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BEST SCHOOLS: 2024 Main Line Parent LOVE Awards & Family Favorites

Discover why local parents rave about these exceptional Main Line schools and homeschool resources.

In a region rich with top-tier educational institutions, it’s no surprise that families in the Greater Philadelphia area have so many excellent choices for their children’s education. From preschools to academies, our Family Focus Media team is pleased to present the 2024 LOVE Award Winners for Excellence in Education, who have made an undeniable impact on both students and their families. Through their innovative programs, nurturing environments, and dedicated teachers, these schools and institutions are helping to shape the future of the community. Join us in celebrating these outstanding schools and read why parents love them.

Read the endorsements from local parents in our Main Line Parent Community about who they love and then pop over to our Main Line Parent Best for Families Guide to find more trusted resources! Best for Families Celebration & LOVE Luncheon photos by AMC Photography.


2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

AUMPreschool

Ardmore

“We love AUMP because it’s a very structural school. They have gym class, music class and science class. They also have ALL STAR program for four-year-old children. They provide lesson plans in the beginning of the school year and have parent/teacher conferences to keep us on track about our child’s learning progress and behaviors at school. They host a lot of fun activities including Fall festival, Halloween parade, Christmas concert, etc., which provide opportunities for us get to know the school, teachers, and other families better. The teachers at AUMP are all very nice, warm and trustworthy, just like a big family. It’s fairly easy to reach out to our teacher and communicate with our concerns. Although it’s a half-day school, my child brings back A LOT of things he accomplished at school, such as worksheets, arts and crafts, and other learning materials. AUMP also provides extended days as an option so my child can stay at school, play more, and learn more until 2pm. Our teacher uses an app to share pictures with us privately. At the end of the week, she also sends us a communication sheet which helps us understand what our child learned in the past days and what to expect next week.”

– Fang L.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Academy of Notre Dame

Villanova

“One of the best things Notre Dame provided for me was the knowledge that I could do anything; since we were all girls, the girls were the elected leaders, athletes, and scholars.”

– Nina F.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Bright Minds Preschool of the Main Line

Wayne

“My daughter has been attending for two years. She loves going to school every day and even has us “play school” every night before bed so she can be the teacher. She adores her teachers and we couldn’t be happier with how much she has grown since starting.”

– Matt D.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Friends School Haverford

Haverford

“I can’t speak highly enough about the fantastic programming and staff at Friends School Haverford (FSH) — both as a pediatric psychologist and mom. Our son is having the time of his life and blossoming before our eyes. We feel so blessed that we found FSH, and cannot thank them enough for their tireless efforts to bring so much joy, love, and learning into our family’s life. The school reinforces values of kindness, appreciating diversity, imagination, and respecting nature that have become a part of my child’s moral foundation. The teachers love your child for who they are and bring out the best in them. Furthermore, beginning in nursery school, the children are exposed to art, music, physical education, and extracurriculars that one would expect from the elementary school level. I whole heartedly recommend FSH to anyone looking for a place to start their child’s educational journey.”

– Main Line Parent Community Parent

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Gladwyne Montessori School

Gladwyne

“Both of my children are so different, and yet they each get their own opportunity for self-discovery as part of this school. They have had the space to have their own formative experiences. Each one has gotten what they needed, unique to their personalities and personalized to their needs.”

– Julia D.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Holy Child Academy

Drexel Hill

“We wanted a quality education, first and foremost. We ended up getting far more than that. I’ll never forget the first time I stepped into HCA. We were taking a tour for my daughter to enter Nursery Three and I was so impressed with the older students we met that day. I had never before seen children their age speak so articulately and offer such respectful, and enthusiastic conversations about their studies and their school. It was that day I knew my child was going to be an HCA student. Since then, it has been a pleasure watching my daughter’s confidence develop and flourish each year.”

– Kim E.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Kimberton Waldorf School

Phoenixville

“We greatly appreciate the school’s commitment to preserving the reverence and joy of childhood, and its warm, welcoming environment. What a blessing to be a part of this community!”

– Main Line Parent Community Parent

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Main Line Classical Academy

Bryn Mawr

“Main Line Classical Academy is the type of school my wife and I wish we could have attended growing up.

We currently have two kids enrolled and they are absolutely loving it. The education is at the highest possible level. The atmosphere is warm. The parent community is very engaged. It is also a great fit for our family because of the (optional) Judaic Studies curriculum which consists of modern Hebrew and Torah studies. It’s a 10/10.”

