A family planning to move to Lansdale began looking into private schools. However, after reviewing information about the local public schools, their perspective changed slightly. North Penn High School, part of the North Penn School District, received a higher rating than expected.

North Penn High School received an A rating from Niche, and its GreatSchools rating is 9 out of 10. It ranks 42nd among all public high schools in Pennsylvania. The student population for grades 10-12 is 3,165, with a teacher-to-student ratio of 14 to 1. The average GPA is 3.5, the graduation rate is 93 percent, and the average SAT score is 1270, with an ACT score of 30. This level of achievement suggests that significant academic success can be expected without tuition fees. While there are a few small private schools near Lansdale, the strong academic indicators of the public schools in the area mean that many families choose public schools over private ones.

Of course, while this is advantageous, there are aspects that only private schools can offer. Smaller class sizes and more personalized college counseling are often available, which is worth considering alongside the tuition costs. Conversely, public schools do not have tuition fees, but students must attend schools based on their assigned districts. It's also important to consider that adding private school tuition, which can reach $40,000 to $50,000 annually, to the housing budget can significantly change the range of home prices that can be afforded on the same income.

There are three main factors to check in order. First, whether the address where you want to find a home is actually within the North Penn High School district. Second, if considering private schools, calculate the tuition and commuting distance together. Third, consider housing costs. According to RentCafe data, as of July 2026, the average rent in Lansdale is $2,046, which is a 1.96 percent increase from the previous year. For a two-bedroom, the average is around $2,198. If considering purchasing a home, the monthly mortgage payment can vary significantly based on interest rates, so it's advisable to compare renting and buying under the same conditions. Families will need to decide whether to add the savings from not paying public school tuition to their housing budget or keep it as savings.

For families moving from out of state, it's worth noting that Pennsylvania's school assignment system may differ from that of their previous state. School district boundaries can change frequently, so it's advisable to verify the assigned school for the specific address before purchasing. This article is not investment or legal advice, and consulting with a professional before making any contracts is recommended.

To summarize the advantages and disadvantages: public schools have no tuition burden and strong academic indicators, but if you are outside the assigned district, your options disappear. Private schools have high tuition but allow you to choose schools without being tied to a commuting zone. Which option is better depends on the family's financial situation and the child's preferences, so comparing both options under the same conditions can aid in decision-making. For families moving to Lansdale from out of state, it's also good to be aware that the evaluation methods for school districts may differ from those in their previous areas. School assignments can change even with just one road in between, so if you find a home you like, it's best to first check if that address is indeed within the North Penn High School district. Lansdale is located about 30 miles from downtown Philadelphia, making it a convenient location for families commuting to work. The strong academic indicators of the public schools are particularly valuable information for families looking to save on private school tuition, and it is recommended to schedule school visits and consultations before making a final decision on a home.