provide state-of-the-art technology, updated instructional equipment and athletic facilities, and an improved learning environment. Private. Grades 9 through 12, boys only. 1733 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, (215) 978-1950, sjprep.org.
The Shipley School
What’s new: History electives, including “Modern American Women,” “China After 1500,” “Slavery and Resistance in the Atlantic World” and “World Religions.” Private. Prekindergarten through grade 12, coed. 814 Yarrow St., Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-4300, shipleyschool.org.
Valley Forge Military Academy
What’s new: Renovated apartments for a college-like independent living experience, along with pickleball courts. Private. Military boarding, grades 7 through 12 and junior college, coed. 1001 Eagle Road, Wayne, (610) 989-1200, vfmac.edu.
Holy Child School at Rosemont
What’s new: An outdoor education center for nature, exploration and science. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 8, coed. 1344 Montgomery Ave., Rose
Villa Maria Academy
What’s new: Enhanced STEM programing with wireless 3D printers. Private. Prekindergarten, coed; kindergarten through grade 8, girls only. 280 IHM Drive, Malvern, (610) 644-4864, villamaria.org.
Villa Maria Academy High School
What’s new: A performance center with rehab and exercise equipment for physical therapy. Private. Grades 9 through 12, girls only. 370 Central Ave., Malvern, (610) 644-2551, vmahs.org.
Westtown School
What’s new: The newly renovated Center for the Living Arts, with a digital music and studio production lab, soundproof music practice rooms, and a new catwalk system. Private. Boarding/day, prekindergarten through grade 12, coed. 975 Westtown Road, West Chester, (610) 399-0123, westtown.edu.
William Penn Charter School
What’s new: An updated focus on four core domains: Courageous Learners, Compassionate Friends, Constructive Communicators and Change Cultivators. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 12, coed. 3000 W. School House Lane, Philadelphia, (215) 844-3460, penncharter.com.
The Walden School
What’s new: A multipurpose common area for collaborative STEM activities, with school counseling focused on building emotional intelligence, social awareness and maturity. Private. Prekindergarten through grade 8, coed. 901 N. Providence Road, Media, (610) 892-8000, thewaldenschool.org.
More Schools
Archbishop John Carroll High School
Parochial. Grades 9 through 12, coed. 211 Matsonford Road, Radnor, (610) 688-7610, jcarroll.org.
Armenian Sisters Academy
Private. Prekindergarten through grade 8, coed. 440 Upper Gulf Road, Radnor, (610) 687-4100, asaphila.org.
The Camphill School
Alternative. Serving students with intellectual and development disabilities. 1784 Fairview Road, Glenmoore, (610) 469-9236, camphillschool.org.
Caskey Torah Academy
Private. Prekindergarten through grade 8, coed. 742 Argyle Road, Wynnewood, (610) 642-7870, taphila.org.
Chesterbrook Academy
Private. Six weeks through grade 5, coed. 1190 McDermott Drive, West Chester, (610) 827-5728; 141 Arrandale Blvd., Exton, (877) 335-0818; 1220 Ward Ave., West Chester, (610) 981-2045; 101 Tanner Drive, Exton, (877) 447-2155; 906 S. Media Line Road, Newtown Square, (833) 423-2451; 1560 Bradford Road, Wayne, (877) 356-3398; 3841 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (833) 540-0344; 201 S. Atwater Drive, Malvern, (877) 356-3318; chesterbrookacademy.com.
The Concept School
Alternative. Serving students in need of options for academic growth. 1120 E. Street Road, Westtown (610) 399-1135, theconceptschool.org.
Delaware County Christian School
Private. Prekindergarten through grade 12, coed. 462 Malin Road, Newtown Square, (610) 353-6522, dccs.org.
EBS Children’s Institute
Alternative. Speech therapy, OT, PT and behavioral therapy, plus special needs programs. 200 Skiles Blvd., West Chester, (610) 455-4040, ebschildrensinstitute.com.
Goshen Friends Schol
Private. Prekindergarten through 5 years, coed. 814 N. Chester Road, West Chester, (610) 696-8869, goshenfriends.org.
Kohelet Yeshiva
Private. Grades 6 through 12, coed. 223 N. Highland Ave., Merion Station, (610) 667-2020, koheletyeshiva.org.
The Melmark School
Alternative. Serving students with learning difficulties and challenging behaviors. 2600 Wayland Road, Berwyn, (610) 325-4976, melmark.org.
Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School
Parochial. Grades 9 through 12, coed. 403 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill, (610) 259-0280, bonnerprendie.com.
Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr
Private. Kindergarten through grade 12, girls only. 480 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 527-3915, shabrynmawr.org.
Saint Katherine School
Alternative. Special education for students with IQs below 70. 930 Bowman Ave., Wynnewood, (610) 667-3958, stkatherineschool.org.
The School in Rose Valley
Private. Prekindergarten through grade 6, coed. 20 School Lane, Rose Valley, (610) 566-1088, theschoolinrosevalley.org.
Stratford Friends School
Private. Kindergarten through grade 9, coed. 2 Bishop Hollow Road, Newtown Square, (610) 355-9580, stratfordfriends.org.
The Talk School
Alternative. Serving children with autism and speech/language disorders. 6 Campus Blvd., Newtown Square, (610) 356-5566, talkinc.org.
Technical College High School
Alternative. Half-day technical education programs. 443 Boot Road, Downingtown, (484) 593-5100, cciu.org.
Waldron Mercy Academy
Private. Kindergarten through grade 8, coed. 513 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, (610) 664-9847, waldronmercy.org.
Woodlynde School
Alternative. Serving students with learning differences, executive function challenges, ADHD and auditory processing disorder. 445 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford, (610) 687-9660, woodlynde.org.
Related: Your Guide to Colleges and Schools Around the Main Line