– Itzhak G.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Montessori Children’s House of Valley Forge

Wayne

“Not only has my son has gained so much from this program, but I feel confident and guilt-free when sending him there while I work. I know he is safe, loved, challenged, cared for, and celebrated. I’d make the same decision over and over again.”

– Aubrey F.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Montgomery School

Chester Springs

“It’s a unique school that feels like family with invested, caring teachers and a warm, kind, welcoming community. The campus is beautiful and students are polite, intelligent, and inclusive. Our child dreaded school for the past couple of years. Making the switch to Montgomery was painless and truly the best decision we ever made. Our child is now very happy, thriving, more focused, calmer, more confident, and an independent thinker. Loves every teacher, friend, subject and experience. We owe it all to Monty. Highly recommend this gem!”

– Mare E.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School – Center for Performing and Fine Arts (CPFA)

West Chester

“One of my daughters attends the University Scholars Program (USP) and one attends CPFA. Both enjoy the hybrid learning style and the flexibility it provides them. USP focuses on gifted and accelerated learners while CPFA provides instruction in the performing and applied arts. My kids feel appropriately challenged and supported, and thrive in the small classes. The guidance team is wonderful as well. Both of my kids discovered hidden talents via the exposure they received to other disciplines.”

– Jen M.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School – University Scholars Program (USP)

West Chester

“One of my daughters attends the University Scholars Program (USP) and one attends Center for Performing and Fine Arts (CPFA). Both enjoy the hybrid learning style and the flexibility it provides them. USP focuses on gifted and accelerated learners while CPFA provides instruction in the performing and applied arts. My kids feel appropriately challenged and supported, and thrive in the small classes. The guidance team is wonderful as well. Both of my kids discovered hidden talents via the exposure they received to other disciplines.”

– Jen M.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Perelman Jewish Day School

Wynnewood and Melrose Park

“PJDS is such a welcoming and nurturing environment. My children have grown exponentially with the help of PJDS staff and their curriculum. They have not only enjoyed learning and gained an interest in becoming educators themselves, but they have expanded their knowledge while simultaneously developing the skills to learn another language proficiently.”

Loren O.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Phebe Anna Thorne School

Bryn Mawr

“We have been incredibly lucky to discover this gem of a school. The level of personal attention, care, expertise are all off the charts compared to other similar organizations we’ve experienced. Parent community is tight-knit, involved, proactive and supportive, yet unpretentious. Once you get to know the school and the community better, you quickly understand why seemingly just about every family there chooses to send all of their children to Phebe Anna Thorne.”

– Paul N.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Sacred Heart Academy

Bryn Mawr

“We chose Sacred Heart over many other schools in the area primarily because of the all-female environment and small class size. We love that all of the teachers and students in the Lower School know each other and care about each other, almost as if it is a large family. Sacred Heart is able to do so much with the students on top of their core subjects — STEM, music, foreign language — and is instilling in our daughter a love of learning.”

– Jeanne H.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

The Footsteps Academy Preschool

Bridgeport

“Every day when the doors open, each and every one of the teachers is greeting students with a smile. The children are thriving and learning above and beyond the skills needed to succeed in school. The children are cared about and loved. It is a smaller school with small class sizes, which allow teachers to really get to know your child. The focus is not on technology, as much as, building relationships among peers. It really becomes a second home for families.”

– Victoria D.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

The West Hill School

Rosemont

“There are so many reasons to love The West Hill School, but for me, it comes down to the people. The teachers and staff are so caring and genuinely care for your child. Almost every teacher sent their child through West Hill and that’s how they treat your child. The classes are well-organized, fun, and very educational. Our son flourished at West Hill, making lifelong friends along the way as well as building a love of learning. The West Hill School also has the most amazing outdoor play space. It’s a dream setting for kids, with pretend play areas, lots of grass to run in, and playground areas too. West Hill has a real sense of community within its families, too. You feel that you are a part of the school. I really loved every aspect of this school and will be sending our younger son there.”

– Amy K.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Trinity Preschool of Berwyn

Berwyn

“I love this place! When we first moved to the area just under two years ago, this school community was our rock amidst a sea of change for our family. The teachers are wonderful — they create an environment that fosters a love of learning in our kids. They are kind, caring, and so talented. They partner with you and your child every step of the way in the preschool journey. The parent community is so unbelievably welcoming. We feel so lucky our path led us to Trinity —there’s nothing quite like it!”

