FAQ

How does TPS define progressive education?

Our curriculum and teaching embody the strong scientific evidence that children learn best through active, experiential learning. Our program is designed to provide context and experiences that will expand, develop, and challenge a student’s thinking, understanding, and knowledge. There are many opportunities for children to ask questions, research answers, and experience the consequences of choice.

We give consideration to how a child grows intellectually, creatively, emotionally, socially, morally, and physically. Our practice is informed by child development.  We understand that children perceive the world in different ways at various points in their development.

Faculty regularly incorporate new research about teaching and learning into their classrooms. We are a learning community that fosters love of learning, enthusiasm for meaningful work, and creative and critical thinking. We emphasize compassion, empathy, and respect as essential in shaping the civic leaders of tomorrow.

What does it mean to be a nonsectarian school?

The Philadelphia School is not affiliated with or restricted to a particular religious denomination. In addition, we do not practice any religious rituals, celebrate religious holidays, or display religious symbols. This does not mean, however, that we do not respect religious belief and practice. We encourage our students to share with classmates family holiday traditions.  Aware of the role religion has played throughout history, we recognize that examination of the religious beliefs and practices is often key to understanding the essential nature of a culture.

When should you apply for the preschool program?

We are currently accepting applications for students eligible to enroll in 2010-2011. Preschool applicants must be four years old as of August 31, 2010 to enroll in the 2010-11 academic year.

We understand that many families begin considering their educational alternatives before their child is old enough to enroll.    If you would like to learn more about The Philadelphia School, we encourage you to attend an open house even if your child is too young to apply. The more time you spend at The Philadelphia School learning about the program, the more educated of a decision you will be able to make when the time comes. Feel free to attend an open house two years in a row, or more!

What do children do at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education? And how far is it from Center City?

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education provides a hands-on outdoor experience.  During the fall and spring, K-8 students and their teachers spend a full day there, and Preschool students visit twice a year.  The observations and interactions at the Schuylkill Center lead naturally to science studies and allow for the integration of other subjects as children write nature-inspired poetry and explore physical education within the natural environment.  The Schuylkill Center, located in the northwest corner of Philadelphia, in the neighborhood of Roxborough, is a 25- to 35-minute bus ride from the school.

What are the advantages of sending my child to a school that ends in 8th grade?

It is during the elementary years that a child’s academic strengths, interests, and learning styles are developed. They discover themselves as learners, friends, and community contributors.  It is important to find a school that provides a good fit for their needs at that age.

According to the statistics, few students begin in kindergarten and graduate as seniors from the same school. We believe that nine years is a long time to be in one school, and children are ready for a new venue, new friends, and new challenges.  Experts suggest that the choice of a school in early childhood and the choice of high school should be independent decisions. By the time students are 13 years old, the best “match” for high school is easier to determine, and they can participate in the decision, with the support of our high school advisors.

Older students at TPS serve in student government, publish their own yearbook, become part of interscholastic athletic teams, serve as “buddies” to the younger students, and assume the mantle of leadership as role models for the entire student body. The experience of being among the oldest students of an entire school and of being a leader in that school can be extremely important and positive for a middle school student.  Students experience age-appropriate activities and events without the influence and pressure of older students.  They can be themselves, often remaining “younger” a bit longer.

TPS graduates are confident, self assured, and well prepared to excel in a variety of environments. Most have no problem being accepted to the school of their choice.  Graduates have gone on to attend many of the well-known public and private schools in the area, and TPS has a strong reputation among these schools as an excellent source of talented, well-adjusted ninth graders.

Read more about our Middle School program.

What is The Philadelphia School's commitment to diversity?

The core democratic values of freedom, tolerance, justice, and equality are central to who we are and what we do.  We are committed to achieving a diverse student body that reflects ethnic, religious, and social differences and embraces LGBT families, families of adopted children, and single parent families. We expect our students to be open-minded, fair, and tolerant. Within our curriculum we communicate multiple perspectives through the stories and experiences of many different ethnic groups in our society, thereby fostering appreciation of diverse racial, cultural, and historical backgrounds.  We seek to instill in our students a rejection of prejudice, racism, and other pernicious forms of discrimination, oppression, and abuse.

Currently, 26 percent of the students are students of color. The diversity effort is supported by committees of parents, staff, and board members who seek to enrich the school community with a variety of multicultural activities, help with recruitment of families and faculty of color, and raise funds for students who might otherwise be unable to attend TPS.

Read more about our school's diversity initiatives.

What programs does TPS offer before and after school hours?

The Philadelphia School has a supervised before-school program called "Early Risers," which runs from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

After school programming includes after school care and enrichment, a wide variety of clubs, chess, Middle School interscholastic sports, and music lessons.  Read more about our auxiliary programming.

What role can parents play at the school?

The Philadelphia School encourages active parent involvement. As a school founded by parents, TPS truly values parental support of our mission and educational program.

We have a very active parents association, TPSA (The Philadelphia School Association), whose mission is to support TPS families by facilitating communication, providing enrichment and outreach opportunities, and sponsoring community-building events. TPSA meets monthly and all parents and guardians are invited to attend and participate in planning and conversation.  Another parent-led group, Family Diversity @ TPS, plans and orchestrates parent education events and organizes student and parent participation in diversity and equity activities offered around the city.  The group organizes a TPS team each fall for the Philly AIDS Walk and has recently sponsored a Book Group, offering parents the opportunity to read and process together a specific reading on diversity.

Parents chaperone trips and lend their expertise in the classroom. Many participate on the Board of Trustees and its committees. The Philadelphia School is grateful for the involvement of parents in the life of their children's school.

Is financial aid available and how are financial aid awards determined?

Yes, aid is available. Families submit financial information to the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS), an independent agency to which many independent schools throughout the US subscribe.  SSS does a comprehensive assessment of the financial data provided to determine a family’s estimated financial need.  The Philadelphia School’s Financial Aid Committee then confidentially reviews each family’s need.  Funds are allocated based on the school’s financial aid policy and available funds. For a full description of our financial aid program, click here.

Does financial aid have an impact on the admission decision?

No.  Admission decisions are made on a need-blind basis.  Admission decisions are typically made before financial aid awards are granted.

Are there other ways for families to manage tuition expenses?

Yes.  The school provides two interest-free payment options that spread the tuition cost over a number of months.  Option 1 allows two payments, with 2/3 due in August and 1/3 due in December.  Option 2 allows 10 equal monthly payments starting in June and ending in March.

When will I be notified of the financial aid decision?

Financial aid awards are communicated to new families in mid-February and to current families in March.

Does the financial award remain the same year to year?

A financial aid application must be submitted each year.  The school does attempt to provide a consistent level of support each year, assuming that there are no significant changes in the family’s financial situation.

What are the "next schools" for TPS graduates?

High School admission directors consider our students well prepared and assets to their programs. Our graduating students choose a variety of high school experiences—including private and public high schools—and are valued as flexible thinkers, skillful writers, independent learners, talented athletes and artists, and collaborative team members. The Class of 2009 enrolled in 13 different high schools, 4 public and 9 private.

For a list of post-secondary schools attended by our alumni, click here.

What neighborhoods are your students from?

In 2008-2009, students who attended The Philadelphia School came from more than 40 different neighborhoods, with the most coming from 19147, 19146, 19103, 19130,19106, and 19104. Many TPS students live in Mt. Airy, Germantown, and Chestnut Hill, and several families live in Montgomery County, in Delaware County, and in New Jersey.