News Summary
Niche has released its annual rankings for the best high schools in Pennsylvania, spotlighting the top institutions in the Pittsburgh metro area. Among the top 25, Shady Side Academy, Winchester Thurston School, and The Ellis School represent southwestern Pennsylvania with notable performances. Mercersburg Academy tops the list statewide, with a total of 19 of the top 25 schools located in the Philadelphia area. The rankings consider factors such as academic performance, diversity, and community feedback, offering valuable insights for families evaluating educational options.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Niche Ranks Best High Schools for 2025
In its latest annual report, Niche has unveiled the “2025 Best Schools in Pennsylvania” rankings, highlighting both public and private high schools across the state, with particular emphasis on southwestern Pennsylvania. This year, three schools from the Pittsburgh area—Shady Side Academy, Winchester Thurston School, and The Ellis School—have made it into the top 25 of Pennsylvania’s high schools.
Leading the list as the top high school in Pennsylvania is Mercersburg Academy, located in Franklin County. This prestigious institution is also recognized nationally, ranking as the 89th-best private high school in the United States. Following Mercersburg, Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia takes the second spot, while The Episcopal Academy in Delaware County comes in third. Notably, the dominance of the Philadelphia area is apparent, with 19 out of the top 25 schools situated in that region.
Ranking Criteria
Niche’s rankings are determined through a holistic approach, utilizing seven weighted factors including academic performance, culture and diversity, extracurricular activities, resources, and community feedback from parents, teachers, and students. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that schools are assessed on multiple aspects that contribute to the educational environment.
Pittsburgh Area Schools
Several public high schools from the Pittsburgh metropolitan area have also been recognized for their academic performance and overall quality. Notable mentions 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
- Enrollment of 542 (8:1 ratio), grade B+
- Enrollment of 616 (16:1 ratio), grade B+
- Enrollment of 845 (17:1 ratio), grade B+
- Enrollment of 1,362 (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+
An overwhelming number of schools in the Pittsburgh metro area boast impressive A and A+ grades, indicating strong academic performance as well as favorable student-to-teacher ratios, which are essential for effective learning experiences.
Background on Niche Rankings
Niche is known for its rigorous evaluation process and comprehensive rankings, which are used by families to make informed choices about their children’s education. Its methodology integrates a wealth of data points, including standardized test scores and college enrollment statistics, to provide a well-rounded view of each school’s performance.
As education continues to evolve, the emphasis on school rankings will likely remain a valuable tool for parents, students, and educators seeking to understand the landscape of high school education in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
