PDF - Philadelphia Public School Notebook

Transcription

En español: Cronograma para selección de escuela p.13
www.thenotebook.org • Vol. 21 No. 2 • 2013
Reader-supported
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since 1994
2 Philadelphia Public School Notebook
Visit us online – www.thenotebook.org
Guide 2013
anotefromtheeditor
tableofcontents
looking ahead to high school
To our readers,
Welcome to our fifth annual fall guide to Philad
elphia’s
public high schools. Selecting and getting into high
school
is a pivotal point in students’ lives. The Notebo
ok, Philadelphia’s independent education newspaper, has create
d this
resource to address the importance of that decision.
We’re publishing at a moment of enormous uncertainty
in the
schools because of the District’s deep budget crisis
. Many
schools lack the counselors that would normally help
8th graders through the application process. High schools
are struggling to maintain the programs described in our listin
gs while
coping with previously unthinkable cuts in staffing.
Charter
schools were not hit as hard this year because of
a one-year
lag built into their funding formula, but they may
face deep
cutbacks next fall.
Even when all schools did have counselors, finding the
right
high school was a daunting process. There are more
than 80
public school options to sort through (not counting
the cyber
schools), with all variants of admissions criteria.
At many,
competition for slots is exceedingly stiff. And while
an effort
to create one application and one deadline for all Distri
ct and
charter schools is in motion, many charters will
still have
their own applications.
The tools you’ll find in this guide are of three
types:
articles to help you understand the constantly changi
ng high
school admissions process, profiles listing what each
school
has to offer, and a center spread full of data to
compare how
students at each school are doing.
After exploring here, you can find useful stories
from our
previous guides and tools to learn more about high
schools at
www.thenotebook.org/fall-guide-page.
Not all options are created equal. Our data spread
shows
graduation rates ranging from 99 percent to less than
50 percent. Our school profiles show that some schools have
a wide
variety of special offerings, while others have sparse
options.
There are other resources to help you choose. The
District
publishes a directory, which will just be online this
year. The
website greatphillyschools.org has more data and
interactive
features. Most important, talk to other families and
visit some
schools if you can. That will help you to find the
best fit.
Paul Socolar, editor and director
P.S. If you like this guide, support its continued
publication by becoming a Notebook member. Complete the form
on this
page or go to thenotebook.org/membership. Member
ships make
this guide possible. Please join today!
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A note from the editor
Choosing a high school: New twists in the process
Frequently asked questions
A school choice timeline
Immigrants confront extra challenges in enrollment
En Español
School calendar
Finding a different track to graduation
Using the high school profiles
Profiles: Special admission high schools
Philadelphia’s District and charter high schools: How are they doing?
Making sense of the numbers
Profiles: Citywide admission high schools
Profiles: Neighborhood high schools
Profiles: Charter high schools
More online at www.thenotebook.org
Cover design by Joseph Kemp. School photos by Harvey Finkle, C. Shonda Woods
aboutthenotebook
The Philadelphia Public School Notebook is an independent, member-supported news service whose
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Guide 2013
lookingaheadtohighschool
Choosing a high school: New twists in the process
With fewer counselors and
supports, students may find it
harder to access their options.
by Dale Mezzacappa
Under the best of conditions, applying to high school in Philadelphia can be
a trying exercise.
In this extraordinary year, the process will have new wrinkles, in large part
because of unprecedented budget cuts
and staffing shortages. There are some
changed procedures and requirements,
and several gaps caused by the funding
crisis:
• All 8th graders must fill out a high
school application, even if they plan to
attend their local neighborhood school.
• In many District schools, 8th graders will be applying to high schools without the help of full-time school counselors, who usually lead the process.
• For the first time in recent memory,
the District will not print a high school
directory; it will be available only online.
• The District is not holding its annual High School Expo. However, there
will be one on Nov. 16 at Drexel University, underwritten largely by the Philadelphia School Partnership (PSP).
• The District is encouraging each
high school to conduct an open house
during which prospective students and
parents can visit.
• The city’s Great Schools Compact
Harvey Finkle
Student protests like this one in June have decried the elimination of most District counseling jobs.
is promoting a common deadline – Dec.
6 – for District and charter school applications, as well as a common application
form for admission to charters. However,
it is unclear how many charter schools
will participate.
8th graders must fill out form
Students in Philadelphia have more
than 80 public high school options, District and charter, not to mention the
growing number of cyber schools.
Each year, most 8th graders partici-
pated in the selection process by filling
out an application and listing their top
District-run choices, and/or applying to
one or more charters.
But many students didn’t do anything – and were automatically assigned
to the local neighborhood school.
No longer.
“We’re asking every 8th grader to
complete the application process,” said
Karyn Lynch, the District’s chief of student services. Lynch said the change was
made because the application process
pushes students to think about their futures.
“It’s an opportunity to get students
prepared for the college application process,” she said, “writing an essay, selecting
schools, determining what you want to do
in your career.”
But applying students will be confronted with a second big change.
Counselor shortage
Due to the District’s budget crisis,
283 school counselors were laid off last
summer, and only 126 so far have been
hired back. Most schools with fewer than
600 students were not assigned full-time
counselors. That leaves 115 schools that
are sharing a roving group of 16 “itinerant” counselors, who, on average, can
spend time at each school only once every seven or eight days.
District officials acknowledge that
families this year will face special challenges. But, for the most part, Lynch said
she expected things to run smoothly.
“We’re going to have resources available so 8th graders who have challenges
and questions or needs can receive assistance with completing the application,”
she said. The District is urging schools to
use class time for filling out applications
and writing essays.
“Many schools do it now,” Lynch
said. “Given the challenges we have otherwise, it’s a great way to complete the application.”
She said the District is seeking more
help from outside organizations to work
with students.
The view from the ground is less
hopeful. Overburdened teachers and
principals fear that the counselor short6 Philadelphia Public School Notebook
age will stifle opportunities for students.
“We are overwhelmed,” said Amy
Roat, an ESOL teacher at Feltonville
School of the Arts and Sciences.
She pointed out that there is a separate process for English language learners
and special education students applying to
selective and citywide admission schools.
Because of a 1995 lawsuit called LeGare,
those schools must set aside a percentage
of spots for qualified students within these
categories. This year, that work with 8th
graders is not getting done, she said.
“Usually, the counselor gets all the information and does the work,” Roat said.
“But no one is there to take the lead.”
Plus, she said, “The counselor has the
expertise, knows the students, knows the
counselors at other schools, knows what
schools accept what kind of students.
