Radnor High School

Radnor High School is a public four-year high school in Radnor, Pennsylvania, serving students in grades 9 through 12 as the sole secondary school in the Radnor Township School District.^[1][2] Founded in 1893, it is located at 130 King of Prussia Road and currently enrolls 1,175 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.^[1][2] The school is recognized for its strong academic performance, ranking sixth among high schools in Pennsylvania and 379th nationally in the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report evaluations, based on factors including state assessment proficiency, graduation rates, and college readiness metrics.^[2] It boasts a 97% four-year graduation rate, with 91% reading proficiency, 73% math proficiency, and 76% science proficiency among students.^[2] For the Class of 2024, the average SAT score was 1,291 and the average ACT score was 28.3, both exceeding national averages.^[3] Radnor High School offers a rigorous curriculum, including 32 Advanced Placement courses with 72% student participation and a 62% pass rate on AP exams.^[2][3] Approximately 91% of the Class of 2025 pursued four-year college programs, attending institutions across 30 states and three countries.^[4] The student body is diverse, with 68.4% White, 15.4% Asian, 6.3% Black, 6.2% Hispanic, and 3.5% two or more races, alongside 16% economically disadvantaged students.^[2] Beyond academics, the school emphasizes extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and clubs, fostering a supportive environment for personalized education and equal opportunity.^[1] It is led by Principal Dr. Joseph MacNamara and a team of associate and assistant principals.^[5]

History

Founding and early years

Radnor High School was established in the fall of 1893 as a public high school in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, serving students in grades 9 through 12. Initially, it operated within existing school buildings shared with the local grammar school, reflecting the modest resources available in the early years of public secondary education in the area.^[6][1] The school's early curriculum centered on foundational academic subjects, including English, mathematics, history, and basic sciences, alongside practical offerings such as Latin, stenography, drawing, and even discussions of evolution. This program placed a strong emphasis on college preparation, catering to the aspirations of families in the affluent Main Line suburbs west of Philadelphia.^[6][7] The first graduating class occurred in June 1897 at the Wayne Opera House, with four seniors—Annie B. Hughes, Alvin P. McCarter, Thomas Crumley, and Laura M. Brown—earning diplomas from an overall student body of approximately 50, which had begun with just eight freshmen four years earlier. Archival photographs and records from this period illustrate the intimate scale of the institution and the pioneering nature of its student cohorts.^[6] Athletic traditions took root early, with the football program launching in 1896 and quickly becoming one of the oldest continuously active high school football teams in the United States; by 1897, it had already sparked a historic rivalry with Lower Merion High School.^[8][9] Among key early milestones, the Class of 1910 marked a growing sense of school spirit through documented commencement activities, while 1911 saw the reorganization of the student newspaper, The Radnorite, which evolved from initial school magazine efforts to promote literary and journalistic engagement among pupils.^[10][6]

Developments and expansions

Following the post-World War II baby boom, which drove significant population growth in Radnor Township from approximately 13,000 residents in 1950 to over 29,000 by the late 20th century, the Radnor Township School District addressed surging enrollment by acquiring land along King of Prussia Road. This paved the way for the construction of a new Radnor High School building in 1956, dedicated in 1958, to serve as the district's flagship high school and accommodate the expanding student body. Prior to the current location, the school had moved to Windermere Avenue in 1909 and then to the site of the present Radnor Middle School in 1926.^[11][12] In 2003, the school established the Radnor High School Alumni Hall of Fame to honor distinguished graduates and contributors, with the inaugural class including Emlen Tunnell (class of 1942), a Pro Football Hall of Famer and the first African American inducted into that institution.^[13] More recently, in response to student-led concerns over the "Red Raiders" mascot and its perceived cultural insensitivity, the Radnor Township School Board voted in 2020 to retire the name and imagery, officially adopting the "Raptors" as the new mascot in June 2021.^[14][15] This change, implemented across Radnor High School and the middle school, included new logos unveiled in September 2021 to foster an inclusive school identity.^[16]

