Top High Schools in Southwestern Pennsylvania Announced

Students participating in an interactive classroom setting at a leading high school in Pennsylvania.

News Summary

Niche has unveiled its annual rankings for the best schools in Pennsylvania, spotlighting top high schools in southwestern Pennsylvania. Leading the list is Mercersburg Academy, recognized for its strong academic performance. Other noteworthy mentions include Shady Side Academy and Winchester Thurston School. The rankings are based on various metrics, providing valuable insights for parents and students making educational choices. The assessments reflect the commitment of both public and private institutions to educational excellence in the region.

Pittsburgh – Niche has released its annual “2025 Best Schools in Pennsylvania” rankings, highlighting both private and public high schools across the state. This year’s list showcases a strong representation from southwestern Pennsylvania, which includes elite institutions recognized for their exceptional academic performance and overall environment. The best high schools in this region are Shady Side Academy, Winchester Thurston School, and The Ellis School, all of which are prominently featured among the top 25 schools in Pennsylvania.

The top-ranked high school in the state is Mercersburg Academy, located in Franklin County. This prestigious institution not only holds the title of the best high school in Pennsylvania but is also recognized nationally, being ranked as the 89th-best private high school in the United States. Following closely are Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia and The Episcopal Academy in Delaware County, which rank second and third, respectively, in the state.

This year’s rankings are derived from an analysis of various data points, including student test scores, college matriculation rates, academic performance, school culture, diversity, extracurricular activities, resources, along with feedback collected from students, parents, and teachers. Niche employs seven weighted factors for these rankings to comprehensively assess each school’s value and overall student experience.

In addition to the standout private schools, numerous notable public high schools in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area have received commendable grades. The following are highlights from the region:

Beaver Area School District: 644 students, 16:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade B+
Trinity Area School District: 1,093 students, 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade B+
Pittsburgh Public Schools:
- Various locations, enrollment ranges from 542 (8:1 ratio) with a grade of B+ to 1,362 (13:1 ratio) with a grade of A-
North Hills School District: 1,383 students, 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade A-
Bethel Park School District: 1,338 students, 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade A-
Fox Chapel Area School District: 1,283 students, 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade A+
Upper St. Clair School District: 1,288 students, 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade A+
Mt. Lebanon School District: 1,840 students, 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade A+
North Allegheny School District: 2,666 students, 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Niche grade A+

Overall, numerous high schools in the Pittsburgh area boast A and A+ ratings, reflecting their strong academic performance and favorable student-to-teacher ratios. These metrics indicate a consistent commitment to educational excellence among both public and private institutions.

As parents and students prepare for the upcoming school year, these rankings serve as a valuable resource for making informed educational choices, ensuring that they can find a school that best meets their academic and personal needs.

With the annual release of Niche’s rankings, it is clear that southwestern Pennsylvania high schools hold a significant place within the wider educational landscape of Pennsylvania, particularly as many of the leading institutions are located in or around the Pittsburgh area.