Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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Preschool applicants must be four years old as of August 31, 2026, to enroll in the 2026-27 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 invite you to attend an information session even if your child is too young to apply. The more time you spend at The Philadelphia School learning about the program, the more of an educated decision you will be able to make when the time comes. 
 

While we accept applications for all grades at TPS, our biggest entry points are Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 4th Grade, and 6th Grade. In all other grades, availability will vary from year to year. 

Our outdoor education program incorporates science, math, exploration, discovery, art, and writing, among other academic opportunities. Outdoor lessons often build on concepts begun in the classroom, and observations and data are likewise brought back to school for further reflection. Our students begin their scientific education by focusing on what is familiar – animals, plants, soil, and weather – in order to develop the confidence to grapple with increasingly more abstract and complex concepts. 

Each week in the spring and fall, all TPS students spend time in our “country classroom,” providing them the space to explore and learn from nature. Naturally at The Philadelphia School, we’re committed to using the city’s resources. We recently put more “Philly'' into our weekly outdoor education program and expanded our country classroom to include sites such as The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Wissahickon Creek, Awbury Arboretum, and Bartram's Garden, among others. 

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TPS has been purposeful in creating an educational experience that starts in preschool and ends in eighth grade, where we graduate confident and self-aware leaders. All the while, TPS students feel completely comfortable just being children. 

We believe wonder and joy are essential ingredients in every classroom, and we honor children by allowing them to be who they are right now. By putting these foundational years at the center of everything we do, our students gain a deep and lasting understanding of who they are as learners and excitement to explore what’s ahead.

Our community is built upon tight and meaningful relationships that help us all listen and learn. Our students stay kids longer, find their growing edges and learn from (and with) each other along the way. They lead and share in TPS milestones, and graduate feeling known and celebrated by an entire community. They emerge as confident leaders with a true sense of self and confidence to take on what’s next. 

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The Philadelphia School has a supervised before-school program called "Early Risers," which begins at 7:30am and is included in the cost of tuition. 

For most of our students, a day at TPS does not end at dismissal time. After school programming includes after school care and enrichment, a wide variety of clubs, chess, Middle School interscholastic sports, and music lessons.  

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

We have an active family 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.  The parent-led group Family Diversity @ TPS plans and facilitates parent education events and organizes student and parent participation in diversity and equity activities offered in the city. 

Parents also 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 families in the life of their children's school.

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Please see our Tuition & Affordability page. 

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Our Middle School Dean of Students, works in partnership with families and their children to find a high school “fit” that honors the student's unique gifts and achievements. TPS knows the schools and knows your student and can help to guide the exploration and decision making process. TPS' students are sought after as high school freshman because they are prepared, self-assured, well-rounded, and solid community citizens. Graduates of The Philadelphia School are confident, self-assured, and well-prepared to excel in a variety of environments.

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Students who attended The Philadelphia School came from more than 35 different zip codes. Many of our students come from Center City, but we also have a number of students coming from West Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, Germantown, and Mount Airy. TPS students also reside in Montgomery and Delaware Counties.
 

TPS is easily accessible via SEPTA Bus (#40 and #7) and is within walking distance of University City Train Station.

The School District of Philadelphia provides bus service to children in grades 1-6 who are Philadelphia residents and live more than 1.5 miles from TPS.

Students in 7th and 8th grade receive free passes for SEPTA buses and subway.

Children who live outside Philadelphia may be eligible for bus service from the school district in which they reside