William Penn Charter School, established in 1689 by William Penn, is the oldest Quaker School in the world.
Penn Charter has combined a rich heritage of Quaker values with academic rigor and excellence.
A college-preparatory day school educating boys and girls from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade, the school is located on a 44-acre campus in the East Falls section of Philadelphia.
Penn Charter's philosophy is centered on the Quaker belief that there is "that of God in every person." Respect for others and appreciation for the unique values of each individual are woven into the very fabric of the institution.
We strive to be a richly diverse school community racially, religiously, economically, ethnically and socially.
To that end, the school offers a need-based financial aid program.
Beyond the fundamental goal of promoting academic achievement and intellectual distinction, Penn Charter offers abundant opportunities to discover and develop artistic and athletic abilities.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 947 students
- Acceptance rate: 31%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 14 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
William Penn Charter School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Sports offered
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Year Founded
1689
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
947 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
9%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
108 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
14 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AB Calculus, Art History, BC Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, French Language, Latin Literature-Catullus/Ovid, Physics C, Spanish Language, Statistics, U.S. Government & Politics, U.S. History, World History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
jeans or khaki pants, polo shirt
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 14 / rolling
Tuition Notes
The tuition ranges from $23,500 for PreK to $38,650 for upper school.
% on Financial Aid
40%
Acceptance Rate
31%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Karen Hallowell
Admissions Associate
Jennifer Cubbin
Endowment Size
$85 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
18 sports
Sports
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are William Penn Charter School often compared to?
William Penn Charter School is often viewed alongside schools like The Philadelphia School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of William Penn Charter School?
The acceptance rate of William Penn Charter School is 31%, which is lower than the national average of 87%. William Penn Charter School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.
What sports does William Penn Charter School offer?
William Penn Charter School offers 18 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Diving, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Water Polo, Winter Track and Wrestling. William Penn Charter School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for most sports offered.
What is William Penn Charter School's ranking?
William Penn Charter School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for William Penn Charter School?
The application deadline for William Penn Charter School is Dec. 14 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 14 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is William Penn Charter School located?
William Penn Charter School is located in the Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 19 other private schools located in Northwest Philadelphia.
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: William Penn Charter School vs. The Philadelphia School
People that viewed William Penn Charter School also viewed these schools: Friends Select School, Greene Street Friends School, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Abington Friends School and The Waldorf School Of Philadelphia.
The nearest high school and elementary school to William Penn Charter School is Anthony Wayne Academy (0.8 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Queen Lane Montessori School (0.6 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Friends Select School
(Friends)
Grades: PK-12 | 600 students 4.7 miles 17th St & Benjamin Franklin
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 561-5900
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 561-5900
4.7
PK-12
600
Grades: PK-8 | 310 students 1 miles 5511 Greene St
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 438-7000
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 438-7000
1
PK-8
310
Grades: NS-12 | 1,216 students 3 miles 500 W Willow Grove Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 247-7007
Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 247-7007
3
NS-12
1,216
Grades: PK-12 | 604 students 6 miles 575 Washington Ln
Jenkintown, PA 19046
(215) 576-3950
Jenkintown, PA 19046
(215) 576-3950
6
PK-12
604
Grades: PK-8 | 196 students 0.9 miles 6000 Wayne Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 248-1662
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 248-1662
0.9
PK-8
196
School Reviews
5 3/16/2012
As a senior about to graduate, I look back on my 7 years at Penn Charter with mixed feelings. The challenging academics and vigorous requirements were always a struggle for me. Not only was it hard to keep up, but it was sometimes hard to understand why my friends at public schools didn't have hours of homework each night. However, looking back on the experience, I can see how much it has shaped me. Going through high school is difficult, but I gained tremendously important skills that give me a huge advantage over others my age. The constant testing and homework also teaches us maturity, and allowed us to blossom into hardworking adults. I know that the price is extremely high, and the work is difficult, but Penn Charter truly is a wonderful school. It offers something for everyone; if you wish to be involved, you can certainly do so. Sports are a large aspect of student life, but for those like myself who are not interested in sports, you may manage a team and spend more of your time in the brand-new 14-million dollar performing arts center. No school is perfect, and PC certainly has its faults, but overall, going here has shaped me into an adult equipped for the world.
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