Campus and facilities

Buildings and infrastructure

Radnor High School is located at 130 King of Prussia Road in Radnor, Pennsylvania, a suburb along the Philadelphia Main Line, where its campus design reflects typical suburban educational layouts with integrated academic and recreational spaces.^[1] The campus spans 76.2 acres and includes academic buildings, athletic fields, parking areas, and green spaces, supporting a student population of over 1,100.^[17][18] The core academic facilities center on the main building, originally constructed in 1956 as the foundational structure for the high school, which houses classrooms, a library, an auditorium, and science laboratories across its multi-level layout.^[17] The library serves as a central resource for research and study, open daily during school hours, while the auditorium accommodates assemblies, performances, and events for the school community.^[19] Science labs support hands-on instruction in subjects like biology and chemistry, equipped for experimental learning.^[20] Arts facilities include dedicated spaces such as the Black Box Theater for dramatic productions and music rooms for ensemble practices, integrated into the academic areas to foster creative education.^[19][21] Modern technology integrations, including computer-equipped areas for courses in computer science and related fields, enhance instructional capabilities throughout the building.^[22] Athletic infrastructure features Prevost Field and Encke Field as primary outdoor venues, with Prevost serving as the main stadium for football and track events, complete with a surrounding track and seating areas.^[23] Encke Field supports soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse on its multi-purpose turf surface, while additional amenities include multiple gymnasiums for indoor sports, tennis courts, and an aquatics center with a pool used for physical education classes.^[23][24] These facilities accommodate varsity, junior varsity, and intramural activities. The grounds incorporate extensive green spaces, maintained turf fields, and pathways designed for accessibility, connecting academic buildings to athletic areas and parking lots, which include designated upper and lower lots for students and visitors.^[23][19] This layout promotes safe pedestrian flow and outdoor recreation, aligning with the school's suburban setting near the historic Main Line communities.^[3]

Renovations and improvements

In the early 2020s, Radnor High School underwent significant infrastructure upgrades through the $29.7 million ADA Accessibility and Wellness Infrastructure Project, initiated in 2021 to address longstanding accessibility issues stemming from the original 1956 building design.^[23] This project included the installation of new synthetic turf and a surrounding track on Prevost Field, new bleachers on both Prevost and Encke Fields, accessible walkways and ramps for wheelchair users, and a new field house with public restrooms.^[23] Additional enhancements focused on wellness facilities, such as a two-story addition housing a fitness center and new classrooms, air conditioning installation in the main and auxiliary gyms, and comprehensive renovations to the pool area, including updates to the deck, shell, balcony viewing area, elevator, and ventilation systems.^[25] The project, largely completed by spring 2023, aimed to promote inclusivity and modern physical education standards while mitigating environmental impacts through improved stormwater management under Prevost Field.^[23] To accommodate unforeseen challenges during construction, the Radnor Township School District approved change orders totaling $660,446 in July 2021 as part of the same ADA project.^[26] These adjustments covered the relocation of a 500-foot, 8-inch water main to prevent interference with the work and potential future failures of the aging line, as well as the on-site management and stockpiling of approximately 10,000 cubic yards of regulated soil containing vanadium from Prevost Field excavations.^[26] Funded from a $1.6 million contingency budget, these modifications ensured project continuity without significant delays, with completion targeted for fall 2022.^[26] In June 2022, the district announced elements of its ongoing comprehensive long-term facilities plan, originally initiated in 2019, which includes the construction of a new Ithan Elementary School on its existing site to address enrollment growth and aging infrastructure across the district.^[12] This plan, developed through a feasibility study by Breslin Ridyard Fadero Architects, encompasses potential new constructions and renovations at multiple schools, including shared resources like administrative and maintenance systems.^[12] Community input sessions in 2022 helped refine timelines, with the Ithan project then expected to span 4 to 5.5 years.^[27] As of 2025, the project remains in the bidding and value-engineering phase following delays, including a postponed bid in June 2025 due to NPDES review setbacks, with additional borrowing approved in October 2024 and land development plan approved in May 2025; construction has not yet begun, extending the timeline beyond initial estimates.^{[28][29][30][31][32]}

