The Philadelphia School educates children for a future that is impossible to know but not impossible to shape.
Learn here. Go anywhere. The Philadelphia School`s progressive approach to learning and teaching has deep thinking, innovation, and agency as its guiding values.
We encourage children to explore and push the boundaries of possibility to fulfill their intellectual, social, and civic potential.
We approach learning through inquiry, projects, and community. Core values and new research inform the school`s program and pedagogical practices.
Our interdisciplinary, theme-based approach prepares students to build a stronger and more inclusive school, community, and society for today and tomorrow. As an urban, preschool8th grade school, we address specifically how young students develop intellectually, creatively, emotionally, socially, and physically.
Through our commitment to diversity, we seek to nurture each student`s moral compass, sense of personal integrity, and respect for individuality.
Learning in the city, country, and classroom affirms our founders` goal of educating children to become responsible and active stewards of the urban and natural environments.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 430 students
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 1
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Philadelphia School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1972
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
430 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
26%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
51 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
72%
Average Class Size
10 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 1
Admissions Director
Alison Fritz, Director of Admissions Early Childhood
Admissions Associate
Brian Johnson, Dir 1st - 7th
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are The Philadelphia School often compared to?
The Philadelphia School is often viewed alongside schools like William Penn Charter School by visitors of our site.
What is The Philadelphia School's ranking?
The Philadelphia School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for The Philadelphia School?
The application deadline for The Philadelphia School is Dec. 1.
In what neighborhood is The Philadelphia School located?
The Philadelphia School is located in the Center City neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 6 other private schools located in Center City.
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: The Philadelphia School vs. William Penn Charter School
People that viewed The Philadelphia School also viewed these schools: William Penn Charter School, Friends Select School, Greene Street Friends School, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy and St. Peter's School.
The nearest high school to The Philadelphia School is 63rd St. Multicultural Academy Of Academic Excellence (1.0 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Greene Towne Montessori School (0.7 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Formative Years Preschool Inc (0.4 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-12 | 947 students 5.2 miles 3000 W School House Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 844-3460
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 844-3460
5.2
PK-12
947
Friends Select School
(Friends)
Grades: PK-12 | 600 students 1 miles 17th St & Benjamin Franklin
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 561-5900
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 561-5900
1
PK-12
600
Grades: PK-8 | 310 students 6 miles 5511 Greene St
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 438-7000
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 438-7000
6
PK-8
310
Grades: NS-12 | 1,216 students 8.2 miles 500 W Willow Grove Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 247-7007
Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 247-7007
8.2
NS-12
1,216
Grades: NS-8 | 151 students 1.8 miles 319 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-3963
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-3963
1.8
NS-8
151
School Reviews
Endorse The Philadelphia School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.
