Private Schools in Greater Philadelphia area

[Anonymous]

I think if your housing budget is only $4000/month, you shouldn't do private school. Go to public and save the $4000/month you would have spent on school for retirement.

The schools in LM, Radnor, and T-E are arguably just as good as private schools. They won't be perfect, but the private schools aren't perfect either. And the public schools are free. Often the public school communities are closer and friendlier, if you pick the right neighborhood. If you are living in a $4000/month house, your kid is going to feel "poor" compared to their private school classmates, which will be a ridiculous outcome. It's not worth it.

[Anonymous]

I went to one of the schools you mentioned.
The whole Philly private school scene is far calmer and more pleasant than the DC area.

Your best bet is going to be visiting and see which one fits your family best. All of the schools you mentioned can provide a great education and and none are ultra-conservative.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't consider Hill school unless you want it for boarding. It's far out in the suburbs and doesn't have anything unique that would make me consider it over any of the other schools.

[Anonymous]

For your budget Main Line could be tough for a family sized rental though you could get lucky in Ardmore. But you could easily find something in a charming suburban town further north like Jenkintown, Glenside, or Ambler. All would be reasonably convenient to Germantown Academy or Penn Charter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For your budget Main Line could be tough for a family sized rental though you could get lucky in Ardmore. But you could easily find something in a charming suburban town further north like Jenkintown, Glenside, or Ambler. All would be reasonably convenient to Germantown Academy or Penn Charter.

Agree here, especially about Jenkintown and Glenside. I’d add Lower Moreland, too. Very good schools which are smaller than most of the other public schools in the area. Jenkintown and Lower Moreland high schools particularly have a reputation of public schools that are very like privates.

Where is the job located?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t know which neighborhood we would be living in yet (if he gets the job), so open to schools in the ‘burbs and the city.

My husband and I are politically liberal so a super conservative school wouldn’t be a good fit. Frankly, I’d strongly prefer a school that doesn’t espouse a political bent.

Your husband and you are “politically liberal” and yet you don’t even consider public schools and in fact know so little about the private ones that you find yourself looking at an all girls school for a boy? Yeah, you’re “politically liberal.” Right.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the advice

[Anonymous]

Pay attention to the taxes in the Philadelphia suburban townships, which do vary greatly. Jenkintown and Glenside, for example, have high property taxes, higher than the Main Line.

I'd also look at Wyndmoor. Very charming area just north of Chestnut Hill. Had we stayed in Philadelphia it'd be my preferred place to live, assuming we could find a house, which rarely comes on the market. Excellent public schools, reasonable property taxes, but also has good access to Germantown Academy. Chestnut Hill itself is a delightful area to live has has several private schools, including brother-sister Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy. It is in the city proper so you have to deal with the wage tax, but if you are working in Philadelphia anyway, then finding a house in Chestnut Hill or West Mount Airy or East Falls and going private can be a good approach. If working outside Philadelphia, stay in the suburbs and avoid the wage tax.

[Anonymous]

Haverford's headmaster came from STA two years ago and he is a great guy---kind, competent, very hard-working. Our son is at STA (and for what it's worth we are not fancy private school people at all) and we always really liked him. I think the headmaster really sets the tone for a school.