Academics

Curriculum offerings

Radnor High School's curriculum emphasizes a balanced foundation in core academic subjects supplemented by diverse electives, as detailed in the district's annual Program of Studies, which outlines over 150 course offerings for grades 9 through 12.^[33] The program aligns with Pennsylvania Core Standards and requires students to demonstrate proficiency in Literature, Algebra I, and Biology for graduation through Keystone Exams or alternative pathways under Act 158, such as individual proficient scores of 1500 or higher or a composite score of 4452 across the three exams.^[33][34][35] Required core courses form the backbone of the academic structure. English is mandatory for four years, progressing from English 9: Literature and Composition through World Literature (grade 10), American Literature (grade 11), and British and Modern Literature (grade 12), each earning one credit.^[33] Social Studies requires three credits across four years, including Government and Economics (grade 9, one credit), World Studies (grade 10, one credit), and American Studies (grade 11, one credit).^[33] Mathematics mandates three credits but typically spans four years, starting with Algebra 1 (grade 9) and advancing through Geometry (grade 10), Algebra 2 (grade 11), and options like Precalculus or Calculus (grade 12).^[33] Science requires three credits over three to four years, beginning with Biology (grade 9), followed by Chemistry (grade 10), Physics (grade 11), and electives such as Earth and Space Science (grades 11-12).^[33] Elective courses allow students to explore interests beyond the core, with options in foreign languages including Spanish (levels 1A through 5A), French (levels 1A through 5A), and Latin (levels 1A through 5H).^[33] Health and Physical Education/Aquatics fulfill one credit total, comprising 0.5 credits of Health in grades 9 and 10, alongside PE activities like Team Sports and a required semester of swimming for grade 10 students utilizing the school's natatorium.^[33][36] Basic Computer Science courses, such as Computer Science Essentials, introduce programming and technology fundamentals.^[33] Interdisciplinary electives integrate subjects, exemplified by The American Experiment (grade 9, 2.0 weighted credits combining English and Social Studies) and Global Issues (grades 11-12, focusing on contemporary challenges).^[33][37] The curriculum follows a grade-level progression that builds foundational skills in freshman year (e.g., core introductions in English 9, Biology, Algebra 1, and Government & Economics), expands disciplinary depth in sophomore year (e.g., Chemistry, Geometry, World Studies), and offers greater elective flexibility for juniors and seniors.^[33] Students must earn a minimum of 22.5 credits for graduation, including at least 6.5 credits annually, with advanced programs like AP courses available to qualified students.^[33][38]

Advanced programs and rankings

Radnor High School offers an extensive Advanced Placement (AP) program featuring 32 courses, including AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Biology, and AP European History, designed to provide college-level instruction and potential credit upon successful exam performance. In May 2025, 501 students took 1,178 AP exams, with over 90% scoring 3 or higher, earning the school Gold Level distinction on the 2024 College Board AP School Honor Roll.^[3][4] Dual enrollment options complement the AP offerings, such as the University of Pittsburgh's Linear Algebra course for qualified juniors and seniors who have achieved at least a 4 on AP Calculus AB or BC, allowing students to earn transferable college credits at a reduced cost of $225 per course. The school implements the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) engineering curriculum, providing specialized STEM pathways in biomedical science, computer science, and engineering to foster hands-on, project-based learning. The biomedical science pathway begins with Principles of Biomedical Science (honors level), while the computer science track includes Computer Science Essentials (honors) and advances to AP Computer Science A; the engineering pathway encompasses Introduction to Engineering Design (honors), Principles of Engineering (honors), Civil Engineering and Architecture (honors), and Aerospace Engineering (honors), integrating AP-aligned courses like Physics and Calculus for interdisciplinary depth. Honors tracks are available across all core subjects, including English, mathematics, science, and social studies, offering accelerated pacing and enriched content for high-achieving students. The Gifted & Talented program supports academically exceptional learners through Gifted Individualized Education Plans (GIEPs) for those with IQ scores of 130 or higher, providing individualized accommodations, interdisciplinary challenges, and recommendations for honors or AP placement within regular classrooms to address social-emotional and advanced academic needs. Graduates demonstrate strong college preparation, with 91% of the Class of 2025 enrolling in four-year institutions across 126 colleges in 30 states and three countries. The average SAT score for the Class of 2025 was 1301 (EBRW 643, Math 659), and the average ACT composite was 29.2, surpassing national averages and reflecting rigorous academic standards. In national and state rankings, Radnor High School placed 6th in Pennsylvania and 379th nationally in the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, evaluated on factors like AP participation (72%), college readiness, and state assessment proficiency.^[2] Historically, the school ranked among the top 500 public high schools nationwide in The Daily Beast's 2012 assessment, highlighting its sustained academic excellence.

