Pennsylvania

What's Up in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is known for hard-working citizens and an ability to come out on top time and time again. Its boarding schools also reflect this, giving students the chance to gain a world-class education and lay the foundation for a successful life. To do so, there are many boarding schools that have excellent reputations.

Carson Long Military Institute View profile »

The oldest boarding school in the nation that offers military training, Carson Long is designed for students looking at making the military a possible career path. In order to achieve this, they must successfully pass a rigorous academic program at the school, along with participating in junior ROTC.

With small classes and a wide array of academic classes available, it continues to be a popular choice for many parents and their children.

Girard College

Coed for grades 1-12, Girard College is located in Philadelphia and sits on 43 acres. Originally a school for orphans when it first opened in 1848, it became a coed school designed for children whose parents were of limited financial means. In keeping with that tradition, the school offers full scholarships to all who are accepted, opening the doors of education to those who may not have been able to afford it otherwise.

Mercersburg Academy

An elite coed school of 430 students, Mercersburg Academy offers more than 160 different classes from which students can choose, which is one of the largest varieties of any school in the United States. The student body is very diverse, with more than 35 percent of the school’s students coming from foreign nations.

Valley Forge Military Academy View profile »

With such distinguished alumni as J.D. Salinger and General Norman Schwarzkopf, Valley Forge Military Academy has built a long-lasting reputation of academic and military excellence. Coed for grades 7-12, it has more than 600 students and places a strong emphasis on physical fitness and character. To become a cadet, a student must demonstrate good citizenship as well as excellent physical and mental health. Due to its excellent reputation, the school often has a long waiting list of those seeking admission.

The Grier School View profile »

An all-girls school, Grier offers a personalized academic experience for students. Low student-teacher ratios, combined with Advanced Placement programs and an SAT program known for improving test scores, makes this school the first choice of many parents. Along with the usual academic courses, students can also take classes in dance, horseback riding, and music.