They have the knowledge and connections.”
The situation is putting an added
burden on principals, said Lisa Ciaranca
Kaplan, who leads Andrew Jackson Elementary School in South Philadelphia,
which does not have a full-time counselor.
“It’s very challenging,” she said.
Making sure that 8th graders apply
to high school has become yet another
task for principals who now also give
out medications, prepare payrolls, patrol
lunchrooms, distribute TransPasses, and
intervene when students have crises.
The situation “is not really conducive
for getting kids the leading edge, as far as
applications go,” she said. “We’re managing because we have to, but it’s not easy.”
High school counselors used to visit
elementary and middle schools to answer
questions and urge students to apply, while
the elementary and middle school counselors conducted trips for students who
might shy away from applying to a school
because they think it is hard to get there.
“Last year my counselor took a group
to Central, showing them how they can
travel by subway from South Philly,” Kaplan said. “So the students weren’t afraid,
and Central became an option.”
Counselors know the students and
advocate for them, she said, and not just
by writing recommendations.
“If you have a kid that you know
doesn’t test well because they are not a
native English speaker, but is an amazing
student, you make that connection with
the high school counselor,” she said.
Expo, directory, and open houses
Citing financial concerns, the District canceled its annual High School
Expo, which showcased District and
charter schools. PSP is working with other organizations to hold one on Nov. 16
at Drexel University that would include
District, charter, and Catholic schools.
How many schools will participate was
not clear as of late September.
To save printing costs, the District
also decided to do only an online version
of its high school directory.
Students are still encouraged to visit
high schools they are interested in, but
“shadowing” students for a day may be
(continued on page 7)
Guide 2013
New twists
School Partnership, an advocate for the
change. “It’s a matching system, based
on an algorithm.”
He said the goal is to have the archdiocesan high schools participate – there
are eight in the city – but how that will
work has not been resolved. For now, the
District and Archdiocese have agreed to
a common application deadline, Dec. 6.
As of late September, it was unclear
how many charter schools had agreed to
use the common application and adhere
to the Dec. 6 deadline.
have a major say in who is admitted. For
The Compact is a working group
citywide admission schools, the names of
that includes the District, the mayor’s
(continued from page 6)
all qualified applicants are put into a lotoffice, two charter school coalitions,
tery. For charter schools, students apply
the
state
Department
of
Education
and
more difficult due to reduced personnel in
to each separately, and each holds a lotthe Philadelphia Archdiocese. A comschools. The District is encouraging high
tery, but deadlines and applications for
mittee working on this includes other
schools to hold open houses and plans to
ELEMENT:
each charter vary widely.
groups, many of which are concerned
distribute
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Date Modified: August 26, 2013 3:33 PM
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NOT TO BE USED FOR COLOR APPROVAL
their list.
how high school selection is now done.
sal enrollment” system that would take
“It is more fair,” said Mark Gleason,
For special admission schools like
effect next year. An effort to roll out the
executive director of the Philadelphia
Central and Masterman, principals now
full process this year fell short.
Contact Notebook contributing editor Dale
Mezzacappa at [email protected].
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Guide 2013
Choosing a high school: Frequently asked questions
by Dale Mezzacappa
I am excited about going to high school.
How do I get started?
Talk to the adults in your life, including teachers, counselors, and parents or
guardians. Read this guide and the District’s high school directory, which this
year is available only online. Students
can use these directories to develop a list
of schools that align with their interests
and future goals. Seventh and 8th graders
should attend the high school fair scheduled for Nov. 16 in the Armory at Drexel
University.
Students can obtain an application
on the District’s website or at their current
Language Hotlines
The District maintains eight
language hotlines, which take questions on any subject, including high
school admissions. Students and
parents can leave a message in their
language with contact information
and someone who speaks their language will return the call.
Albanian: 215-400-8480
Arabic: 215-400-8481
Chinese: 215-400-8482
French: 215-400-8483
Khmer: 215-400-8484
Russian: 215-400-8485
Spanish: 215-400-8489 (live support)
Vietnamese: 215-400-8486
school. This year, the District is asking all
8th-grade students, even those who intend
to go to their neighborhood high school,
to participate in the high school selection
process. Applications will be accepted
from Oct. 7 until the deadline of 5 p.m. on
Dec. 6.
When should I get started?
No later than the beginning of 7th
grade. High schools look at 7th-grade attendance, grades, and test scores in determining who is qualified to attend.
What is the difference between a special
admission and a citywide admission high
school?
Special admission schools have more
competitive entrance criteria. Students accepted to special admission schools must
meet the school’s test score, grade, and
attendance requirements. Citywide admission schools give less weight to test scores,
but still set minimum standards regarding
grades, attendance, and discipline records.
The principals and their selection
teams at special admission schools make
the admission decision based on an evaluation of each student’s academic record
against the school’s entrance criteria. Citywide admission schools also conduct an
evaluation of each student’s academic record against the school’s entrance criteria
but put all students that meet the entrance
criteria into a computerized lottery that
randomly selects the students who will be
offered admission.
If I don’t meet the exact criteria of a
selective school, should I apply anyway?
Yes, but only if your record comes
close to meeting the requirements. In
close cases, principals at selective schools
may seek recommendations from adults
at the applicant’s school who know the
student. Interviews can also make a big
difference.
How do I get into a charter school?
It is still necessary to apply to the
school directly. Charter schools are required to conduct lotteries if they have
more applicants than spaces. They are not
permitted to pick and choose their students. However, many have detailed applications and the deadlines for being entered
into their lotteries vary. This year, the
Great Schools Compact is urging charter
schools to use a common application and
adhere to the same Dec. 6 deadline as the
District, but it is unclear how many charter
schools will adopt that system this year.
If I am not accepted for admission to
any of my choices, what do I do?
Keep in mind that you will increase
your chances of admission if you apply to
schools that align with your academic record and career interests.
Admissions decisions are either
ACCEPTED, DECLINED, or WAITLISTED. If the decision is DECLINED,
a reason for the decline is provided in the
decision letter.
For special admission schools, if you
receive a decision of WAITLISTED, you
met the criteria of the school but due to
space constraints, a seat is not available.
In this instance, there is a chance that
you will be admitted, so stay in contact
with the school’s principal and/or counselor.
If you receive a decision of WAITLISTED for one or more citywide admission schools, your name will be entered
in a second or even a third round lottery.
While decisions for citywide admission
How can I find out the admissions
requirements of a school?