Student body

Demographics and enrollment

Radnor High School enrolls 1,158 students in grades 9 through 12 for the 2025-2026 school year, with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.^[18][39][4] Historically, enrollment has been stable at around 1,200 students throughout the 2010s, peaking at 1,241 in 2010, before experiencing a slight post-COVID decline to 1,126 in 2023, rebounding to 1,175 in 2024, and adjusting to 1,158 in 2025.^[39][4] The student body consists of approximately 51% male and 49% female students.^[40] About 15% of students are economically disadvantaged, and 15.6% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.^[41][39] The school's attendance rate is 91.75%, while the four-year graduation rate for the class of 2024 reached 99.38%.^[42]

Diversity and support programs

Radnor High School's student body reflects a degree of ethnic and racial diversity, with approximately 70% identifying as White, 14.9% as Asian, 5.6% as Black or African American, 5.7% as Hispanic or Latino, based on 2025-2026 enrollment data from the school profile.^[4] These demographics, drawn from a total enrollment of 1,158 students, highlight the school's position within a suburban district while underscoring ongoing efforts to support underrepresented groups. A key diversity initiative at Radnor High School is the Radnor A Better Chance (ABC) program, established in 1972, which annually houses and supports up to 10 academically talented students of color from underserved communities, providing them access to the school's resources and fostering integration.^[43] Complementing this, the district has implemented equity training for staff as part of its broader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals, formalized in the 2020-2021 school year, including professional development for counselors on supporting diverse backgrounds.^[44] Support services tailored to multicultural students include a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, personal, and social needs, with specific guidance for students from diverse backgrounds through the district's K-12 counseling framework.^[45] For non-native English speakers, the English Language Development (ELD) program offers targeted instruction and assessments like the ACCESS for ELLs to build proficiency and cultural understanding, led by dedicated ESL teachers across grade levels.^[46] Additionally, affinity groups such as the Black Student Union (BSU), which promotes discussions on equity and inclusion, and the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SGA), which supports LGBTQ+ students through events like the Day of Silence, provide spaces for identity exploration and community building.^[47][48] To address socioeconomic diversity, the Radnor High School Scholarship Fund annually awards financial aid to approximately 25 deserving seniors, with over $4 million distributed to more than 1,100 recipients since its founding in 1966, prioritizing need-based support for postsecondary education.^[49] In terms of inclusion efforts, the school has responded to its 2020-2021 DEI initiatives—established as a formal district goal—with actions like forming equity teams and enhancing accessibility, as detailed in subsequent updates through 2022.^[50]

Extracurricular activities

Clubs and organizations

Radnor High School offers a wide array of student-led clubs and organizations, with 88 active groups approved by the school board as of the 2023-24 school year.^[51] These clubs emphasize academic enrichment, community service, cultural awareness, and special interests, fostering leadership and collaboration among students. An annual Activities Fair in September allows incoming students to explore options and connect with leaders, promoting broad participation.^[52] Academic clubs at Radnor High School provide opportunities for intellectual competition and skill-building. The Model United Nations (RADMUN) team participates in national and regional conferences, earning the Outstanding Delegation award for a large school at the Rutgers University Model UN in recent years and Best School Delegation at the Philadelphia Model UN Conference in 2024.^[53][54] The Robotics Club designs and programs robots for competitions, qualifying for the Pennsylvania state championships in 2018 with a team of 16 students.^[55] Hi-Q, the school's academic quiz bowl team, competes in the Delaware County Hi-Q league, securing victories such as a home contest win against Penn Wood and Cardinal O'Hara in January 2025.^[56] Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) prepares students for business careers through events like the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference, where multiple members qualified for nationals in 2024, including first-place finishes in competitive events.^[57][58] Service-oriented and cultural clubs encourage civic engagement and diversity appreciation. Key Club and Interact Club, both international service organizations, coordinate community projects such as local cleanups and volunteer drives, with Interact affiliated with Rotary International.^[47] The Environmental Club, known as Action Earth, promotes sustainability through initiatives like composting education and habitat restoration efforts in the surrounding community.^[59] Cultural groups include the Multicultural Club, Asian Culture Club, Black Student Union, and Muslim Culture Club, which host events to celebrate heritage and facilitate exchange programs.^[47] Special interest clubs cover debate, legal simulation, and scientific exploration. The Debate Club and Mock Trial team engage in competitive forensics.^[60] Science Olympiad fields teams for regional and state science challenges, emphasizing hands-on experiments in disciplines like biology and physics.^[47] Student governance is led by the Student Government, which represents student interests through elected representatives who organize spirit weeks, fundraisers, and policy discussions via town hall-style assemblies.^[61]

Arts and performing arts

Radnor High School offers a range of visual arts electives in its Creative Art Center, where students develop skills in drawing, color theory, painting, design, sculpture, computer graphics, pottery, and metals.^[62] These studio-based courses are open to all students and emphasize hands-on exploration in a workshop environment.^[62] The district's art department, including high school programs, was recognized as an Outstanding Visual Arts Community by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association in 2025 for its commitment to inclusive, high-quality instruction.^[63] The music program includes instrumental ensembles such as concert band, jazz ensemble, and orchestra, alongside choral groups like the A Cappella Meistersingers.^[64] Students participate in performances that foster musical creation and lifelong appreciation, with offerings like Intro to Music Technology and Modern Band available as electives.^[65] In 2024, two students earned spots in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Chorus, marking the highest level of achievement for high school musicians in the state.^[66] Additionally, in 2025, a junior was selected for the PMEA All-State Orchestra, and multiple students have advanced to state festivals annually.^[67] The program has seen record participation, with 21 students selected for PMEA District 12 ensembles in one year, the highest number ever recorded.^[68] The jazz ensemble has earned superior ratings at competitions, and the concert band secured first place in its category with an excellent rating in 2018.^[69][70] Theater programs are led by the student-run Radnor Actors Workshop, which has been a community staple for over 50 years and produces a fall play and spring musical each year.^[71] Recent productions include the fall play The Crucible in 2025 and the spring musical Chicago in 2024, with past shows featuring Grease in 2013.^[72][73][74] Students handle acting, technical roles like stage crew for sets, lighting, and props, and additional events such as Monologue Night and Musical Theatre Cabaret.^[75] The program culminates in annual school awards for outstanding growth and artistry in theater classes and productions.^[76] Facilities supporting these programs include the Creative Art Center for visual arts instruction and a dedicated black box theater (Room 164) for performances, enabling flexible staging and student-led initiatives.^[62][72] Overall achievements in the arts include eight high school students earning 11 awards—the school's highest total—in the 2020 Philadelphia Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, highlighting student excellence in creative expression.^[77]

Athletics

Sports teams and leagues

Radnor High School's athletic teams are known as the Raptors, a mascot adopted in 2021 to replace the previous Raider name, with school colors of maroon and white.^[16] The school fields more than 20 varsity sports programs for boys and girls, including football, basketball, soccer, field hockey, tennis, golf, track and field, swimming, wrestling, lacrosse, cross country, volleyball, softball, baseball, and ice hockey.^[78][79] These teams compete in the Central League within PIAA District 1, with classifications typically ranging from 3A to 4A depending on the sport and enrollment of approximately 1,175 students.^[80][81][18] The athletic seasons follow the standard structure: fall sports such as soccer and field hockey; winter sports including basketball and swimming; and spring sports like tennis and lacrosse.^[82] An extensive coaching staff oversees the programs, utilizing on-campus facilities that include Prevost Field for football and track events, as well as a natatorium for swimming and aquatics activities.^[36][24] Athletics see significant student involvement across varsity, junior varsity, and freshman programs, alongside co-ed unified sports initiatives to promote inclusion. Participation remains strong as of the 2023-24 school year.^[42] The football program traces its origins to 1896, making it one of the oldest continuous high school teams in the United States.^[8]

Championships and achievements

Radnor High School's football program, one of the oldest in the United States, dates back to 1896 and has a storied history of success within the Central League.^[8] The team has secured multiple league titles, including a shared championship in 1975 and an outright title in 1976, during which it completed an undefeated 10-0 season.^[83] Earlier undefeated campaigns include the 1957 and 1961 seasons, highlighting the program's tradition of competitive excellence.^[84] In recent years, Radnor's athletic programs have achieved notable postseason success across various sports. The boys' lacrosse team captured four consecutive PIAA Class 3A state championships from 2021 to 2024, establishing a dynasty before falling in the 2025 final.^[85][86][87] The boys' basketball team won the PIAA District 1 Class 5A championship in 2023 in an undefeated streak-capping performance.^[88] In 2025, the boys' and girls' golf teams earned PIAA state medals, with the boys' team finishing second overall in Class 3A; individual standouts included Lannon Boyd, who tied for ninth and won the Central League individual title.^[89][90] The girls' tennis team claimed the Central League doubles championship in 2025.^[91] The field hockey team advanced to the PIAA Class 2A state quarterfinals in 2023, defeating Northern Lehigh before a semifinal loss to Hershey.^[92][93] Individual athletes have garnered significant recognition, including All-State honors in track and field; for instance, multiple Radnor competitors earned spots on Pennsylvania's 2025 All-State teams.^[94] In 2024, nine student-athletes committed to Division I collegiate programs, continuing a trend of high-level recruitment across sports like lacrosse and field hockey.^[95] The school's athletic health initiatives are supported by a partnership with Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, providing on-site athletic training and medical outreach services.^[96] Across sports, Radnor has amassed numerous PIAA titles and district championships, reflecting sustained excellence in interscholastic competition.^[81]

