In 1842, the Redemptorists founded St. Peter the Apostle Parish after being asked to minister to the German speaking immigrants in this neighborhood. As the parish school, St. Peter the Apostle School opened in 1848 and has a long history of educating children in the Northern Liberties and Fishtown area. St. Peter the Apostle school community has a rich spiritual tradition and long history of dedicated ministry to the families of this parish through Catholic education. Also present on the parish and school campus is the shrine of St. John Neumann, the founder of the Catholic school system. The school community of St. Peter the Apostle cherishes the gift it is to have this great saint of Catholic education here and we seek to continue the mission of Catholic education in his spirit into the future.
Saint Peter the Apostle School continues to educate students in grades PK - 8 from all faith backgrounds and cultures and offers instruction in STEM, Spanish, American Sign Language, Technology, Art, and Music along with an exceptional core curriculum.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 191 students
- Yearly Tuition: $4,450
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- Average class size: 17 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. Peter The Apostle School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Learning differences that can be accommodated in the regular education classroom are supported. Expansion of program and services expected in the near future.
Year Founded
1848
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
191 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
94%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
20%
Average Class Size
17 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Students wear regular school uniform with a separate casual gym uniform on appropriate days.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition cost above is for one Catholic student. Tuition discounts are available for families with multiple children. Tuition assistance is available for all families after completion of an application for assistance.
% on Financial Aid
80%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,000
Acceptance Rate
95%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Sister Danielle Truex
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Baking Club, Environmental Club, Kindness Club, Newspaper Club, Public Speaking Club, Rosary Club, Study Skills and Test Preparation Program
Arts and Music Programs:
Broadway Show, Christmas Show
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Sports Club
Baking Club, Environmental Club, Kindness Club, Newspaper Club, Public Speaking Club, Rosary Club, Study Skills and Test Preparation Program
Arts and Music Programs:
Broadway Show, Christmas Show
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Sports Club
School Notes
Our Mission
With a firm spiritual foundation, commitment to inclusion, and tireless dedication to the transformative power of Catholic education, we strive to build God's Kingdom in our multicultural community of students, parents, faculty and staff, and parishioners as we strive to reach our full potential and generously give of ourselves in service.
Our Values
The Saint Peter the Apostle School community embodies three core values, based on our Catholic identity and spiritual heritage, as the animating spirit of our school's mission and beliefs.
A graduate of Saint Peter the Apostle School will
With a firm spiritual foundation, commitment to inclusion, and tireless dedication to the transformative power of Catholic education, we strive to build God's Kingdom in our multicultural community of students, parents, faculty and staff, and parishioners as we strive to reach our full potential and generously give of ourselves in service.
Our Values
The Saint Peter the Apostle School community embodies three core values, based on our Catholic identity and spiritual heritage, as the animating spirit of our school's mission and beliefs.
- Spirituality - We believe that our unique spiritual heritage, under the patronage of Saint Peter the Apostle and in the spirit of St. John Neumann, inspires all members of our community to seek to build God's Kingdom together so that all can experience and share the fullness of God's redeeming love through Catholic education.
- Inclusion - We believe that our parish community, students, parents, faculty, and staff are essential members of our school community and we seek to work collaboratively, respectfully, and tirelessly to provide all with the keys to God's Kingdom through academic, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual education.
- Transformation - We believe that Catholic education empowers all members of our community to experience transformation and act as agents of change in our community and in the world, now and into the future.
A graduate of Saint Peter the Apostle School will
- Actively participate in the building of God`s Kingdom as he/she seeks to be personally transformed by God`s redeeming love and to share this redeeming love with those he/she encounters in his/her family, friendships, continuing education, and future profession.
- Utilize his/her academic, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual education to be of generous service to his/her community in a manner that respects the dignity of all members of a community.
- Promote justice and peace using his/her foundation of Catholic education to transform the world.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Peter The Apostle School cost?
St. Peter The Apostle School's tuition is approximately $4,450 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of St. Peter The Apostle School?
The acceptance rate of St. Peter The Apostle School is 95%, which is higher than the national average of 87%.
What sports does St. Peter The Apostle School offer?
St. Peter The Apostle School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Cheering, Dance and Soccer.
What is St. Peter The Apostle School's ranking?
St. Peter The Apostle School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Highest percentage of students of color, Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Peter The Apostle School?
The application deadline for St. Peter The Apostle School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is St. Peter The Apostle School located?
St. Peter The Apostle School is located in the North Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 46 other private schools located in North Philadelphia.
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The nearest high school, elementary school and preschool to St. Peter The Apostle School is The City School (Pre-k(4)-12) (0.2 miles away)
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Grades
Students
Grades: PK-12 | 947 students 4.3 miles 3000 W School House Lane
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Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 844-3460
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Friends Select School
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Grades: PK-12 | 600 students 1.5 miles 17th St & Benjamin Franklin
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(215) 561-5900
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 561-5900
1.5
PK-12
600
St. Mary Interparochial School
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Grades: K-8 | 250 students 1.6 miles 5th & Locust Sts
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Philadelphia, PA 19106
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Grades: NS-8 | 151 students 1.8 miles 319 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
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(215) 925-3963
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School Reviews
5 9/1/2021
I feel this school is underrated. My children love this school. The staff and teachers have been great. The new Principal has demonstrated improving communication with the parents and getting the parents involved as well. School is about to start and it's wonderful reading the newsletter with the upcoming information. The school has zero-tolerance for bullying and ensures the safety of all children. The teachers do a great job getting the kids involved with giving back to the community something my children enjoy.
5 8/28/2021
St. Peter the Apostle School is a hidden gem for grades pre-k through 8th grade in Northern Liberties, with a long-standing tradition of providing a quality Catholic School education to all. My husband attended the school over 30 years ago and we`re so happy to be able to enroll our children in the very same place so many years later. It is a special community tied to a very diverse population and Parish, which was integral to what we were looking for in a school. Our children LOVE this school from the teachers to the students to the challenging curriculum and all of the modern upgrades to the campus. St. Peter`s integrates compassion into their teaching standards, emphasizes the importance of Catholic values, and builds leaders through each of their classes and lessons.Though it is a small school, it allows for a lower student to teacher ratio, giving the children more confidence when asking questions, engage in group activities, and opportunities for more one-on-one interaction with the teachers. Teachers are passionate about seeing their students succeed. They are great about sharing moments of pride they see within your child. With the Principal Sr. Danielle Truex at the helm, they know the importance of getting the parents involved in the life of the school, and should an issue arise they tackle it in a very respectful, approachable manner.Our experience has only been exceptional. The Pastor Father Richard Bennett is truly invested in collaborating with the school and the parents to help develop the students` Catholic identity and making it a successful educational experience for them. From the Broadway plays and holiday events like the annual Halloween Bash and Breakfast with Santa, you get to see how every person who works and volunteers with the school are committed to helping to raise kind, intelligent human beings. I fully encourage you to come visit the school and speak with Sr. Danielle and Fr. Richard to see for yourself!
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