The Philadelphia School

Mission

The Philadelphia School is a coeducational, nonsectarian independent school educating children from preschool through eighth grade. Our mission, as a progressive school and vibrant learning community, is to educate the character and intellect of children.  We want our students to become engaged citizens who are critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, and lifelong learners.

Philosophy

The Philadelphia School’s progressive approach to learning addresses developmental issues:  how a child grows intellectually, creatively, emotionally, socially, morally, and physically. New research about child development, teaching, and learning is regularly incorporated into the school curriculum.  Our diverse community of learners fosters critical thinking, love of learning, and enthusiasm for meaningful work.  We seek to nurture each student’s sense of personal integrity, care for others, and respect for individuality. Through our commitment to learning in the city, country, and classroom, we affirm our founders’ goal of educating students to be thoughtful, responsible, and active stewards of the urban and natural environments. The Philadelphia School’s vigorous, theme-based academic program prepares students for a lifetime of learning and community involvement.

Head of School: Justine Hoffman

Location: Center City Philadelphia

Founding year: 1972

Enrollment: 453

Percentage students of color: 33%

Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 

School Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:20 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.
Friday 8:20 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Auxiliary Programming Hours:
Early Risers: 7:30-8:00 a.m. (when schoolyard opens)

After School Programs:
Monday-Thursday: 3:20 – 6:00 p.m.
Friday 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Faculty and staff with advanced degrees: 72%

Languages taught: Spanish (preschool-8th), Latin (8th grade), Mandarin (after-school club)

Interscholastic sports: basketball, soccer, tennis, track & field, volleyball

Tuition: $20,500–$24,900

Financial aid budgeted (2015-16): $1.5 million, 24% of student body

Accreditation: Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools

Institutional memberships: Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools, Educational Records Bureau, Independent School Consortium, Multicultural Resource Center of the Philadelphia Area Independent Schools, National Association of Independent Schools, and Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools