Business Details
Private School for Boys Pre-K - 12th Grade on Philadelphias Main Line
The Haverford School has dedicated itself to educating boys since 1884, fostering academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. Our institution emphasizes relationships, scholarship, and moral growth, preparing students for meaningful lives of purpose and impact. With three divisions spanning pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, we cultivate leadership, creativity, and intellectual curiosity through a rigorous curriculum and diverse extracurricular opportunities. Our faculty, recognized as practicing experts in their fields, provide personalized mentorship while maintaining high academic standards. The school's 140-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities supporting arts, athletics, and STEM education.We instill core virtues including integrity, compassion, and perseverance through programs like service learning and global studies. Our alumni network remains deeply engaged, reflecting the lasting impact of our educational philosophy. The school's strategic vision prioritizes continuous improvement in boys' education while preserving its historic traditions. Through initiatives like the Best for Boys speaker series, we advance understanding of optimal educational practices for young men. Our commitment to character development is woven into daily activities, from classroom instruction to athletic competitions.
Services
Lower School
Middle School
Upper School
College Counseling
Global Studies
Arts Programs
Athletics
Service Learning
Enrichment Programs
Summer Sports Academy
Highlights and features
- We offer 140 years of expertise in boys' education since 1884
- Our character development program builds integrity and leadership
- We maintain a 7:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized instruction
- Our graduates gain admission to top-tier colleges and universities
- We provide 55 athletic teams and extensive arts programs
Services
Lower School
Our Lower School program serves pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students. We focus on developing organizational skills and academic foundations while promoting self-awareness and independence. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through interactive learning experiences. Students participate in daily physical education and specialty classes in music, art, and technology. The program prepares boys for the academic and social challenges of middle school while nurturing their natural curiosity and creativity.
Middle School
Our Middle School division serves grades six through eight with a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. Students engage in core academic subjects while exploring fine arts and athletics. The program emphasizes character development through initiatives like the House system and service learning projects. Faculty provide structured support for adolescent growth while challenging students academically. The curriculum prepares boys for upper school rigor while maintaining focus on personal development and community responsibility.
Upper School
Our Upper School program for grades nine through twelve develops academic and social skills for college and life success. The rigorous curriculum includes advanced placement courses, STEM programs, and arts education. Students participate in leadership development through student government and community service initiatives. The college counseling office provides personalized guidance for university applications. The program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and preparation for post-secondary education.
College Counseling
Our dedicated college counseling office provides comprehensive guidance for students and families throughout the college application process. Counselors work individually with students to identify suitable institutions based on academic strengths and personal goals. The program includes standardized test preparation, essay writing workshops, and interview practice. We maintain relationships with admissions officers at top universities to support student applications. Our graduates consistently gain admission to leading colleges and universities nationwide.
Global Studies
Our Global Studies program develops cultural awareness and international perspective through travel study and exchange opportunities. Students participate in educational trips to destinations including China, Morocco, and Cambodia. The curriculum incorporates global issues and cross-cultural communication skills. We host international students and maintain partnerships with schools worldwide. The program prepares boys for success in an interconnected world while promoting mutual understanding between cultures.
People
Tyler Casertano
Head of School
Tyler Casertano leads The Haverford School with a focus on deep engagement and community support. He brings extensive independent school experience from St. Albans School in Washington, D.C. Casertano emphasizes vulnerability and growth in educational leadership.
Darren Hengst
Performing Arts Chair
Darren Hengst, The Grace and Mahlon Buck Chair for the Performing Arts, develops confidence through creative expression. He leads theater productions and arts education programs that emphasize personal growth and collaborative learning experiences for students.
Joseph T. Cox
Former Head of School
Joseph T. Cox led The Haverford School from 1998-2013, combining military leadership experience with educational expertise. A retired Army Colonel and West Point professor, he authored educational publications and emphasized character development during his tenure.
John A. Nagl
Former Head of School
John Nagl served as Head of School from 2013-2021, bringing international perspective from his academic and military background. A Rhodes Scholar and West Point graduate, he emphasized global awareness and educational innovation during his leadership.
Dorothy Schade
Director of Parent Programs
Dorothy Schade coordinates parent engagement initiatives as Director of Parent Programs. She fosters community connections and supports family involvement in school activities and events.
Questions
What grades does The Haverford School serve?
We educate boys from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade across three distinct school divisions.
Is The Haverford School a boarding school?
We are a private day school with no boarding facilities, serving students from the local region.
What college preparatory resources are available?
Our dedicated college counseling office provides personalized guidance for university applications and admissions.
How diverse is the student body?
We actively cultivate diversity through socioeconomic, geographic, and cultural representation in our student population.
What extracurricular opportunities exist?
We offer 55 athletic teams, performing and visual arts programs, robotics, and service learning initiatives.
Reviews (5)
Thomas Gowen
Sep 25, 2017
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I go to Haverford and I must say the education, the teachers, athletes, drama and music programs, and the campus is incredible
Brandy Williams
Dec 23, 2014
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They have not shovelled the sidewalk on Lancaster Ave in front of Haverford School for days. No excuse. Forces people to walk in the Street. Very Icy and Dangerous. They should be expecting a fine soon.
C. S.
Mar 15, 2014
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The employees set a poor example for children when the school leaves the sidewalk on Lancaster Ave full of ice and snow. It caused falls, including climbing over snow banks and sliding into traffic. If Haverford School wants to teach students to be self-absorbed and irresponsible neighbors, they did just that.
Melvin J.
Dec 11, 2011
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Our son is in Jr. K and I'm already impressed. The school teaches the boys good values, responsibility, the importance of giving back to community as well as the importance of good academics. Most of the parents are *very* involved and we are all getting to know each other well. My God and this is just the beginning. We can't wait to find out what the next 13 1/2 years will bring :)
Ian M.
Aug 07, 2008
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Class of '95 here. 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 Seor 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