– Kelly

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Waldron Mercy Academy

Bala Cynwyd

“Waldron is a great place with amazing and caring teachers. They have enrichment activities like music, gym, Spanish, art, and even optional music lessons, even for kids as young as pre-K.”

– Katie V.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education

Westtown School

West Chester

“Being a part of this intentional and thoughtful community has been one of the best decisions we ever made for our family. I have one son who requires academic rigor to challenge and stimulate his ever-curious mind. He’s getting it in spades and applying for leadership positions now because he’s in a space where it feels safe to take risks. My other son needs more support with his academic experience and his teachers see that, and see him fully as a learner and human. He is getting a clear picture of what kind of a learner he is and how to advocate for himself, and he’s feeling successes along the way. My kindergartener started learning about conflict resolution in pre-K, and community-building and respect are interwoven into the fabric of the school. And he just loves going to school.”

– Main Line Parent Community Parent

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education for Students with Learning Differences

Benchmark School

Media

“My son started last year in 6th, and it’s been wonderful for him. It does only go to 8th, but one child started this year in 7th and has fit right in. I truly wish we started earlier. My son takes school pretty seriously now.”

– Susan R.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education for Students with Learning Differences

Delaware Valley Friends School

Paoli 

“Delaware Valley Friends School is fantastic! The class sizes are small and there are so many opportunities for the kids. All of the teachers have been trained in techniques to support Executive Function development. They use the same program between lower, middle and upper schools as well as between subjects.”

-Pamela G.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education for Students with Learning Differences

Hill Top Preparatory School

Bryn Mawr

“What don’t I love about Hill Top!? The teachers and staff are highly trained in the Special Education field. They are loving, kind and patient. They are extremely collaborative with parents, doctors and other outside staff/therapists. The small classroom size allows for individualized attention. They see their students as people not problems that need to be solved.”

– Dana B.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education for Students with Learning Differences

Pathway School

Jeffersonville

“We have been very happy with Pathway since my son started there this school year. They are very professional and my son has loved the opportunities he’s gotten there.”

– Spencer R.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education for Students with Learning Differences

Stratford Friends School

Newtown Square

“Here’s the outcome of my child’s seven years at Stratford Friends: he was accepted at Science Leadership Academy, Philadelphia’s most selective public high school. It’s safe to say that he couldn’t have done it without the skills and self-discipline he learned at Stratford Friends.”

– Rick B.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education for Students with Learning Differences

Woodlynde School

Strafford

“This Woodlynde School has experienced educators who tailor the curriculum to meet a student specialized learning needs. At the same time, there is a wonderful sense of community between teachers, students and their family. Having both a rigorous education and a very supportive, caring community allows students to succeed and thrive!”

– Gabriela S.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Homeschool Resource

Cupola Academy

Malvern

“What an amazing alternative to traditional schooling! We love the opportunity for our child to learn in a social setting with peers and have access to first-class teachers to support his hybrid homeschooling path. The nature exploration, hands-on learning opportunities, encouragement to self-expression, and agency to pursue the student’s interests makes this place a wonderful choice for parents who are interested in homeschooling but don’t want their students to miss out on the group learning and resources that traditional schools offer.”

– Abby N.

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Homeschool Resource

Open Connections

Newtown Square

“The model of Partnership Education suits our family’s needs beautifully. We appreciate the people, resources, and meaningful experiences that are available to our young people. OC continues to make our vision for a purposeful education a reality, and that’s a dream come true for us. We can’t imagine anything better.”

– Lizzie R.

These schools and educational resources, our Main Line Parent LOVE Award Winners and Family Favorite Honorees, have earned their place as trusted institutions for families in the Greater Philadelphia region. Their commitment to fostering learning, creativity, and growth is celebrated through the testimonials of parents who have witnessed the positive effects on their children firsthand. Be sure to explore the Philadelphia Family Best for Families Guide and Bucks County Parent Best for Families Guide to find even more resources that can support your family’s educational journey.

Know a fantastic local resource that should be on this list? Share your experience with a Main Line Parent Member on their Profile Page (we count new endorsements as nominations year-round)! If you’d like to Recommend a Resource that our community should know about, our team will reach out to any referrals with an invitation to join and will mail you a copy of our Community Magazine as a thank you gift. If you would like YOUR organization to be more connected with local parents, caregivers, and family-focused business leaders in our community, we invite you to join our Main Line Parent Membership Program.

Main Line Parent is published by a team of local women to connect families raising their kids around the Main Line and Philly’s western suburbs with resources, events, and each other. Learn more about us, our mission, and our method for supporting local businesses at familyfocus.org.

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