The Glen Mills Schools was founded in 1826, originally incorporated as the Philadelphia House of Refuge.
The Philadelphia House of Refuge was the third school of its type in the country, following the New York House of Refuge in 1824 and the Boston House of Refuge in 1825.
The program includes room and board, clothing, behavior management, individual and group counseling, academic and vocational programming, medical and dental services, as well as athletic and recreational opportunities.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked PA School
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Prekindergarten
- Enrollment: 743 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Glen Mills Schools ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Student Body
School Overview
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten
Student Body
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
108 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.:
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glen Mills Schools's ranking?
Glen Mills Schools ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Highest percentage of students of color and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Glen Mills Schools?
The application deadline for Glen Mills Schools is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
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People that viewed Glen Mills Schools also viewed these schools: Hill Top Preparatory School, Delaware Valley Friends School, Vanguard School, Devereux Brandywine and The Pathway School.
The nearest high school to Glen Mills Schools is The Concept School (3.5 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is St. Thomas The Apostle School (2.9 miles away)
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Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
737 S Ithan Ave
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(610) 527-3230
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(610) 527-3230
12.7 miles
Gr: 5-12 | 73 students Avg. class size: 6 students Sports: 8 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
19 E Central Ave
Paoli, PA 19301
(610) 640-4150
Paoli, PA 19301
(610) 640-4150
11.3 miles
Gr: 1-12 | 207 students Avg. class size: 8 students Sports: 8 | Extracurrculars: 21 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Vanguard School ![Vanguard School Photo - The Vanguard School, Malvern, PA]( "Vanguard School Photo - The Vanguard School, Malvern, PA")
Special Education School
1777 N. Valley Road
Malvern, PA 19355
(610) 296-6700
Malvern, PA 19355
(610) 296-6700
13.1 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 265 students Avg. class size: 6 students Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
Devereux Brandywine
All-boys | Special Education School
160 Devereux Road
Glenmoore, PA 19343
(484) 228-4750
Glenmoore, PA 19343
(484) 228-4750
18.3 miles
Gr: 1-12 | 97 students Avg. class size: 10 students Extracurrculars: 7 Tuition listed
162 Egypt Road
Norristown, PA 19403
(610) 277-0660
Norristown, PA 19403
(610) 277-0660
18.5 miles
Gr: 2-12 | 171 students Avg. class size: 8 students Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition listed
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