Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 6, 2025
News Summary
Niche has announced its annual rankings of the best high schools in Pennsylvania, with a spotlight on the exceptional institutions in the Pittsburgh area. Notable schools include Shady Side Academy, Winchester Thurston School, and The Ellis School, all making the top 25 in the state. Mercersburg Academy was recognized as the top high school in Pennsylvania. With 19 of the top 25 schools located in the Philadelphia area, the rankings showcase the robust educational infrastructure of the state.
Niche Ranks Best High Schools in Pennsylvania for 2025: Pittsburgh Area Schools Shine
Pittsburgh, PA – Niche has released its annual rankings of the Best High Schools in Pennsylvania for 2025, spotlighting both private and public schools across the state, particularly in southwestern Pennsylvania. The rankings consider several data points, including standardized test scores, college readiness, and surveys from students, parents, and teachers.
Leading the way in the Pittsburgh area are three schools that have made their mark among the top 25 in the state: Shady Side Academy, Winchester Thurston School, and The Ellis School. These institutions stand out for their exceptional academic standards. Notably, Mercersburg Academy in Franklin County has been recognized as the top high school in Pennsylvania, while also ranking 89th among private high schools nationally. Following closely behind are Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia, recognized as the second-best high school in the state, and The Episcopal Academy in Delaware County, which ranks third.
Among the top 25 Pennsylvania high schools, a striking 19 institutions are located in the Philadelphia area, indicating the region’s strong educational infrastructure.
Ranking Methodology
Niche employs a total of seven weighted factors to compile its rankings. These factors include:
- Academic performance
- Culture and diversity
- Sports
- Clubs and activities
- Educational resources
- Surveys from parents and teachers
- Surveys from students
Notable Pittsburgh Area High Schools
Several public high schools in the Pittsburgh metro area have also received commendable grades in the latest report. These schools include:
- 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):
- 542 students, 8:1 ratio, grade B+
- 616 students, 16:1 ratio, grade B+
- 845 students, 17:1 ratio, grade B+
- 1,362 students, 13:1 ratio, grade 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+
Conclusion
The rankings provided by Niche highlight the commitment of local schools in southwestern Pennsylvania to maintain high academic standards and create an environment conducive to student success. With numerous schools achieving high grades and the presence of top-ranked institutions, families can make informed decisions about education in the Pittsburgh area.
FAQ
- What is the criteria for the Niche school rankings?
- The Niche rankings are based on seven weighted factors, including academic performance, culture and diversity, sports, clubs and activities, educational resources, and surveys from parents, teachers, and students.
- Which schools are the top three in Pennsylvania?
- The top three high schools in Pennsylvania are Mercersburg Academy, Germantown Friends School, and The Episcopal Academy.
- How many schools in the top 25 are located in the Philadelphia area?
- Nineteen of the top 25 schools are located in the Philadelphia area.
- What are some notable public high schools in the Pittsburgh area?
- Notable public high schools include North Allegheny School District, Mt. Lebanon School District, and Fox Chapel Area School District, with Niche grades ranging from A to A+.
School Overview Chart
| School District | Student Enrollment | Student-to-Teacher Ratio | Niche Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver Area School District | 644 | 16:1 | B+ |
| Trinity Area School District | 1,093 | 15:1 | B+ |
| Pittsburgh Public Schools | Various | Various | B+/A- |
| North Hills School District | 1,383 | 14:1 | A- |
| Bethel Park School District | 1,338 | 14:1 | A- |
| Fox Chapel Area School District | 1,283 | 14:1 | A+ |
| Upper St. Clair School District | 1,288 | 14:1 | A+ |
| Mt. Lebanon School District | 1,840 | 15:1 | A+ |
| North Allegheny School District | 2,666 | 13:1 | A+ |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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
