Brandywine Valley Guide to Private & Independent Schools

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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 (grades 11 and 12 coming in 24–25!) 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 House: Feb. 28, 9 am

Bryn Mawr

Sacred Heart Academy
480 S. Bryn Mawr Ave.
610-527-3915; SHABrynMawr.org
Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr (SHA) is a girls, K–12, independent, Catholic school. Small by design, SHA is also part of the Sacred Heart global network of 150+ schools in 41 countries offering domestic and international exchange programs. Their unique Lower School Multi-Age Classrooms and Upper School dual enrollment with Villanova University set them apart, and their graduates attend leading universities.
Open House: Feb. 23, Mar. 15, Apr. 19, May 5, 9 to 11 am
Lower School Multi-Age Classroom (MAC) Virtual Information Sessions: Mar. 11, Apr. 8, May 6, 10 am
Middle & Lower School Virtual Information Session: Feb. 21, 6 to 7 pm
Upper School Virtual Information Session: Apr. 24, 6 to 7 pm

St. Aloysius Academy
401 S. Bryn Mawr Ave.
610-525-1670; StAloysiusAcademy.org
Founded in 1895 by the Sisters, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Aloysius Academy is the only private, Catholic, all-boys, K–8 school in the Philadelphia five-county area. St. Aloysius Academy provides an engaging and challenging learning environment for boys that recognizes their needs and develops their gifts and talents. Within a faith-based setting, relational learning permeates the caring and formative atmosphere where each student can grow to be the best version of himself.
Open House: Jan. 31, Mar. 13, 9 am
To schedule a private tour, contact [email protected]

Haverford

Friends School Haverford
851 Buck Ln.
610-642-2334; FriendsHaverford.org
Friends School Haverford fosters a lifelong love of learning, grounded in the Quaker testimonies of integrity, equality, service, community, simplicity and peaceful problem solving. Their place-based approach and beautiful outdoor learning environment provide age-appropriate challenges and stimulate students to achieve their full potential. At FSH teachers nurture student voices so they are empowered to speak their truth.
Open House: Apr. 27, 9 to 11 am
Register: FriendsHaverford.org

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. Malvern Prep offers 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.
Visit MalvernPrep.org/Visit for Admissions and Enrollment information

Villa Maria Academy High School
370 Central Ave.
610-644-2551; VMAHS.org
Villa Maria Academy High School is a Catholic preparatory school located on a beautiful, 45-acre campus in Malvern. Villa Maria’s curriculum is designed to empower young women with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and beyond. Students explore their passions on the lacrosse turf, at mock trial debates, in theatrical productions and through service. Cherished traditions connect students to each other, alumnae and over 150 years of Villa Maria excellence.
7th Grade Practice Exam: Mar. 16
7th Grade Visit Villa Days: Apr. 17 & 18
7th Grade Admissions Fair: May 1

Media

Media-Providence Friends School
125 W. 3rd St.
610-565-1960; MPFS.org
A Quaker school for students age 2–grade 8 that awakens the passion and potential of all individuals within a welcoming, diverse community led by Quaker values. A close-knit learning community, MPFS offers students big views of the world ahead. In small classes, under the caring tutelage of early childhood, elementary school and adolescent experts who are passionate about teaching, students from diverse backgrounds and faiths grow up together.
Open House: Mar. 1, May 27, 10 am

Merion Station

Waldron Mercy Academy
513 Montgomery Ave.
610-664-9847; WaldronMercy.org
Discover the transformative power of a Waldron Mercy Academy education, where academic excellence and compassionate community have produced a century of success. With a focus on values, integrity and social responsibility, students are encouraged to explore their passions, engage in service to others and develop a deep sense of empathy and understanding.
Visit WaldronMercy.org to start your journey today!

Newtown Square

Delaware County Christian School
462 Malin Rd.
610-353-6522 x 2212; DCCS.org
For nearly 75 years, Delaware County Christian School has provided students with rigorous programs in academics, the arts, and athletics. Faculty mentors walk alongside students in Pre-K–12th grade during their formative years of intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth, and prepare them for a life of impact through an innovative and exemplary education rooted in Christ.
Lower Campus Open House (PK2–5th): Apr. 9, 9 am
Upper Campus Open House (6th-12th): Apr. 16, 9 am
Plan your visit today at DCCS.org/Visit

Episcopal Academy
1785 Bishop White Dr.
484-424-1400; EpiscopalAcademy.org
Since 1785, The Episcopal Academy has inspired Pre-K–12 students of all faiths through academic rigor, transformative character development and dynamic athletics, arts and extracurricular opportunities. Students thrive through a classical yet innovative curriculum, dedicated faculty and an expansive, state-of-the-art campus. They invite your family to discover who your child will become at EA.
Spring Open House: Apr. 18, 5:45 pm
Register at EpiscopalAcademy.org/Events

Phoenixville

Renaissance Academy
413 Fairview St.
610-983-4080; RAK12.org
A tuition-free, college prep, fully-accredited, public charter school for grades K–12. Their mission is to prepare children for success as students, workers and citizens by providing them with a high-quality liberal arts, college preparatory education.
Open House: Apr. 16, 6 pm. Call for details.