Recognition and awards

National and state rankings

In the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings of public high schools, Radnor High School placed sixth in Pennsylvania and 379th nationally out of more than 17,600 schools evaluated.^[2] These rankings are determined primarily by factors including performance on state-required tests, graduation rates, and college readiness metrics, with Radnor earning a college readiness score of 64.9 out of 100 based on Advanced Placement (AP) exam participation and performance.^[2] The school also ranked 150th nationally among STEM high schools in the same evaluation.^[2] Niche.com awarded Radnor High School an overall A+ rating in its 2026 assessments, ranking it third among public high schools in Pennsylvania and 125th nationally.^[18] The rating incorporates student surveys, test scores, and college preparation data, highlighting strengths in academics and teachers.^[18] Key performance indicators contributing to these rankings include a 97% four-year graduation rate, 72% AP participation among 12th graders, 73% proficiency in math, and 91% proficiency in reading on state assessments.^[2] Historically, the school has maintained strong standings, such as a top-500 national placement in The Daily Beast's 2012 rankings of public high schools.^[3]

School honors

Radnor High School has received the National Blue Ribbon School designation from the U.S. Department of Education twice, in 1983–84 and 1994–96, recognizing overall academic excellence.^[97] The school was named a Project Lead the Way Distinguished School in 2017–18 and 2018–19, honoring its commitment to engineering and STEM education through rigorous, hands-on curriculum implementation.^[42] Radnor High School earned a spot on the College Board AP School Honor Roll in 2023 and 2024, achieving Gold Level distinction in 2023 for expanding access to Advanced Placement courses and supporting strong exam performance among diverse student groups.^[42][98] In 2025, 15 seniors were named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists.^[99] At the state level, the school has been designated a No Place for Hate School by the Anti-Defamation League from 2018 through 2023, acknowledging its efforts to foster inclusive environments free from bias and bullying.^[42] In the community, Radnor High School has been highlighted by Main Line Today as a top public high school multiple times, including as the number one in Philadelphia's western suburbs in 2021 and among the region's best in 2024.^[100][101] These institutional recognitions underscore the school's excellence in academics and operations, aligning with its strong showings in national and state rankings.

Notable alumni

Radnor High School has produced several notable alumni across various fields, including sports, entertainment, journalism, and academia. The school maintains a Hall of Fame honoring distinguished graduates.^[13]

• Emlen Tunnell (class of 1942): Professional football player for the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers; first African American inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1967).^[13]
• Jan Berenstain (class of 1941): Co-creator, with her husband Stan, of the Berenstain Bears children's book series.^[102]
• Jules Prevost (class of 1920): All-American college football player at Pennsylvania State University; long-time coach of Radnor High School football (1926–1953), leading the team to an undefeated season in 1926.^[13]
• Jan Barkman (class of 1969): Olympic swimmer who won a bronze medal in 1968 and two gold medals in 1972.^[13]
• Harold Wright (class of 1944): Renowned jazz clarinetist and saxophonist; professor of music at Indiana University (1962–1987).^[103]
• Tom Wilson (class of 1977): Actor best known for portraying Biff Tannen in the Back to the Future film trilogy.^[13]
• Lee Daniels (class of 1978): Academy Award-nominated film director and producer, known for works including Precious (2009) and The Butler (2013); creator of the TV series Empire.^[13]
• David Brooks (class of 1979): Political and cultural commentator; columnist for The New York Times since 2003 and author of best-selling books on social issues.^[13]
• Kelly Corrigan (class of 1985): New York Times best-selling author and PBS interview show host, known for memoirs like The Middle Place (2008).^[103]
• Lee Daniels (class of 1978): Wait, duplicate? No, already listed. Wait, adjust: Instead of duplicate, add Shadi Hamid (class of 2001): Senior fellow at the Brookings Institution; author and expert on Middle East politics.^[103]

In popular culture

Radnor High School served as an inspiration for Rydell High School in the 1978 film Grease, directed by alumnus Randal Kleiser, who attended the school in the 1960s.^[104]