Which Pennsylvania high schools are best for athletes? According to one study, these are the top 25

TL;DR

A new study ranks the top 25 high schools in Pennsylvania for athletes based on various factors including state championships and student participation. The rankings reflect the state's rich sports history and current athletic programs.

Key points

Study ranks top 25 high schools for athletes in Pennsylvania
Ranking based on student and parent feedback
Factors include state championships and sports participation
Pennsylvania has a rich sports history
Home to many legendary athletes

Home of the 2026 NFL Draft, top-tier college and professional teams, and some of the best high school storylines throughout history, there aren't many states that can stand up to Pennsylvania’s sports scene.

Legends like Arnold Palmer, Wilt Chamberlain, Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Reggie Jackson, Tony Dorsett and countless others once called the Keystone State home. And from each of those legends to the talented athletes today, plenty of iconic high school programs set the stage for accomplishments on the field, in sports, on the track, in the pool, and beyond.

More: Which U.S. schools are best for athletes? According to one study, these are the top 25

Which high schools in Pennsylvania are considered the best for athletes today?

According to one study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents—accounting for "reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school"—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.

25. Cumberland Valley High School (Mechanicsburg)

Total number of sports: 27

24. Marple Newtown High School (Newtown Square)

Total number of sports: 25

23. Father Judge High School (Philadelphia)

Total number of sports: 14

22. Scranton Preparatory School

Total number of sports: 22

21. Bishop Guilfoyle Academy (Altoona)

Total number of sports: 19

20. Hickory High School (Hermitage)

Total number of sports: 25

19. Bishop McDevitt High School (Harrisburg)

Total number of sports: 18

Bishop McDevitt's Nazir Jones-Davis (5) slips a tackle as he runs the ball in the PIAA Class 5A football championship game against Roman Catholic at Cumberland Valley High School, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Mechanicsburg, Pa.

Q&A

What are the top 25 high schools for athletes in Pennsylvania?

The study identifies the top 25 high schools in Pennsylvania based on athletic performance, state championships, and student participation.

How was the ranking of Pennsylvania high schools for athletes determined?

The ranking was based on survey feedback from students and parents, as well as data from the U.S. Department of Education regarding athletics.

Which factors contribute to a high school's ranking for athletics in Pennsylvania?

Factors include reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in sports, and the variety of sports offered.

What is the significance of Pennsylvania's sports scene for high school athletes?

Pennsylvania has a rich sports history and is home to many legendary athletes, making it a significant state for developing high school talent.

Which Pennsylvania high schools are best for athletes? According to one study, these are the top 25

TL;DR

Key points

25. Cumberland Valley High School (Mechanicsburg)

24. Marple Newtown High School (Newtown Square)

23. Father Judge High School (Philadelphia)

22. Scranton Preparatory School

21. Bishop Guilfoyle Academy (Altoona)

20. Hickory High School (Hermitage)

19. Bishop McDevitt High School (Harrisburg)

Q&A

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