West Chester

Riverstone United Christian Academy
430 Hannum Ave.
484-297-9180; RiverstoneUnited.com
Discover a transformative education at Riverstone United Christian Academy, where academic excellence meets Christian values. Their dedicated faculty nurtures students in grades 6–11, fostering a dynamic learning environment with small class sizes. Join a community that values faith, character and academic achievement where your students are uniquely valued and encouraged to deeply connect with their God-given purpose. Secure your child’s enrollment today for a well-rounded education that goes beyond the classroom.
Open House: Feb. 4, 1:30 pm

Saint Agnes Catholic School
211 W. Gay St.
610-696-1260; SaintAgnesSchoolWC.org
Saint Agnes Catholic School was founded in 1872 and offers an exceptional community that is rich in history and alive in faith for children in Pre-K to grade 8. Students practice their faith daily along with the virtue of service. Their commitment to academic excellence has garnered recognition by the Department of Education, the Middle States Association and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Individual tours are available by contacting [email protected]

Westtown School
975 Westtown Rd.
610-399-7900; Westtown.edu
A Westtown education could be the difference between your child growing up to be changed by the world and your child being a force for change in the world. Westtown is a Pre-K–12, Quaker school. Students learn and discover in the classroom and throughout their 600-acre campus, at their 13-acre lake, in the arboretum or outside amphitheater and in their athletic complex. Westtown supports students to find their voice and use it to develop confidence and stand up for deeply held beliefs, inspiring and preparing its graduates to be stewards and leaders of a better world.
Middle School Open House: Feb. 13, 1 pm
Lower School Open House: Feb. 14, 9:30 am
Visit Westtown.edu/Admission to register

West Chester Friends
415 N. High St.
610-696-2937; WCFriends.org
For over 180 years, West Chester Friends School has provided early childhood and elementary-aged students with the foundation they require to become lifelong learners and citizens of the world. Teachers are dedicated to the education of children in preschool through 5th grade, and each classroom and specialty area teacher is an expert in their field. Students are offered Forest School Fridays in kindergarten, and all students participate in studio art and art history, STEM, music, Spanish, physical education, mindfulness and meditation, yoga and community service. BC/AC, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Ongoing enrollment. Summer camp open to all.
Call 610-696-2937 or email [email protected] for a tour

Delaware

Claymont

Archmere Academy
3600 Philadelphia Pk.
302-798-6632; ArchmereAcademy.com
Archmere’s rigorous academic program challenges grade 9–12 students to advance their critical thinking, sharpen their skills, take ownership of their learning potential and advocate for their own goals. Archmere’s variety of electives and extracurricular activities allow students to participate in classes and activities that match their interests. Graduates consistently share that their Archmere experience created a smooth transition into higher education and beyond.
7th Grade Practice Test: Apr. 20, 9 am
Open House: Apr. 25, 6 pm
Register online: ArchmereAcademy.com/Visit

Wilmington

Tatnall School
1501 Barley Mill Rd.
302-998-2292; Tatnall.org
Students age 2 through grade 12 experience a transformative education on a gorgeous 100-acre campus. Tatnall provides each student a platform to experience endless educational opportunities. From diverse and enriching academics to top-tier arts and athletics, Tatnall’s dedicated teachers, coaches and community are at the heart of what makes Tatnall extraordinary. The deep, authentic relationships built there elevate students’ drive for learning, thus unlocking their full potential and innovative minds full of ideas.
Middle and Upper School Tour and Learn: Gr. 6–12. Feb. 13, Mar. 5, 8:30 to 10 am
Early Childhood & Lower School Spring Open House: Age 2–Gr. 5. Apr. 27, 9 to 11

Wilmington Friends School
101 School Rd. (Rts. 202 & 95)
302-576-2900; WilmingtonFriends.org
A great place to grow up, offering an unsurpassed academic program with depth, asking students to question, collaborate, be creative and take risks, all within a caring community that balances focus on the individual with responsibility to the common good. 1:1 laptop/iPad program for Kindergarten– 12th Grade, STEM labs and programming, International Baccalaureate program and competitive athletics. Celebrating their 275th anniversary!
Individual tours and visits available

Learning Differences and Special Education

Abington

AIM Academy
1200 River Rd.
215-483-2461; AIMPA.org
AIM provides extraordinary educational opportunities through a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum to children in Gr. 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 a rich, research-based curriculum and a range of elective and extracurricular arts, music, club and athletic opportunities. Discover AIM for Innovative Teaching and Fearless Learning.
Virtual Information Sessions: Feb 2, March 8, 9 am Feb. 21, March 20, noon

Media

Benchmark School
2107 N. Providence Rd.
610-565-3741; BenchmarkSchool.org
Benchmark School is an internationally recognized leader in providing effective, individualized education for children with dyslexia, ADHD and other learning differences. The school’s exclusive research-based approach goes beyond basic reading programs to reach the whole child. Refined over five decades, the Benchmark Approach teaches children how to be critical, analytical thinkers with excellent emotional, social and decision-making skills. Visit to learn more about how Benchmark School helps to create confident and competent learners.
Open Houses for School and Camp: Feb. 28, July 18

Centreville, DE

Centreville Layton School
6201 Kennett Pk.
302-571-0230; CentrevilleLayton.org
Centreville Layton School offers a robust educational and cultural experience for students who learn differently. The program identifies the academic and social needs of the individual and provides a curriculum that focuses on problem- solving and critical thinking. The school empowers each student to reach his or her potential through intervention and strengthening learning strategies. Pre-K–12 and post-graduate program.
Open House: First Wed. of the month, 9 to 11 am
Virtual Open House: Options available