Independent schools also known as private schools are independently operated and governed. They are not public or operated by a larger entity, such as the Catholic Church. On GreatPhillySchools, all private schools that are not operated by the Archdiocese are listed as private independent schools.
There are dozens of independent schools in Philadelphia. Independent schools can be coed or single-sex, day school or boarding school, religious or nonsectarian.
Independent schools require that students apply for admission and pay annual tuition. Tuition is different at every school. For example, Girard College extends full scholarships to all students, so it is free to attend. But other schools can cost as much as $30,000 per year.
Independent schools strive to be economically and racially diverse. One-third of students in Philadelphia-area independent schools receive financial aid; one in four is a student of color.
Finding the Right Independent School
With so many different types of independent schools, you need to do plenty of research to identify the best school for your child. To do this, you can use the GreatPhillySchools School Finder tool and filter for Private schools.
Beyond GreatPhillySchools, there are a number of resources to help families learn about independent schools. The Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools and the National Center for Education Statistics provide lists of independent schools in the Philadelphia area. You can visit a schools website to learn more about its academics, admissions process and extracurricular offerings.
Once you’ve found a school that might be a good fit, schedule a visit. Call the school and ask to meet with an admissions officer. If you like what you see during the visit, the next step is to submit an application.
Financial Aid
Most financial aid is given directly by the schools. Financial aid can come in the form of outside loans, which need to be repaid, or grants, which do not need to be repaid.
It’s a good idea to apply for financial aid at the same time you submit your child’s admissions application. Schools have a limited pot of financial aid to give out each year, so the earlier you apply for financial aid, the more likely it is that your family will receive assistance.
In addition to school-based aid, there are a number of outside organizations that provide financial support for children from low-income families to attend independent schools. Local organizations that provide aid include:
- The Philadelphia Foundation Community Scholarship Fund, 215-563-6417
- The Children’s Scholarship Fund of Philadelphia, 215-670-8411
- Bravo Educational Foundation, 717-525-6292
National organizations and programs that provide financial aid include:
- A Better Chance, 610-992-0995
- Steppingstone Scholars, Inc., 215-508-5150
- Sallie Mae K-12 Family Education Loan, 888-272-5543
Contact these organizations directly for information about applying for financial aid.
Admissions Timeline
The admissions process is different at each independent school. Many schools require that families attend an open house before applying. Applications often require a recommendation from a teacher and a copy of your child’s grades from his or her current school.
The application timeline varies from school to school but typically looks like this:
September – December:
Attend an open house.
October – January
Submit an application. Application deadlines vary, and many schools accept applications throughout the spring. In general, the earlier you submit an application, the better your child’s chances of admission.
January
Submit a financial aid application (if necessary).
Admissions decisions are usually mailed by early February. If your child is accepted, most schools will offer the opportunity for your student to visit again before deciding whether to attend.
More information
Looking for more information on finding a great school? See all articles here.
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