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 (2025)
- 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.
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

A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the various teaching methods used in today's high school classrooms. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to support your teen's learning journey, communicate effectively with teachers, and create a complementary learning environment at home.

February 08, 2025
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden SymphonyA musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private SchoolUse this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.