Growing up in suburban Philadelphia was one of the best experiences of my life. I absolutely loved the close proximity to the city, but what I appreciated the most were some of the incredible benefits that one receives if they become a resident of the Main Line Philadelphia. The Main Line was originally named after the historical railroad line that connected Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. Nowadays, the Main Line is known to be one of the most affluent collections of towns and communities that outline the city of Philadelphia. It is home to the Philadelphia elite and also boasts some of the best public school systems throughout the entire city. However, the private schools that reside on the Main Line are some of the most well-respected and unsurpassed educational experiences. More specifically, the all-girls private schools that dominate the area are some of the best in the state of Pennsylvania. Here are six of the best all-girls private schools that are located on the Main Line.
1) Academy of Notre Dame de Namur
The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, or just Notre Dame for short, is one of the most storied all-girls private schools in the area. Notre Dame is an all-girls Roman Catholic preparatory school founded in 1856. The school has a total enrollment of roughly 500 students that come from various backgrounds and school systems. In addition, according to the official Notre Dame website, the school’s campus spans 38 acres and has five classroom buildings, four athletic fields, and two gymnasiums, as well as art/dance studios. As a fun fact, the mansion on campus was featured in the 1940 classic “The Philadelphia Story” featuring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn.
Tuition: $16,932-$19,646
560 Sproul Road
Villanova, PA 19085
610-687-0650
2) Agnes Irwin School
The Agnes Irwin School is a non-sectarian all-girls preparatory school located in Rosemont, Pennsylvania. The school was founded in 1869 by Agnes Irwin, who was the great great granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin. Enrollment at the school is roughly 700 students. The school features a gymnasium; dining room; library; and various arts, science, and music rooms all spanning an 18-acre campus. Agnes Irwin is consistently ranked as one of the best private schools in the entire city of Philadelphia year after year.
Tuition: $21,000-$31,600
275 S. Ithan Ave.
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-525-8400
3) The Baldwin School
The Baldwin School is also a non-sectarian all-girls preparatory school located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. The school was founded in 1888 and is currently housed in a 19th-century Victorian-style mansion (formerly known as the Bryn Mawr Hotel). The current total enrollment is roughly 600 students. Additionally, the school boasts a wide range of diverse students, as roughly 37 percent of its students are non-Caucasian and also come from a host of different international countries.
Tuition: $20,000-$31,595
701 Montgomery Ave.
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-525-2700
4) Country Day School of the Sacred Heart
The Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, or Sacred Heart for short, is an all-girls Roman Catholic school located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. The school was founded in 1865 and has a total enrollment of roughly 400 students. The Sacred Heart School also features a unique international exchange program through its Network of Sacred Heart Schools. The network allows for an exchange to countries, such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, England, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, and Spain.
Tuition: $10,660-$16,900
480 S. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-527-3915
5) Merion Mercy Academy
Merion Mercy Academy is a private all-girls Roman Catholic preparatory school located in Merion, Pennsylvania. Merion Mercy Academy was established in 1884 and features a total enrollment of roughly 480 students. The school boasts a superior academic experience, which was reflected in its award for Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition: $16,200
511 Montgomery Ave.
Merion Station, PA 19066
610-664-6655
6) Villa Maria Academy
Villa Maria Academy is an all-girls Roman Catholic preparatory school located in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Villa Maria Academy was founded in 1872 and has a total enrollment of roughly 400 students. The school sits on a 44-acre campus with two separate academic buildings, a gymnasium/sports building, and an auditorium. The school offers college prep, AP, and honors courses to help guide and prepare students for college admissions.
Tuition: $14,500
370 Old Lincoln Hwy.
Malvern, PA 19355
610-644-2551
Sending your children to the best schools is always a top priority for parents across the country. However, right here in Philadelphia, we have access to some of the best all-girls private schools that the city has to offer. I typically drive by these schools almost every day after work, and I can only dream of sending my daughters to school at one of these private academies. If you are looking in the near future for prospective schools, I hope this list will help narrow your search down and prepare your daughter for a superior educational experience. Happy searching!
