Brandywine Valley Guide to Private, Independent Schools & Education Services

To view as a PDF, click here.

Pennsylvania

Bryn Mawr

The Agnes Irwin School
275 S. Ithan Ave. 610-801-1869; AgnesIrwin.org
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 Pre-K–grade 12. They provide not only a challenging academic experience for students, but also competitive athletic teams and robust STEM, visual and performing arts curricula that allow girls to explore their creativity, think critically and become empowered leaders.
All-School Open House: Oct. 21, 6 pm
Athletics Open House: Nov. 5, 7 pm
Touring Tuesdays: Oct. 6 & 27, Nov. 3 & 17, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, Mar. 2, Apr. 20, May 11

Kennett Square

Upland Country Day School
420 W. Street Rd.
610-444-3035; UplandCDS.org
Upland is an independent, coed, nonsectarian day school in Kennett Square, serving preschool through 9th grade. Guided by their pillars of Academics, Athletics, Arts and Attitude, students grow, explore and lead with confidence and character. In this community, every student is known, loved and valued, challenged to grow, and given the best possible start to a lifetime of learning.
Autumn Open House: Oct. 21, 6–7 pm
Register at UplandCDS.org/OpenHouse

Malvern

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.
Fall Open House: Oct. 4, 9 am to 12:30 pm
8th Grade Entrance-Scholarship Exam: Sept. 26 & Oct. 18, 8:30 am to noon
8th Grade Visit Villa Days: Sept. 21 & 28, Oct. 6 & 26, Nov. 3 & 17

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. In their preschool through 8th grade environment, Villa provides girls with the confidence to lead, the academic foundation to excel, and the character to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Open House: (Preschool–Gr. 8): Oct. 15, Nov. 11, Feb. 3, Mar. 17
Private Tours available. Register at VillaMaria.org

Media

The Walden School
901 N. Providence Rd.
610-892-8000; TheWaldenSchool.org
From 16 months through 5th grade, Walden nurtures curious, confident, capable learners. The Montessori preschool gives children a hands-on foundation in independence, concentration and joyful learning. As students move into elementary school, they build on that foundation through a collaborative academic program designed to develop communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By 5th grade, Walden students are academically prepared, confident in who they are and ready to thrive in middle school.
Open Houses: Nov. 1 & Feb. 7, 1 to 3 pm; Jan. 9, 10 am to noon

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.
Lower School Open House (Pre-K–5th grade): Oct. 24
Middle & Upper School Open House (6th–12th grade): Oct. 17
Register at EpiscopalAcademy.org/Events

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 Open House (Gr. 5–12): Oct. 3
Early Childhood Open House & Harvest Hayride (Age 2–Pre-K): Oct. 17
Lower School Open House & Trunk or Treat (Gr. K–4): Oct. 28

Learning Differences and Special Education

Malvern

The Vanguard School & Services
1777 N. Valley Rd. 610-296-6700; VSSPA.org
The Vanguard School and Services provides educational, recreational and vocational programs for neurodiverse children and adults. Founded in 1959 as Pennsylvania’s first publicly funded special education school, Vanguard serves approximately 235 students from 55 school districts. Students also receive clinical, transition and vocational support. Vanguard Recreation Services extends their mission through an inclusive school-age summer camp and year-round social activities for adults that are open to the public.
Schedule a tour today

Paoli

Delaware Valley Friends School
19 E. Central Ave. 610-640-4150; DVFriends.org
Delaware Valley Friends School is guided by the Quaker commitment to uplift and honor every student’s inherent worth and unique potential. Through evidence-based teaching in a community that fosters deep relationships, they empower bright students in grades 1–12 who learn differently to grow with confidence, learn with joy and move forward prepared for success in learning and life.
School Tours: Sept. 29, Nov. 11, Dec. 1, 9 am; Oct. 13, Nov. 19, 1 pm
Information Sessions: Nov. 1, 1 pm; Dec. 10, 8:45 am

Multiple Locations

Chester County Intermediate Unit
Child & Career Development Center
484-237-5000; CCIU.org
The Child and Career Development Center (CCDC) provides a caring, nurturing learning environment for K–12+ students with high support needs. With campuses in Coatesville, West Grove and Great Valley, they serve learners in Chester County and beyond. Dedicated staff provide services such as behavior support, autistic support, speech and language, multi-disability support, occupational therapy, physical therapy and more.
Learn more at CCIU.org

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