This guide and the District’s online
directory include the admissions requirements for each high school. Your counselor
or teachers can also help explain the admission requirements for each school.
Should I visit the school?
Yes. The School District is currently
compiling a list of dates when high schools
will be hosting open house events. The
schedule will be made available on the District’s website once it is completed. Please
contact schools of interest to request the
date and time of their open house or other
opportunities to visit the school.
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2011-0155 PSN (9/12)
Guide 2013
FAQs
schools are not made at the school level,
it doesn’t hurt to let the principal know of
your interest.
In most cases, you are guaranteed
admission at your neighborhood high
school.
I want to go to my neighborhood high
school. Do any have special programs?
Many neighborhood high schools
have advanced academic programs, including AP (Advanced Placement) and
IB (International Baccalaureate) courses.
Several also have Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs such as
health occupations, culinary arts, criminal justice, communications, graphics,
and automotive technology. The profiles
in this guide show where such programs
are located. The District’s directory summarizes them by area of interest.
Can I apply to a neighborhood school in
another area?
Yes, but if the neighborhood school
is filled to capacity, applications will not
be accepted. Northeast High School is an
example of a school with a student enrollment that exceeds capacity and cannot
accept applications from outside.
Can students with IEPs or who are English language learners apply to selective
high schools?
All students are encouraged to ap-
ply to any high school that interests
them and for which they meet the basic
qualifications. In response to lawsuits,
the District facilitates an advocacy process for 8th-grade students applying to
selective high schools and is required
to enroll a certain percentage of special
education students and English language
learners (ELLs) at these schools. Students with individualized education programs (IEPs) or who are ELLs can learn
more from their counselor or principal,
and from the Office of Specialized Services at 215-400-4170.
Where else can I get help with high
school placement?
Applications and explanations of
the high school selection process and
procedures are available at the Parent
and Family Resource Centers. Parents
will be directed to the District’s website,
where they can obtain school profiles.
Where do I find official information
from the District?
Visit the District’s Office of Student
Enrollment and Placement website at
webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/s/studentplacement
Web extra
For more information
on how to prepare for
your transition into high
school, go to:
www.thenotebook.org/get-a-jump
A school choice timeline
The high school application process, step by step
October - November
• Schools distribute high school application forms and materials. This year’s District
directory will be online only.
• The District is not holding a High School Expo this year due to a lack of funds. But
organizations under the auspices of GreatPhillySchools are running one, paid for by
the Philadelphia School Partnership, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16,
at the Armory at Drexel University, 33rd and Market Streets. All District, charter,
and Archdiocesan schools in Philadelphia have been invited.
• Non-public school students can obtain materials at the Expo or from the District
Office of Student Enrollment and Placement.
• Families research schools.
• Eighth-grade counselors and teachers may hold information sessions for parents
and students to help them choose schools and fill out the application form. Due
to the absence of full-time counselors in many schools, teachers are being encouraged to use class time to help students fill out applications. Parents should ask
their child’s principal to explain how they are helping students fill out applications.
October - March
• Some high schools allow prospective applicants to visit and shadow students. Families should contact schools directly. The District is encouraging high schools to hold
open houses for prospective students. A schedule will be available in early October.
• Charter schools have their own application forms and deadlines for entering their
admissions lotteries. This year, there is a change. Students applying to charter
schools should seek out a new common application for charters that is being coordinated by the Great Schools Compact and Philadelphia School Partnership. Not all
charter schools are participating in this initiative; check with each school.
By Dec. 6
• Students select up to 5 schools and return District application form, signed by
parent or guardian, to their school counselor, principal, or designated teacher. Applications may be submitted starting Oct. 7.
• Dec. 6 is also the application deadline for charter schools that agree to use the new
common application.
• Application information must be entered into a networked computer system. Usually, this is done by the counselor, but this year it may be done by someone else
in schools without full-time counselors. Families should stay in touch with their
child’s principal and teachers to make sure application information is received and
properly entered.
• Non-public school students submit applications to the Office of Student Enrollment
and Placement, Suite 111, 440 N. Broad St.
December - January
• High schools with admissions criteria begin to evaluate applications, conduct interviews and auditions. Some auditions and interviews are by invitation only, and
these schools only send out notifications, not rejections. Other schools interview
all applicants but may send letters with date and time to the child’s school, not
the student. (If a student has a conflict, she or he must reschedule.) Some schools
expect students to take the initiative in scheduling interviews.
• Students should regularly consult counselors or teachers to keep on top of their
applications.
January - March
• Special admission schools make acceptance, rejection, and wait-list decisions.
• Citywide schools choose the students who qualify to enter into the admissions lottery.
• The District Office of Student Enrollment and Placement runs three separate lotteries (for general education, special education, ELL) to determine which students are
accepted to citywide schools and to neighborhood schools with outside applicants.
• Charter schools begin holding their lotteries for admission.
March
• District sends notification letters to students who have been accepted to one or
more District schools.
March - April
• Students with multiple District acceptances are expected to choose within two
weeks and submit a form with their choice to the counselor, principal, or designated teacher. They are urged to make timely decisions so the second round of
placements can begin. Non-public school students send their choice directly to the
Office of Student Enrollment and Placement.
Mid-April
• After “multiple acceptance” students pick their schools, District sends final letters to
all students that indicate where they’ve been accepted, not accepted, or wait-listed.
April - September
• Additional lotteries are conducted to fill remaining slots.
• Through phone calls and recommendation letters, parents, counselors, and principals can advocate on behalf of students originally wait-listed or disapproved.
• Additional letters are sent to remaining applicants, informing them of subsequent
decisions. In this round, students are admitted to only one school.
-Dale Mezzacappa
Compiled with assistance from Danielle Seward, District deputy chief, Student Enrollment
and Placement.
Guide 2013
Immigrants confront extra challenges in enrollment
by Sonia Giebel
In January 2013, Aron and Mussie
Tesfay had just arrived in Philadelphia
from a refugee camp in Uganda. They
needed to find a school. Neither they nor
their parents had any idea what to do.
The 17-year-old twin brothers arrived
in a city where the help available to settle
them in school is scattershot, and where
the cultural and linguistic barriers are hard
to navigate. This is especially true for older
students who need to find a high school.
“It’s a decentralized process,” said Neeta
Patel, a long-time advocate for immigrant
resettlement and board member of Asian
Americans United. She said that few English language learners and refugee students
get into charter schools: “Students arrive
at all different times so they miss deadlines,
and there’s no accountability.”
