Brandywine Valley Guide to Private and Independent Schools
Our guide to local open houses
To view as a PDF, click here.
Pennsylvania
Atglen
West Fallowfield Christian School
795 Fallowfield Rd. 610-593-5011; WFCS.org
For over 80 years, West Fallowfield Christian School has partnered with families and churches to nurture and grow children on their spiritual, academic and social-emotional journey. WFCS is a private preschool through high school that creates an environment where children feel safe, respected and seen as the unique individual God created them to be. Their teachers and staff pray that each student, past, present and future, will leave the school equipped to shine for Jesus and make a difference in the world.
Open Houses: Jan. 29, 6:30 pm; Feb. 25, 9 am
Bryn Mawr
The Agnes Irwin School
275 S. Ithan Ave. 610-801-1869; AgnesIrwin.org
Agnes Irwin says, We Know Girls. Founded in 1869 by Miss Agnes Irwin, the great-great-granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin, The Agnes Irwin School is nationally recognized as an all-girls, independent college preparatory school for PreK–grade 12. They provide not only a rigorous academic experience for students, but also competitive athletic teams and robust STEM and visual and performing arts curricula that allow girls to explore their creativity, think critically and become empowered leaders.
Open House: Apr. 15, 8:30 am
Touring Tuesdays: Feb. 17, Mar. 10, Apr. 21, May 12
St. Aloysius Academy
401 S. Bryn Mawr Ave. 610-525-1670; StAloysiusAcademy.org
Founded in 1895 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Aloysius Academy is the only private, Catholic, all-boys K–8 school in the Philadelphia area. Boys thrive in an engaging and challenging academic environment designed to recognize their individual needs and nurture their unique gifts and talents. The faith-based approach fosters strong character, leadership and confidence. Experience the difference of an education built on tradition, faith and excellence.
Open Houses: Jan. 28 & Mar. 11, 9 am
Schedule a private tour, Admissions@StAloysiusAcademy.org
Chester Springs
Montgomery School
1141 Kimberton Rd.
610-827-7222; MontgomerySchool.org
Montgomery School nurtures students from preschool through 8th grade, valuing both childhood development and future success. Students engage in bold thinking, creative problem-solving and compassionate leadership, with teachers who model these important skills. As students advance, they build proficiency across subjects, gaining confidence, a strong knowledge base and essential life skills that set them up for future success.
Schedule your personal tour
Malvern
Malvern Preparatory School
418 S. Warren Ave.
484-595-1100; MalvernPrep.org
Malvern Preparatory School is an independent Augustinian school for young men in grades 6–12, offering its students a nurturing, Catholic community in which they can grow and become the best possible version of themselves. The curriculum balances rigorous academics, extracurricular commitment, spiritual development and Christian service, providing an experience that places students at the center of learning.
To learn more about Malvern Prep, contact the Office of Admissions at 484-595-1173 or visit MalvernPrep.org/Visit
Villa Maria Academy High School
370 Central Ave. 610-644-2551; VMAHS.org
Villa Maria Academy High School is an independent Catholic college preparatory school founded by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, where motivated young women grow with intention and uplift others in a faith-filled and nurturing community. Located on 45 acres at the west end of the Main Line in Malvern, Villa Maria encourages students to build lives of purpose at a pivotal time in life through process-driven intellectual rigor, excellence in athletics and the arts, spiritual growth and a commitment to service.
7th Grade Practice Exam: Mar. 21, 9 am
7th Grade Visit Villa Days: Apr. 13, 20, 30
Spring Admissions Fair: May 6, 5 to 7 pm
Learn more and register at VMAHS.org/Events
Villa Maria Academy Lower School
280 IHM Dr. 610-644-4864; VillaMaria.org
With a legacy of over 150 years of empowering young women through leadership and service, at Villa Maria Academy Lower School, they strive to maintain a culture rooted in the charism of the IHM Sisters, which is love, creative hope and fidelity. Villa is designed to meet the educational needs and unique learning style of each girl. The unrivaled academics, fine arts, athletics, student activities and service programs provide a foundation to discover individual passion and prepare for a lifetime of learning and leading.
