Pittsburgh, PA, August 6, 2025
News Summary
Niche has released its latest rankings for the best high schools in Pennsylvania, highlighting the top private and public institutions. Mercersburg Academy tops the list as the best high school in the state, with significant representation from southwestern Pennsylvania. The rankings emphasize academic performance and other factors, helping students and parents make informed choices about education.
Pittsburgh, PA – Niche Releases Best High Schools Rankings for Pennsylvania 2025
Niche has unveiled its annual “2025 Best Schools in Pennsylvania,” showcasing a detailed ranking of both private and public high schools across the state, with a notable focus on southwestern Pennsylvania. The rankings are based on multiple criteria, including academic performance, test scores, and college data.
The top high schools in southwestern Pennsylvania include Shady Side Academy, Winchester Thurston School, and The Ellis School, marking them as the only local institutions that made it to the top 25 statewide. Notably, Mercersburg Academy, located in Franklin County, has been awarded the title of the best high school in Pennsylvania for 2025 and has earned a spot as the 89th-best private high school in the nation.
Following Mercersburg Academy, the rankings list Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia as the second-best high school, with The Episcopal Academy in Delaware County coming in third. The rankings show a substantial concentration of excellence in the Philadelphia area, with 19 out of the 25 top schools situated there.
Niche uses a comprehensive methodology for its rankings. Seven different factors are weighted to assess schools, which include academic performance, culture and diversity, sports, clubs and activities, resources, and evaluations from parents, teachers, and students through surveys.
Notable Public High Schools in Pittsburgh Metro Area
The Pittsburgh metro area also boasts several public high schools with commendable rankings. Here are some highlighted schools:
- 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:
- Grade B+ with 542 students (8:1 ratio)
- Grade B+ with 616 students (16:1 ratio)
- Grade B+ with 845 students (17:1 ratio)
- Grade A- with 1,362 students (13:1 ratio)
- 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, several high schools in the region have received high grades, indicating strong academic performance and favorable student-to-teacher ratios.
Background and Implications
These rankings are significant as they not only help parents and students make informed decisions regarding educational opportunities but also highlight the strengths and resources available within Pennsylvania’s high school education system. The results reflect growing trends in educational standards, ensuring that institutions strive to improve academic climates and foster extracurricular activities that make schools more enriching environments for students.
FAQs
How does Niche rank the schools?
Niche ranks schools using a combination of seven weighted factors, including academic performance, culture and diversity, sports, clubs and activities, resources, and surveys of parents, teachers, and students.
Which school is ranked as the best in Pennsylvania?
The best high school in Pennsylvania for 2025 is Mercersburg Academy in Franklin County.
What are some notable high schools in the Pittsburgh area?
Notable high schools in the Pittsburgh area include Shady Side Academy, Winchester Thurston School, and The Ellis School, along with several strong public schools such as Fox Chapel Area School District and North Allegheny School District.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Private School | Mercersburg Academy |
| Top Public Schools in Pittsburgh | Shady Side Academy, Winchester Thurston School, The Ellis School |
| Criteria for Ranking | Academic performance, culture and diversity, surveys, etc. |
| Total Schools Ranked in Philadelphia Area | 19 out of 25 |
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Best High Schools Southwestern Pennsylvania
- Google Search: Best High Schools in Pennsylvania
- WPXI: Best Public High Schools Pittsburgh Metro Area
- Wikipedia: Education in Pennsylvania
- Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Schools Class Rank and Mental Health
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- Stacker: Best Public High Schools Pittsburgh Metro Area
- Google News: Pennsylvania High School Rankings
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