Guide to Private, Independent Schools & Education Services in the Brandywine Valley

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Pennsylvania

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 curriculum that allow girls to explore their creativity, think critically and become empowered leaders.
Admissions Open House: Oct. 21, 6 pm
Athletic Open House: Nov. 13, 7 pm

The Baldwin School
701 Montgomery Ave. 610-525-2700; BaldwinSchool.org
Experience the Best in All-Girls Education at The Baldwin School
At Baldwin, they empower students to become leaders. Their supportive community emphasizes social-emotional learning and offers dynamic co-curricular programs, creating numerous opportunities for girls to form lasting connections. Every aspect a student’s experience is designed with her needs in mind. Baldwin seamlessly blends exceptional academics, renowned arts and competitive athletics. Visit to discover what sets them apart.
Open Houses: Middle and Upper School: Oct. 8
Lower School: Oct. 9

Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr
480 S. Bryn Mawr Ave. 610-527-3915; SHABrynMawr.org
Sacred Heart Academy, an all-girls Catholic, independent school, inspires young women to grow with courage, confidence and compassion. Serving students in Kindergarten through grade 12, SHA proudly announces—new for 2025–2026—a co-ed preschool for girls and boys. At SHA, “Where Every Girl is Known” is a lived experience that shapes tomorrow’s leaders.
Schedule a tour: Admissions@SHABrynMawr.org

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 House: Oct. 15, 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

Gladwyne

Gladwyne Montessori
920 Youngs Ford Rd. 610-649-1761; Gladwyne.org
At Gladwyne Montessori, they serve children from infancy through 6th grade, helping them discover independence, adaptability, focus and empathy—qualities that help them thrive today and grow tomorrow. Since 1962, they’ve guided families on Philadelphia’s Main Line with an approach that blends Montessori’s timeless philosophy and modern research, preparing children for academic strength, joyful learning and confident futures.

Glen Mills

Ivybrook Academy Glen Mills
261 Brinton Lake Rd. 484-301-6080; IvybrookAcademy.com
See website for more locations
Ivybrook Academy is a half-day preschool serving children ages 18 months to 6 years. Their innovative curriculum blends Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, fostering curiosity, creativity and a love of learning. They offer toddler, preschool and pre-K programs, along with engaging summer camps. Families choose Ivybrook for their individualized approach, nurturing teachers and enriching environment that helps every child thrive.

Haverford

Friends School Haverford
851 Buck Ln. 610-642-2334; FriendsHaverford.org
Since 1885, FSH has nurtured children from ages 2 through 3rd grade through joyful, play-based learning and small class sizes based on the Quaker values of kindness, curiosity and respect. Come see what makes FSH extraordinary, where every child is known, valued and celebrated!
Open Houses: Oct. 18, 10 am; Nov. 6, & Dec 5, 9 am
Register: FriendsHaverford.org/Visit

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.
Open House: Oct. 18, 8:30 am
Entrance Exams: Oct. 5, Oct. 26, Nov. 22, Dec. 6, Jan. 11
Register: 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.
Fall Open House: Oct. 5, 9 am, register online
8th Grade Entrance-Scholarship Exams: Sept. 27, Oct. 19
8th Grade Visit Villa Days: Sept. 29, Oct. 7, 20, Nov. 4, 17
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–8 Gr.): Oct. 16, Nov. 12, Jan. 28, Mar. 11
Private Tours available. Register at VillaMaria.org

Media

The Walden School
901 N. Providence Rd.
610-892-8000; TheWaldenSchool.org
We’re excited to announce The Walden School’s 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.
Open House Dates: Nov. 2, 1 to 3 pm, Jan. 10, 10 to noon, Feb. 8, 1 to 3 pm

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.
Open Houses: Lower School, Pr-K to 5th: Oct.18
Middle & Upper School, 6th–12th: Oct. 19
Register at EpiscopalAcademy.org/Events

Phoenixville

Kimberton Waldorf School
410 W. Seven Stars Rd.
610-933-3635; Kimberton.org
KWS’s expansive 430-acre campus serves as the backdrop for preschool through 12th grade students who benefit from a holistic, experiential and academically rich approach to education. The intentional and carefully aligned curriculum integrates the arts and the natural world every day. Waldorf education preserves the most important elements of childhood and allows imagination and confidence to bloom. Register for an Open House today.
Open Houses: Early Childhood: Oct. 11
Lower School: Oct. 23, March 5
High School: Nov 13, March 17

Villanova

Academy of Notre Dame de Namur
560 Sproul Rd. 610-971-0498; NDAPA.org
Discover an exceptional Catholic, college-preparatory education at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur. Serving girls in grades 6–12, Notre Dame fosters confident leaders through a dynamic, faith-based program. From STEM innovation and award-winning arts to championship athletics and global travel, students uncover their passions, grow in purpose, and thrive in a supportive community.
Fall Open House: Oct. 5, 10 am
Experience ND Event: Oct. 15, 6 pm
Athletics Open House: Oct. 22, 6:30 pm
Walk-in Wednesdays: Nov. 5, Dec. 3, 9 am
Register at NDAPA.org/Visit

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.
Early Childhood Open House & Autumn Hayride: Oct. 18, 10 am
Lower School Open House (Gr. K–5): Oct. 29, 4 pm
Middle and Upper School Open House: Nov. 1, 9 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 Houses: Oct. 19, Nov. 11
Register at TowerHill.org/OpenHouse

Learning Differences and Special Education

Malvern

The Vanguard School & Services
1777 N. Valley Rd. 610-296-6700; VSSPA.org
For 65 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

Paoli

Delaware Valley Friends School
19 E. Central Ave. 610-640-4150; DVFriends.org
DVFriends delivers a dynamic, student-centered education designed for learners in grades 1–12 with language-based learning differences. Grounded in evidence-based, multisensory instruction, their program builds core academic and executive functioning skills while empowering students to become confident, independent learners. Beyond the classroom, students engage in a vibrant array of arts, athletics, service, leadership and experiential learning, supported by a close-knit, inclusive community rooted in Quaker values.
School Tours: Sept. 30, Oct. 22, Nov. 20, 9 am, Oct. 14, Dec. 2, 1 pm
Information Sessions: Nov. 2, 1 pm, Dec. 10, 10:30 am