Open House (Preschool–8th Gr.): Mar. 11
Private Tours available. Register at VillaMaria.org
Media
The Walden School
901 N. Providence Rd.
610-892-8000; TheWaldenSchool.org
The Walden School is excited that their elementary program is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP). Building on Walden’s Montessori foundation of student ownership, empathy and real-world connections, the PYP framework deepens inquiry-driven exploration and experiential learning. Walden students are empowered to think critically, act ethically and communicate effectively, preparing them to thrive as engaged, compassionate and globally minded citizens.
Spring Open Houses: Feb. 8, 1 pm; Mar. 18 & Apr. 15, 9:30 am
Newtown Square
Episcopal Academy
1785 Bishop White Dr.
484-424-1400; EpiscopalAcademy.org
Since 1785, The Episcopal Academy has prepared bold leaders in mind, body and spirit. Students thrive through rigorous academics, character education, championship athletics and award-winning arts on a 123-acre campus. With personalized college counseling and a coeducational model that reflects the real world, EA graduates step confidently into life—joining accomplished alumni who are driven by purpose and curiosity.
Spring Open House: Apr. 14, 6 pm
Register at EpiscopalAcademy.org/Events
West Chester
Chesterbrook Academy Preschool & Elementary School
1190 McDermott Dr.
610-719-0240; ChesterbrookAcademy.com
It’s a fun-filled afternoon, and families are invited to explore the campus, meet teachers and celebrate spring with a Community Egg Hunt. Children will enjoy inflatables, face painting and a special visit from the Bunny. This event is a wonderful opportunity to experience the vibrant school community while children enjoy exciting activities and seasonal fun. They can’t wait to welcome you and your family to CBA! Now enrolling Pre-K–6th grade.
Open House & Egg Hunt: Mar. 21, noon to 3, rain or shine
Delaware
Wilmington
The Tatnall School
1501 Barley Mill Rd.
302-998-2292; Tatnall.org
At Tatnall, students from age 2 through grade 12 experience an exceptional education that unlocks their passion for learning. Every student has opportunities to explore endless possibilities through challenging academic, artistic and athletic programs. The devoted teachers, coaches and community members are the driving force behind the school’s success. The strong bonds formed at Tatnall between students and educators foster devotion to learning, enabling students to unleash their full potential and nurture their great minds.
Middle & Upper School Tour & Learn: Feb. 5, Apr. 3 at 8:30 am
Tower Hill School
2813 W. 17th St.
302-657-8350; TowerHill.org
Ranked #1 Best Private K–12 School in Delaware by Niche, Tower Hill welcomes you to experience a place of boundless opportunity, deep commitment to community and a culture of mentorship in all that they do. At Tower Hill, you’ll discover an exceptional liberal arts education every day. Their motto, Multa Bene Facta, or Many Things Done Well, is a philosophy about commitment, hard work, multifaceted learning and extraordinary achievement.
Open House: Mar. 5
Register at TowerHill.org/OpenHouse
Learning Differences and Special Education
Conshohocken
AIM Academy
1200 River Rd. 215-483-2461; AIMPA.org
AIM provides extraordinary educational opportunities through a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum to children in grades 1–12. AIM is the Philadelphia area’s largest school for children with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Students experience an innovative, research-based curriculum and a range of elective and extracurricular arts, music, club and athletic opportunities. Discover AIM for Innovative Teaching and Fearless Learning.
Open Houses: Feb. 6 & 25, Mar. 1 & 25, Apr. 8 & 22, May 8 & 27, all at 9 am
Malvern
The Vanguard School & Services
1777 N. Valley Rd. 610-296-6700; VSSPA.org
For 66 years, The Vanguard School has supported students, ages 5–22, with autism, neurological impairments and related challenges. Their year-round retreats, extended school year and Camp Vanguard allow students to build on academic, social and independent living in a fun, supported environment. Through alumni events, employment services and monthly adult social activities, they provide a full continuum of services for neurodiverse individuals regardless of Vanguard School affiliation.
Schedule a tour today
Multiple Locations
Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services
267-418-9623
PAEducationReferrals@Devereux.org
Enrolling kindergarten through grade 12 in six PDE-approved Private Schools in Chester and Montgomery Counties. Small classroom ratios allow for individualized instruction/support in a safe and therapeutic setting for students with a variety of learning/emotional differences. Full-time mental health clinicians, Wilson reading intervention services and reading specialists in all schools. Devereux nurtures students’ potential with school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and offers community-based instruction, school-based mental health and related services. PDE 4010 funding available.
Schedule a tour today