The Philadelphia area has an incredible variety of great schools--both public and private--so it…read moreoften comes down to "fit"--for your child/children and for your family. My husband and I toured and researched many schools in the area when our kids were first starting school and in the end, we decided Shipley was the perfect fit for us and for our children. I'll also add that as they have grown & evolved as learners (and they are very different kids), the fit still feels right for both. We were looking for a strong academic program, but our family believes that education is not just about test scores. Preparing our children for success in life is about values, self-confidence, friendships, and respect ....as well as excellent academics. We found that educational mission at Shipley. Also, as our kids have gotten older (now in middle & high school), I appreciate the "positive peer culture" that exists at Shipley. As they begin to look more to their classmates & teammates for cues about how to behave and what choices to make, I am grateful that their circles of friends take school seriously and care about the community they are part of. It is truly the teachers and coaches and other adults in the community that make Shipley so special. Yes, there are great facilities (as there are at most of the schools in this area) but it is the faculty that sets Shipley apart. They truly know my kids--their strengths, their weaknesses, ways to motivate them, where to support them, and when to push them outside of their comfort zone... They also embrace and celebrate the many different ways children learn. The teachers are just fabulous--they are proactive and engaged in student life and they respond to each child's needs--at whatever point they are in their academic and social development. The curriculum is responsive to the needs of the students while the academic vision is always pushing the envelope. Shipley does not have one model of a "successful graduate" that they are teaching towards - rather the teachers strive to find each student's unique gifts and talents and then help them become the best versions of themselves, in a holistic way. I really like that about Shipley, and I see my kids (who are so different from each other) developing along their own tracks and finding success and confidence in doing so.

I graduated from The Shipley School in 2013 and my four years there as a student were the most…read morememorable and growth stimulating years of my life. When people think of Shipley they have assumptions of the demographics of the community. I admit I did. I myself come from the inner-city and a middle class income, and was nervous entering. Nevertheless, I never felt different. Shipley is a welcoming community, one that accepts everyone, that grants chances to those chances aren't usually given, Shipley is a community here to help prepare its students for the future. There is support beyond measure from the teachers, administration, students, families, everyone, because we are one. Before Shipley I didn't know what it meant to be selfless, however once put into the community I learned the meaning and I begin to embody it in everyday life. Growing up in the city and going to school there it was like a being a crab in the barrel, no matter how close you were to the top, someone pulled you down. I was never taught to uplift others. Instead I focused on myself and my own success. Shipley showed me to be successful I need a team and to uplift others because their success is just as important as mine. As I finish college and begin to truly embark on this journey of life I am nothing but grateful for Shipley building the foundation of the young woman I am today. I have defied statistics and because of the risks they encouraged me to take. I have gained a confidence that can never be broken. I will never again think of myself as a crab in the barrel. I am an individual who matters. Most importantly I know I am never alone in this world and I will forever use the teams I build over time to create success of everyone involved.

The Haverford School is one of the premier educational organizations anywhere, providing its…read morestudents with a top notch education and emphasizing the importance of being a strong writer.

Class of '95 here…read more What can I say about this place? A decade plus removed from it, I don't keep in touch with many of the people, though not for their own fault or mine. I value the education I got here tremendously - from Mr Duffany's excruciating but valuable sentence diagram the the late Señor Laserna's Spanish, which lasts with me still. I loved rowing crew and Doc Kinney's art class/introspective therapy sessions, could have done without some of the cookie-cutter jackasses and senses of entitlement. But all in all it was a good school for the area, one I think of with mostly fond memories, and I wish only the best for this place.

Out of all of the excellent area schools, both private and public, we chose Friends School…read moreHaverford (FSH). Initially, we were drawn to the play-centered learning approach for the younger children, however, there was so much more from which to benefit. The teachers and staff consider the whole child, their social, emotional, and intellectual development. Guided by Quaker principles, the community is at the heart of its mission. The children are taught to discover and appreciate the uniqueness of themselves and others. I always feel informed with weekly updates, class newsletters, and monthly breakfast meetings with the principal. Lower student-teacher ratios increase children's engagement and allow for individual needs to be more easily met at FSH. Hearing my child say he loves school is the way it should be for all kids!