According to the census, immigrants
have increasingly been settling in Philadelphia; they now make up 12 percent of
the city’s population. This influx, which
includes many families from Southeast
Asia and Africa, includes children of
school age who bring with them language
and cultural differences that the overburdened District must address.
For the immigrants themselves, the
process of finding a school is intimidating.
Life in a refugee camp
Aron’s and Mussie’s mother is from
Eritrea, their father from Ethiopia. Due
to political unrest, the family was forced
to resettle in Uganda in a refugee camp
when the boys were 9. Their native languages are Tigrinya and Amharic.
In Uganda, they first attended
boarding school but found it difficult.
“We were the only Ethiopians there,
so it wasn’t easy to cooperate with other
students, and there was a lot of teasing
and bullying,” Aron remembered.
The twins then transferred schools
twice, first to an underfunded and underresourced school five miles from their
camp, to which they had to walk every
day, and then to a different school in a
nearby town.
At 17, the boys faced another transition when their family moved to Philadelphia.
They were among the lucky ones.
The boys’ family worked with the
U.S. State Department’s Refugee Resettlement program, which randomly
placed them with the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS).
With the help of HIAS, a local
nonprofit that works with immigrants
on resettlement, they enrolled in South
Philadelphia High School. HIAS helps
students find a school, fills out the paperwork, and monitors their progress.
HIAS staff accompanied the twins
to the District office. There, the boys,
who had studied English since they
moved to Uganda, passed their language
Gregory Bezanis
Aron (left) and Mussie Tesfay got help with finding a school and enrolling from J.T. Kendall, a case
manager with the nonprofit Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.
assessment and cleared the vaccination
and identification requirements. HIAS
also accompanied the twins to Southern
and spoke with school officials.
Without HIAS, Mussie said, “I don’t
think we would have found it easy to enroll in school.”
The enrollment process is complex,
asking families for a lot of documentation, time, and patience. Patel, a former
HIAS staffer who helped coordinate
school enrollment and education services for local agencies, said that the process
has long been fraught with difficulty.
“You wait two, three hours even if
you have an appointment,” she said “Parents are bewildered; then there’s the paperwork, immunization records, residency, guardianship. … The list just goes on.”
And once the student was enrolled,
there was often miscommunication between the District and the school, she
said. Students would receive a letter
from the District stating their placement, but that wasn’t always enough to
ensure smooth enrollment.
“Even if you have the letter, the
Guide 2013
Immigrants
18-year-old immigrants may be placed in
the 9th grade. Or, because students no
longer qualify for public education after
21, some students are pushed through
classes they may not be prepared for,
simply because the school wants them to
graduate before they turn 22.
the boys’ credits from Uganda and their
semester at Southern were counted.
With the bureaucratic maze now behind
them, they are focusing on applying to
colleges.
Aron is interested in the medical
field, Mussie in engineering. College
presents yet another transition, but the
boys are prepared.
“I’m both excited and nervous, but
school doesn’t acknowledge them, they’re
not rostered [into classes], they don’t have
a homeroom, and the teacher doesn’t
expect them,” Patel said. “It’s already
a nightmare enough to go into a new
The importance of language
school if you don’t have a teacher who
will prepare you, assign you a buddy.”
Though the twins’ English is exPatel said that refugees are entitled
cellent, it’s clear that it is not their first
to three months of services, but there
language. Aron noted that whenever he
are only three state-sponsored refugee
makes phone calls, he has to repeat evresettlement agencies in the city, includery sentence.
ing HIAS. Other social service agencies
Without fluent English, acclimating
struggle to get resources to meet the dito a new schooling environment can be
verse needs of people who come from all
terrifying for students and their families.
over the world, she said.
Kendall said that most families he deals
Immigrants who are not refugees are
with “don’t have much English at all.”
entitled to some services, like free eduWhile HIAS can help coordinate
cation, but not necessarily support with
placement, once school begins, the famenrollment.
ily still needs assis“We’re
contance to overcome
The enrollment process is cultural and linguisnected to a small
group of students
tic barriers.
complex, asking families
– and most immi“In other counfor lots of documentation,
grant families don’t
tries, the teacher
have access [to our
[is the authority].
time, and patience.
resources],” said J.T.
Here, you have to
— Sean Plunkett, special ed teacher,
Kendall, the refuask teachers about
IIRP graduate 2013
gee case manager at HIAS who worked
what to do after school, and ask the secwith the boys.
retary questions and make sure your kid
That situation has only gotten worse
is in the right place,” Kendall noted. This
due to the District’s financial crisis, beisn’t common knowledge to all families.
cause the status of counselors – who can
So, Kendall and his team also work
be an added support for immigrant stuwith students’ families to ensure integradents – is unstable.
tion in the community, whether that’s
Practical Skills
Kendall recommends that families
helping to provide GED and English
search out services outside of the school.
courses for parents – as Kendall did for
Year-round Professional
“Kids and parents need to find proAron’s and Mussie’s mother – or simply
Development Events and
grams – like Upward Bound or clubs at
highlighting valuable resources.
Graduate Courses you can
public libraries – but they don’t always
“I always make sure they ask for inuse immediately in your work.
realize that.”
terpretation over the phone. Sometimes
parents are scared because secretaries
Starting school
don’t speak their language, but interpretation is one of their rights.”
When Aron and Mussie started
their junior year at Southern, it was difNext step: College
ferent from what they had expected.
Aron said that he had heard that
Aron and Mussie are now seniors at
education in the United States could be
the Academy at Palumbo, a selective-admuch better than where he came from,
mission school. HIAS was instrumental
x 4.5 bw:Layout 1 9/17/13 1:36 PM Page 1
but that it depended on what school you
innotebook_oct_2013_7.625
their transfer process, ensuring
that
attended.
They found Southern to be challenging – but not academically.
Where Are You Going After Graduation?
“There were big problems with academics and the students,” Aron said.
“Some students were extremely disrespectful to their teachers. Other students
didn’t want to learn and we want to
learn.”
They said they felt stereotyped by
school staff.
“I personally felt like they judged our
6-Month, Hands-On Training Programs
capabilities because we came from another country. We felt like they underesCarpentry • Building Maintenance
timated us,” Aron recalled. Many of their
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating
classes repeated curriculum that the boys
Residential & Commercial Electricity
had already completed in Uganda.
Plumbing & Heating
This is a common problem for immigrants, according to Kendall. Some,
like the Tesfay twins, come here well-educated, with good English skills – ahead
of their American peers in some subjects.
