We focus on where students are now, so they'll know where to go next.

At TPS, high school choice is a team effort

We work 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.

High School Process

Applying to area high schools can seem overwhelming at first but with a little planning and research, the process can be an exciting opportunity for students to assess their interests, talents and how they learn best in order to prepare them for college and beyond.

Introduction & Exploration

The TPS Middle School Dean introduces the high school process to students and families in the spring of 7th grade.

Over the summer prior to the beginning of 8th grade, students and their families are encouraged to learn more about the schools they are interested in applying to by exploring school websites, requesting materials, talking to alumni and friends and meeting with the Dean.

Doing The Research

From September to November, 8th graders embark on the process in earnest, attending open houses, participating in tours and visits, registering for any required standardized tests, and completing any auditions or interviews by the application deadlines.

In typical years, The Philadelphia School District holds their high school fair in the fall. At the fair, criteria- based schools have booths with information about their programs. In addition, TPS hosts its own high school fair night in September, where a variety of high schools are available to answer questions and present their materials. Attending these events can provide excellent opportunities to explore high school options.

For The Families

Also during the fall season, families are encouraged to participate in our High School Alumni Panel evening held annually in November. At this event, TPS alumni from a variety of independent and public schools share their experiences at their individual schools and answer any questions families might have. This panel gives families a candid, “inside” perspective on some of the school options 8th graders might be considering as well as insight into how alumni feel TPS prepared them for their next educational steps.

Guidance Along The Way

Throughout the entire process, the Dean works closely with students and their families in group and one-on-one settings to answer questions, clarify the application process and coach students for school visits and interviews. As families narrow the list of schools in which they are interested, students will begin to submit applications. While application processes across schools have similarities, each high school has a different set of admissions requirements and the Dean supports families to ensure admissions files are completed in a smooth, timely, and accurate manner. Once decisions are mailed out in winter, the Dean helps families to identify which high school might be the best fit for their student.

Graduates of The Philadelphia School are confident, self-assured, and well-prepared to excel in a variety of environments.

Alumni attend many of the area’s highly regarded public and independent schools including:

School District of Philadelphia Criteria-Based Public High Schools:

Academy at Palumbo, Central High School, Constitution High School, The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), Franklin Learning Center, George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science, Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP), Girls High School, Hill-Freedman World Academy, Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School, Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School, Parkway Center City High School, Science Leadership Academy (SLA), Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, Walter B. Saul High School, William W. Bodine High School for International Affairs

Other Public High Schools

Independent Schools

Academy in Manayunk (AIM), Abington Friends School, Agnes Irwin School, Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School, Friends' Central School, Friends Select School, George School, Germantown Friends School, Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, LaSalle College High School, Merion Mercy Academy, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Revolution School, Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, The Baldwin School, The City School, The Crefeld School, The Episcopal Academy, The Haverford School, The Shipley School, Westtown School, William Penn Charter School

Parochial Schools

Boarding Schools

TPS alumni are positive role models and leaders in college and beyond

Boston University
Duke
Georgetown
Haverford College
MIT
Northwestern
Oberlin College
Oxford University
Penn State
Pratt Institute

Stanford
Temple University
Tufts University
UC Berkeley
University of Chicago
University of Michigan
University of Pittsburgh
Washington University - in St. Louis
Yale University

Testimonials

Recent Graduate

At TPS, everyone was always there for me. The school fosters an incredibly close community over the years with different groupings, so that your final graduating class is incredibly close knit. This also extends to teachers that constantly work to connect with and understand their students. Everyone at TPS accepts me as I am, and really understands me, even the parts of me that aren't as perfect or "normal" as others would expect. Everyone knows everyone, and the teachers and lessons of kindness at the school only enhance that. We have a community where we can have all types of discussions, and where someone will always lift you up. I think TPS not only brought us to this community, but also taught us how to be part of it in a productive, positive manner.

Recent Graduate, TPS Class of 2022

Parent

John L. Jackson Jr., Ph.D

TPS has been purposeful in creating an educational experience that starts in preschool and ends in eighth grade. This has allowed both of my children to graduate as confident and self-aware leaders, not just at TPS but everywhere they go. Being 8th graders in a Preschool through eighth grade school means taking responsibility for your own work, mentoring younger students, and serving as leaders for the entire school. Middle schoolers have unique opportunities to be leaders, including my son Oliver, who had the confidence to run for--and become-- a member of the student council and my daughter, Marleigh, who took leadership roles on her sports teams and in the year-end Shakespeare play.

TPS could not have made the process of applying for high school, public and private, any easier. Alyssa and her team walked us through everything (every single step of the way) and made sure that the high schools our kids applied to had a very real sense of what made them each distinctive. Since TPS is relatively small and institutionally intimate, it means that teachers and administrators really know the kids incredibly well, which only helps to solidify their role in making sure that they choose--and get into--the best high schools for their particular gifts, talents, and needs.

-Parent of two alumni, Class of 2020 and 2022

High School Teacher

When I was looking for a school for my children to attend, I immediately thought of TPS. I am currently a high school teacher at Science Leadership Academy in the Philadelphia School District and I have taught many TPS students over the years. I have always been impressed by the intellectual curiosity of these students, their ability to succeed in the classroom, and perhaps most importantly their ability to advocate for themselves and others when needed. I have witnessed how these students take on leadership roles and demonstrate teamwork, strong communication as well as social emotional intelligence amongst their peers.

My son Everett transferred into TPS as a second grader and immediately was welcomed with open arms by his teachers and classmates. We also have built great friendships with the parents in the community. We are excited for Emmie to begin Kindergarten this fall. She has already found her home at Seeds summer camp and can't wait for her to join TPS full-time!

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