We have been apart of the Friends School Haverford Community since 2018. Our son joined FSH in the…read more2nd grade. Over the last four years we have witnessed his growth both academically and socially. The relationships that he has developed with the teachers, staff and his classmates has help to mold him into a kind, intelligent funny kid. As parents we too have developed long standing friendships with the parents of FSH. FSH not only poured into our sons life but ours as well. The Griers

My son is getting an excellent education at Barrack. The educational philosophy at Barrack is one…read morethat takes each student individual needs into account. Whether your observance in Judaism leans more toward the orthodox or something in the other direction Barrack welcomes everyone easily and without judgement. From Sports, the Arts, STEAM and everything in between there is something for which every student can engage. I highly recommend this school:) Cindy

Look, it's pretty weird to write a Yelp review of your alma mater. But you gotta get those First to…read moreReview's one way or another, so here goes: Barrack (formerly known as Akiba Hebrew Academy) is one of few schools out there for those who want a sound education in Jewish history, Jewish law, Biblical study, and the Modern Hebrew Language. On top of that, Barrack has some great teachers in secular studies. At Barrack, you're welcomed no matter what type of Judaism you practice. That said, the school is very small and is under huge financial strain. This means that some of the programs the school wants to offer, such as art and music, can't be offered all the time, and the tuition seems to rise every year. But it's all worth it for the tight knit community based around the school, comprised of the teachers, students, students' families, and administrators. As a student, the smallness of the student body can feel stifling at times. However, the close attention and care you'll receive, as well as the lessons on how to be a giving part of such a community, make the experience well worth it. I can't imagine many current college students would give their high school four starts out of five, but at least among my friends who graduated from Barrack, I'd bet most of the them would give Barrack a four or higher. That's saying something. So there it is, a Yelp review of a high school education. Only on the internet...

In 10th grade I had my son take the SAT to see where he was at so that I could determine what help…read morehe needed. I was not happy with his score to say the least. In came Anthony Weinkopff who tutored my son and helped him to raise his score over 300 points by his junior year!! Mr. Weinkopff was patient with my son, who has a hard time concentrating for long periods. In addition, to the academics, he taught him concentration techniques, which was key to his success. My son placed in the 98 percentile nationally on the October PSAT and got the similar score on his November SATs! Thank you Mr. Weinkopff, you deserve an A+. Natasha S.

Embrace Tutoring helped me so much. I have raised my PSAT score 150 from the first time I took it…read more I feel confident and ready to take the SAT this coming March. I enjoy the individualized approach of Embrace Tutoring and how no problem is left untouched. I struggle in math, and it was very important to me that the tutoring I chose could help me with my personal issues, and embrace does this perfectly! Highly suggest!

Mathnasium is great. Greg and his instructors make math fun for the kids to the point where they…read moredon't want to leave when it comes time to pick them up. Atmosphere is bright, clean and relaxing with mellow tunes in the background that act more like white noise to help concentration. They are open after school and on weekends so there's always time to fit in a math session. And the location is super convenient with plenty of parking. Highly recommended for any child who needs more practice with math to build up their confidence and speed in problem solving, and especially those that are too timid to ask questions in class.

From the owner: Mathnasium Learning Centers strive to teach elementary, middle, and high school students math in a…read moreway that makes sense to them. The hallmark of our program has been the way that it engages kids and gets them to understand math at a deep level. Today, over 35 years after its inception, the Mathnasium Method™ is providing children all over the world with the confidence, critical thinking skills, and mathematical ability to last a lifetime. We specialize in math tutoring, custom learning plans, personalized instruction, homework help, and SAT, ACT, and ISEE preparation. Our goal is to significantly increase your child's math skills, understanding of math concepts, and overall school performance, while building confidence and forging a positive attitude toward the subject. Contact us today for more information!

After evaluating many schools, we found MLCA to be the right fit for our child. With a focus on…read moreFrench fluency, classical literature, music (piano and violin), and hands on nature and science skills - the school can be a great fit for certain children. Note the school is relatively small and does not have sports outside of gym class. If you think a "liberal arts college for kids" makes sense, this could be the place for your child.

We feel truly blessed to have found MLCA! When researching…read moreschools, what stood out right away was the clarity of its priorities: real content, meaningful learning, and a rigorous, rich curriculum delivered in a way that's age-appropriate and joyful. For years, we've happily driven our daughter all the way from the city so she could attend, because it felt too important not to make it work.MLCA students' mastery across diverse subjects such as history, math, French, art history, and piano is truly impressive for children of their age. But just as striking is the wholesome, grounded atmosphere in which kids can be kids, treat one another with kindness, and learn without unhealthy competition. "Classical" at MLCA feels welcoming rather than stiff, with families bringing different perspectives while sharing a commitment to serious learning. I especially think MLCA can be a great fit for expat families who are looking for a curriculum more similar to that of European schools and who would like their kids to be challenge without any of the unhealthy competition an obsession over test scores.

really great for my son throughout middle school. Extremely helpful, dedicated & trained staff…read more highly recommended!

I want to say that this is the best place. Every word you read about Mr.Dong is right on. He can…read moremotivate children that need that little push. He is also willing when able to go out of his way to help get a child his or her work to keep them on track if you can't make it in. I just can't say enough good things about him .I know without his help and support through this program my child wouldn't be doing what they are today. Almost one year in and will continue to do more as progress is truely possible with this team. Thank you all so much. Victoria

Better off going to Merion - constant switching of head of school and seem to only care about money.read more

I went to school there a year and immediately left. The kids were not nice at all, the classes…read moreweren't academically challenging, and the environment was not healthy.