2770 Red Lion Road
Others are nearly illiterate in their native
Philadelphia,
PA
language and speak little or no English.
(Accessible by bus #1 & 14)
The School District, however,
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED
doesn’t always make the distinction.
Job search assistance • Financial aid
This situation is often complicated
available for those who qualify • Industry certification opportunities
by age and regulations. For example,
I’m excited that I’ll be completing my
school and going to college,” Aron said.
“I also know it’s not going to be easy.”
Sonia Giebel, a Haverford College senior, was a
Notebook intern this past summer.
Disclosure: Since March, Neeta Patel has been
the Notebook’s associate director for operations, a position unrelated to her work with other
organizations regarding immigrant rights.
”The knowledge and
skills I’ve gained at the
IIRP have helped me
understand, connect
with, and motivate
my students a lot
better.”
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Guide 2013
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For program disclosure information, please go to www.orleanstech.edu
enespañol
Encontrar una escuela superior: Difícil para los inmigrantes
por Sonia Giebel
En enero de 2013, Aron y Mussie Tesfay acababan de llegar a Filadelfia de un
campamento para refugiados en Uganda.
Necesitaban encontrar una escuela, pero
ni ellos ni sus papás sabían qué hacer.
Los gemelos de 17 años llegaron a una
ciudad donde casi no hay ayuda disponible
para encontrar dónde matricularse, y
donde las barreras culturales y de idioma
hacen el proceso aún más difícil. Esto es
especialmente cierto para los estudiantes
de más edad que necesitan conseguir una
escuela superior.
“El proceso no es centralizado”, dijo
Neeta Patel, quien por mucho tiempo ha
abogado por la ayuda a inmigrantes y es
miembro de la junta de Asian Americans
United. Ella dijo que pocos estudiantes
de ESL y refugiados entran a las escuelas
chárter: “Los estudiantes llegan en diferentes momentos del año y se les pasan las
fechas límite, y además tampoco hay nadie
pendiente del proceso de admisiones de
esas escuelas”.
Según el censo, en los últimos años ha
aumentado la cantidad de inmigrantes que
se están mudando a Filadelfia. Ahora, ellos
representan 12 por ciento de la población
de la ciudad. Este flujo de inmigrantes, que
incluye muchas familias del sureste de Asia
y de África, incluye niños de edad escolar
que llegan hablando otro idioma y con
diferencias culturales que el ya agobiado
Distrito tiene que enfrentar.
Para los inmigrantes, el proceso para
encontrar una escuela es intimidante.
La vida en un campo de refugiados
La mamá de Aron y Mussie es de
Eritrea, y el papá es de Etiopía. Debido a problemas políticos, la familia se
vio obligada a mudarse a Uganda a un
campo de refugiados cuando los niños
tenían nueve años. Sus idiomas nativos
eran tigriña y amhárico.
En Uganda primero asistieron a una
escuela con internado, pero se les hizo
difícil.
“Éramos los únicos etíopes allí, no era
fácil cooperar con los demás y sufrimos mucha burla y acoso”, recuerda Aron.
Los gemelos cambiaron de escuelas
dos veces, primero a una escuela con pocos
fondos y escasos recursos a cinco millas del
campamento (y a la que caminaban todos
los días), y luego a una escuela distinta en
un pueblo vecino.
A los diecisiete años, la familia se
mudó a Filadelfia y los niños enfrentaron
otra transición.
Y ellos son de los que han tenido
suerte.
La familia trabajó con el Programa de
Refugiados del Departamento de Estado de
EE.UU, que los asignó al azar a la Sociedad
de Ayuda a Inmigrantes Hebreos (Hebrew
Immigrant Aid Society, HIAS).
Con la ayuda de la HIAS (una organización sin fines de lucro que trabaja
con inmigrantes para ayudarles a encontrar donde establecerse) se matricularon
en la Escuela Superior del Sur de Filadelfia. La HIAS ayuda a los estudiantes a
encontrar escuela, les llena los formularios necesarios para matricularse y está
pendiente de su progreso.
El personal de la HIAS
acompañó a los gemelos a las
oficinas del Distrito. Allí, ellos
(que habían estudiado inglés
desde que llegaron a Uganda)
pasaron el examen de idioma
y cumplieron con los requisitos
de vacunas y de identificación.
La HIAS también acompañó a
los gemelos a la escuela superior
y habló con los funcionarios escolares.
Sin la ayuda de la HIAS,
dijo Mussie, “No creo que hubiese sido fácil matricularnos en
la escuela”.
El proceso de matrícula
es complicado, ya que les pide
muchos documentos a las familias, toma tiempo y requiere
paciencia. Patel también fue
parte del personal de la HIAS
y ayudó a coordinar servicios
Gregory Bezanis
de matrícula y educación para Los hermanos de Eritrea Mussie y Aron Tesfay enfrentaron varios retos mientras asistían a la Escuela Superior del Sur
agencias de Filadelfia. Ella dijo de Filadelfia. Se transfirieron a la Academia en Palumbo este otoño para completar su último año de escuela superior.
que históricamente el proceso
caso de los gemelos y los ayudó.
ha estado lleno de dificultad.
bien educados, con buenas destrezas de inEsa situación solo ha empeorado de“La matrícula el año pasado fue una
glés y más adelantados que sus contraparbido a la crisis financiera del Distrito, ya
pesadilla”, dijo ella. “Había que esperar
tes estadounidenses en algunas materias.
que la disponibilidad de los consejeros esdos y hasta tres horas, aunque tuvieras una
Otros, sin embargo, son prácticamente
colares – que pueden ser un apoyo adiciocita. … Los padres se desesperan, y enanalfabetas en su idioma natal y hablan
nal para los estudiantes inmigrantes – no
cima de eso está el papeleo: el certificado
poco o nada de inglés.
es estable.
de vacunas, los papeles de residencia, los
El Distrito Escolar, sin embargo, no
Kendall recomienda que las familias
documentos de tutoría legal. … La lista es
siempre los distingue. Esta situación a
busquen servicios fuera de la escuela.
interminable”.
menudo se complica con la edad y las
“Los estudiantes y sus padres necesitan
Y después de matricular al estudiante,
regulaciones existentes. Por ejemplo,
buscar programas – como Upward Bound
a menudo había falta de comunicación
existe la posibilidad de que un inmigrante
o clubes en bibliotecas públicas – pero no
entre el Distrito y la escuela, dijo ella. Los
de 18 años sea asignado al 9no grado. O,
siempre lo saben”.
estudiantes recibían una carta del Distrito
como los estudiantes no cualifican para
con el nombre de la escuela, pero a veces
educación pública después de los 21 años,
Comienzo de la escuela
eso no era suficiente para asegurar una
algunos estudiantes son asignados a clases
matrícula sin contratiempos.
para las cuales podrían no estar preparados
Cuando Aron y Mussie empezaron su
“Aunque se tuviera la carta, la essimplemente porque la escuela quiere que
undécimo año en la Escuela Superior del
cuela no la reconocía y ellos no quedaban
se gradúen antes de cumplir 22.
Sur de Filadelfia, fue muy distinto a lo que
matriculados [en las clases], no tenían
esperaban.
La importancia del idioma
salón de clases y la maestra no los estaba
Aron dijo que había escuchado que
esperando”, dijo Patel. “Ya es pesadilla
la educación en Estados Unidos podía ser
Aunque el inglés de los gemelos es exsufi
ciente ir a una
mucho mejor que la
celente, está muy claro que no es su primer
escuela nueva y enque él había recibido
idioma. Aron notó que cuando hace llacima, no tienes una
antes, pero que eso
madas telefónicas tiene que repetir cada
Los inmigrantes que no
maestra que te predependía de la esoración.
pare, que te asigne a
cuela.
Sin hablar inglés, aclimatarse a un amson refugiados tienen
un compañero que te
Ellos
enconbiente escolar nuevo puede ser aterrador
derecho a algunos
ayude”.
traron que la escuela
para los estudiantes y sus familias. Kendall
Patel dijo que
era
un
reto
–
pero
no
dijo que la mayoría de las familias con que
servicios, como
los refugiados tienen
uno académico.
trabaja “casi no hablan inglés”.
educación gratuita,
derecho a recibir ser“Había muchos
Aunque la HIAS puede coordinar la
vicios por tres meses,
problemas
con
la
asignación
de escuela, una vez el semestre
pero no necesariamente
pero que en la ciudad
calidad de enseñanza
comienza la familia todavía necesita ayuda
a que los ayuden a
únicamente hay tres
y también con los espara superar barreras culturales y de idiagencias de ayuda
tudiantes”,
dijo
Aron.
oma.
matricularse.
auspiciadas el estado,
“Algunos eran suma“En otros países, los maestros [tienen
entre ellas la HIAS.
mente irrespetuosos
autoridad pero] aquí hay que preguntarles
Otras agencias de servicios sociales bata
con los maestros. Otros no querían aprena los maestros qué hacer después de la esllan para conseguir los recursos que necesider, y nosotros sí queríamos”.
cuela, y hacerle preguntas a la secretaria
tan para ayudar a cumplir las diversas
Ellos dicen que se sintieron víctimas
para asegurar que tu hijo está en el lugar
necesidades de quienes llegan de todo el
de estereotipos por parte del personal escorrecto”, notó Kendall. Pero esto no es
mundo, dijo ella.
colar.
algo que comúnmente sepan las familias.
Los inmigrantes que no son refugiados
“Yo personalmente sentí que juzgaban
Por lo tanto, Kendall y su equipo
tienen derecho a algunos servicios, como
nuestra capacidad simplemente por ser de
también trabajan con las familias para
educación gratuita, pero no necesariotro país. Sentimos que nos subestimaban”,
asegurar que se integren a la comunidad,
amente a que los ayuden a matricularse.
recuerda Aron. Muchas de las clases eran
ya sea ayudándoles a conseguir clases de
“Estamos conectados con un grupo
repeticiones del currículo que ya habían
GED y de ESOL para los padres – como
pequeño de estudiantes – y la mayoría de
completado en Uganda.
Kendall hizo para la mamá de Aron y
las familias inmigrantes no tienen acceso [a
Esto es un problema común entre
Mussie – o simplemente mostrándoles los
nuestros recursos]”, dijo J.T. Kendall, trabalos inmigrantes, según Kendall. Algunos,
recursos disponibles.
(continúa en la p. 13)
jador social de la HIAS que se encargó del
como los gemelos Tesfay, llegan a este país
Guide 2013
enespañol
Cronograma para selección de escuela superior
Proceso para solicitar admisión a una escuela superior del Distrito
Octubre - Noviembre
Antes del 6 de diciembre
• Las escuelas distribuyen el formulario y los materiales
para solicitar admisión a la escuela superior. Este año
el directorio del Distrito estará disponible únicamente
en línea.
• Los estudiantes seleccionan hasta 5 escuelas y le
devuelven el formulario del Distrito firmado por un padre o encargado al consejero de la escuela, principal o
maestro designado. Las solicitudes se pueden entregar
a partir del 7 de octubre.
• Por falta de fondos, el Distrito no tendrá un High School
Expo este año. Pero un grupo de organizaciones (bajo los
auspicios de GreatPhillySchools) estará llevando a cabo
una feria financiada por la Philadelphia School Partnership, el sábado 16 de noviembre de 9 a.m. a 5 p.m. en el
Armory de la Drexel University, esquina de las calles 33
y Market. Todas las escuelas del Distrito, chárter y de la
arquidiócesis de Filadelfia han sido invitadas.
• Los estudiantes de escuelas privadas podrán obtener
materiales en la feria de exposición o en la Oficina de
Matrícula y Colocación de Estudiantes del Distrito.
• Las familias investigan las escuelas.
• Los consejeros y maestros de octavo grado pueden
llevar a cabo sesiones de información para padres y
estudiantes para ayudarles a seleccionar las escuelas
y llenar el formulario de solicitud. Debido a la falta de
consejeros de tiempo completo en muchas escuelas,
se está exhortando que los maestros dediquen tiempo durante las clases para ayudar a los estudiantes
a llenar los formularios. Los padres le deben pedir al
principal de sus hijos que les explique cómo está ayudando a los estudiantes a llenar los formularios debido
a la falta de un consejero de tiempo completo.
Octubre - Marzo
• Algunas escuelas superiores permiten que los solicitantes visiten la escuela o pasen un día con uno de sus
estudiantes. Las familias deben comunicarse directamente con las escuelas. El Distrito está exhortando a
las escuelas superiores a tener open houses para los
estudiantes interesados. A principios de octubre se tendrá disponible un itinerario completo.
• Las escuelas chárter tienen sus propios formularios y
plazos para ser parte de sus loterías de admisión. Este
año hay un cambio. Los estudiantes que quieran solicitar admisión a una escuela chárter deben conseguir
un nuevo formulario común que está siendo coordinado por la organización Great Schools Compact y la
Philadelphia School Partnership. No todas las escuelas
chárter van a participar en esta iniciativa; por lo tanto
debe verificar el proceso de solicitud con cada escuela.
Estudiantes inmigrantes
“Yo siempre me aseguro de que pidan
un intérprete por teléfono. A veces los padres sienten temor porque las secretarias
no hablan su idioma, pero tener un intérprete es uno de sus derechos”.
Próximo paso: universidad
Aron y Mussie ahora son seniors en
la Academia en Palumbo, una escuela
de admisión selectiva. La HIAS fue
instrumental en su proceso de transferencia, asegurando que a los gemelos
les contaran los créditos académicos
de Uganda y los de su semestre en la
Escuela Superior del Sur de Filadelfia.
Ahora que el laberinto burocrático es
cosa del pasado, ellos se están enfocando en sus solicitudes para universidad.
• El 6 de diciembre también es la fecha límite para las
escuelas chárter que hayan aceptado usar el nuevo formulario de solicitud común.
• La información de la solicitud se tiene que ingresar a
un sistema de computadoras en red. Usualmente, esto
lo hace el consejero, pero este año podría ser hecho por
otra persona de la escuela por no contar con un consejero a tiempo completo. Las familias deben mantenerse
en comunicación con el principal y los maestros de sus
hijos para asegurar que la información de la solicitud
sea recibida y debidamente registrada en el sistema.
• Los estudiantes de escuelas privadas entregarán sus solicitudes en la Oficina de Matrícula y Colocación de Estudiantes en la oficina 111 del 440 Norte de la Calle Broad.
Diciembre - Enero
• Las escuelas superiores que tienen criterios de admisión comienzan a evaluar las solicitudes y a tener
entrevistas y audiciones. Algunas audiciones y entre
vistas son por invitación solamente, y estas escuelas
solamente envían los avisos de invitación, no envían
rechazos. Otras escuelas entrevistan a todos los solicitantes pero envían las cartas con la fecha y hora de
la entrevista a la escuela del estudiante, no a su casa
(si un estudiante tiene conflicto y no puede asistir,
deberá hacer arreglos para cambiar la cita). Algunas
escuelas esperan que los estudiantes tomen la iniciativa y programen sus entrevistas.
• Los estudiantes deben consultar regularmente a sus consejeros o maestros para mantenerse al día en el estatus
de sus solicitudes.
Enero - Marzo
• Las escuelas con admisión especial deciden a quien aceptar, a quien no aceptar, y a quien poner en lista de espera.
• Las escuelas con admisión abierta a toda la ciudad seleccionan a los estudiantes que cualifican para participar en la lotería de admisión.
• La Oficina de Matrícula y Colocación de Estudiantes
del Distrito lleva a cabo tres loterías separadas (una de
(continúa de la p. 12)
Aron está interesado en el campo de
la medicina, y Mussie en ingeniería. La
universidad presenta otro cambio, otra
transición. Pero ellos están listos.
“Estoy entusiasmado y nervioso, pero
me alegra completar la escuela y asistir a la
universidad”, dijo Aron. “Pero también sé
que no va ser fácil”.
Sonia Giebel, estudiante senior en Haverford
College, fue practicante este pasado verano en el
Notebook.
Nota aclaratoria: Desde marzo, Neeta Patel
ha sido Directora Asociada de Operaciones del
Notebook, un puesto no relacionado con su
labor en otras organizaciones que abogan por los
derechos de los inmigrantes.
Traducción por Mildred S. Martínez.
Léalo en la web
www.thenotebook.org
Guide 2013
school calendar
10/14
11/5-11/6
11/11 11/28-11/29
12/24-12/31
12/25
1/1
1/20
2/5
2/17
4/14-4/18
4/18
5/6
5/26
6/19
6/20 Visit us online – www.thenotebook.org
educación general, una de educación especial y otra
de ELL) a fin de determinar cuáles estudiantes serán
aceptados a las escuelas con admisión abierta a toda
la ciudad y a las escuelas de la comunidad que reciben
estudiantes de otras áreas.
• Las escuelas chárter comienzan a llevar a cabo sus lote
rías de admisión
Marzo
• El Distrito les envía cartas de notificación a los estudiantes que han sido aceptados a una o más escuelas
del Distrito.
Marzo – Abril
• Los estudiantes aceptados a múltiples escuelas del Distrito tienen dos semanas para seleccionar la escuela preferida y entregarle un formulario con la escuela seleccionada
al consejero de 8vo grado, principal o maestro designado.
Se les exhorta a tomar la decisión sin demorarse para
que pueda comenzar la segunda ronda de asignaciones.
Los estudiantes de escuelas privadas envían su selección
directamente a la Oficina de Matrícula y Colocación de
Estudiantes.
Mediados de Abril
• Después de que los estudiantes que recibieron aceptaciones múltiples seleccionan sus escuelas, el Distrito
les envía cartas finales a todos los estudiantes para
indicarles dónde han sido aceptados, no aceptados o
puestos en lista de espera.
Abril - Septiembre
• Se conducen loterías adicionales para llenar los espacios restantes.
• Mediante llamadas telefónicas y cartas de recomendación, los padres, consejeros y principales pueden
abogar a nombre de los estudiantes que fueron originalmente puestos en listas de espera o rechazados.
• A los solicitantes que queden se les envían cartas adicionales informándoles de las decisiones tomadas. En
esta ronda, a los estudiantes solamente se les admite
a una escuela.
-Dale Mezzacappa
Información recopilada con ayuda de Danielle Seward,
Subdirectora de la Oficina de Matrícula y Colocación de
Estudiantes del Distrito.
Traducción por Mildred S. Martínez.
2013-2014
Columbus Day - Schools/
administrative offices closed
Staff Only – Professional development days Veterans’ Day - Schools/
Thanksgiving holiday - Schools/
Winter recess – Schools closed Winter recess – Administrative offices closed
New Year’s Day – Schools/
Martin Luther King Day - Schools/
administrative offices closed Staff Only – Professional development day Presidents’ Day - Schools/
Spring recess - Schools closed
Spring recess – Administrative
offices closed
Staff Only - Professional development day
Memorial Day - Schools/
Last day for pupils
Last day for staff – Organization day
calendario de la escuela
Día de Colón - Escuelas/
oficinas administrativas cerradas
No hay clases - Días de desarrollo
profesional para personal
Día del Veterano - Escuelas/
Acción de Gracias - Escuelas/
Vacaciones de Invierno – Escuelas cerradas
Vacaciones de Invierno – Oficinas
administrativas cerradas
Año Nuevo – Escuelas/
Día de Martin Luther King - Escuelas/
No hay clases - Día de desarrollo
Día de los Presidentes - Escuelas/
Vacaciones de Primavera - Escuelas cerradas
Vacaciones de Primavera - Oficinas
administrativas cerradas
No hay clases - Día de desarrollo
Día de la Recordación - Escuelas/
Último día de clases
Último día de trabajo para los
maestros - Día Organizacional
Finding a different track to graduation
Alternative education gives
students a second chance at
getting a high school diploma.
by Monika Zaleska
Ann Ceron-Hernandez has dreams
of going to college to study to become a
nurse. But without a high school diploma,
she knows those dreams could be derailed.
So last February, the 21-year-old
mother of three, who had dropped out of
Bok Technical High School in the 9th
grade after having her first child, decided
that she would go back.
Like many dropouts, she wasn’t sure
what to do, so she asked a former teacher
and a neighborhood church group about
how to return to school. They told her
that she could re-enter through the District’s alternative education system.
Alternative education is a system of
varied, second-chance educational options in which over-age, undercredited,
or expelled students can resume their education, earn credits toward graduation,
and attain their high school diploma or
GED. The programs have provided a
boost to the city’s high school completion rate.
After seeking the program that was
the best fit, Ceron-Hernandez enrolled at
the Creative Learning Academy (CLA),
one of the District’s accelerated high
school programs. These programs allow
returning students to earn credits toward
graduation in less than three years.
“We have a lot of young people who
are looking for another option, a different option. They just want to be successful,” said Benjamin Wright, the District’s
assistant superintendent of alternative
education.
Located in the back of South Philadelphia High School, CLA is run by the
Opportunities Industrialization Centers
of America, Inc. With an enrollment of
nearly 90 students, it is quiet and contained, consisting of just one corridor of
classrooms and a computer lab. At CLA,
students can earn their high school diploma, a total of 23.5 credits, in just
two years. Ceron-Hernandez is one year
away from graduating.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to stay in
my home and do my homework with
three kids,” said Ceron-Hernandez of
the challenges of being in the program as
a single parent. But she said she’s determined to finish even though her future
is uncertain.
“I want to go to college, but I don’t
know if I can because I don’t have the
money,” she said.
For some students, the most difficult part of returning to school is being
consistent. Many students in alternative
education have had truancy issues.
“I’ve been here for just one year, and
the way people come and go makes it
feel like I’ve been here for three,” said
Sihied Barton, also a CLA student.
Every morning Barton, 17, makes
the 45-minute trip to CLA from Upper
Darby, where he now lives with his aunt
and uncle. Barton said he had moved
around so much while in school that he
Gregory Bezanis
Ann Ceron-Hernandez is attending Creative Learning Academy, one of the District’s accelerated high
school programs, to earn her diploma.
was held back twice. He wanted to make
up for lost time, so last year he enrolled
at CLA, where he is now an A student.
Barton, who wants to be a writer,
credits CLA with changing his attitude
about school. He did extra work over the
summer, and this fall he will be teaching
one of the books he read, Ender’s Game,
to his English class.
“My first day I came here, I was curious about how the classes were going
to go, and if it was going to be too fast
for me,” said Barton. “But it went well,
and I got the hang of it. I enjoy coming
here.”
Finding a program that fits
The District’s alternative education
system serves 11,000 students per year, according to Wright.
To get started, students can visit the
District’s Re-engagement Center at District headquarters at 440 N. Broad St. or
apply to one of the programs through the
District’s Alternative Education Centers,
at 4300 Westminster Ave. or 4224 N.
Front St. Some students apply to the programs directly.
At the Re-engagement Center, they
take a basic literacy test. Students need to
test at least at a 4th-grade level to qualify
for an accelerated program. Counselors
are then paired with students to help
them choose the best option for them.
“Each kid has a personalized learning
program, and we not only give students
what they need academically. We give
them what they must have for their social
and emotional growth,” Wright said.
The accelerated programs balance
computer-based and classroom learning
and have a curriculum designed for students who have previously had trouble
engaging in school.
The alternative options are designed
as programs that pick up where high
school left off, and so most students who
graduate from an accelerated program are
awarded a diploma from their neighborhood high school.
The accelerated programs are just
one route to earning a diploma. There
are also Educational Options Programs,
or EOPs, which allow students and adults
over 17 to continue earning credits toward a diploma through night classes at
four locations in the city.
Another option is the Gateway to
College Program at Community College
of Philadelphia. It is a dual-enrollment
program for students who have dropped
out that allows them to earn their high
school diploma and college credits simultaneously.
Weighing the impact
A 2010 report by Mathematica Policy
Research, “The Impacts of Philadelphia’s
Accelerated Schools on Academic Progress and Graduation,” found that accelerated programs are improving the city’s
high school graduation rates. The report,
which compared accelerated school students with non-accelerated school students who had similar academic, disciplinary, and attendance patterns, found
that these programs had a “positive, statistically significant impact on both fiveand six-year graduation rates.”
In 9th-grade cohorts from 2002-3
through 2005-6, 29 percent of alternative
school students graduated in five years,
compared with only 22 percent of similar
students in traditional schools.
Some credit the programs’ success to
the curriculum and personalized attention.
At One Bright Ray (OBR), another
accelerated program with two campuses,
all the learning is project-based. This
means that students pose a driving question, research the topic, and create a portfolio of work.
For example, English students each
picked a Harlem Renaissance figure. After four weeks of exploring and writing
about this person’s life, each student performed for their class as the person they
studied. This kind of learning not only
appeals to students who have had trouble
staying engaged, but also makes it easier
for incoming students to transition into
the classroom, even midyear.
OBR also provides support outside
the classroom through its “walk out” policy, which allows students to leave class
without asking permission, and go talk to
a counselor or the principal if they have
problems or feel overwhelmed.
Joycet Velasquez, principal of OBR’s
Fairhill campus, meets regularly with students and sends personal progress reports
every two weeks. OBR, which has about
200 students on each campus, also has a
free child care center and many activities
found at traditional high schools, including clubs and SAT prep classes.
For many, life after these programs
has been positive. