#1 Best Independent Schools in Pittsburgh, PA
Ellis School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Pittsburgh, PA
A+Overall gradeAll girls367 students6 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Pittsburgh, PA
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Pittsburgh, PA. Top 9 of 9 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Pittsburgh, PA
Shady Side Academy Junior School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–5
The smallest classes of any independent school in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
A+Overall grade263 students4 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Pittsburgh, PA
Waldorf School of Pittsburgh
Independent school · Grades 1–8
Smaller classes than 85% of independent schools in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, PA
A+Overall grade121 students5 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Pittsburgh, PA
Shady Side Academy Country Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–5
Smaller classes than 83% of independent schools in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, PA
A+Overall grade152 students5 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in Pittsburgh, PA
St. Edmund's Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Small classes: about 7 students per teacher
Pittsburgh, PA
A+Overall grade270 students7 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in Pittsburgh, PA
Falk Laboratory School
Independent school · Grades K–8
Growing: enrollment up 23% since 2011–12
Pittsburgh, PA
A+Overall grade432 students7 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in Pittsburgh, PA
Shady Side Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, PA
A-Overall grade1,118 students8 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in Pittsburgh, PA
Shady Side Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, PA
B+Overall grade1,118 students21 students per teacher
#9 Best Independent Schools in Pittsburgh, PA
Grace Non-Traditional Christian Academy
Independent school · Grades 9–12
One of 12 independent schools in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
B-Overall grade234 students11 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.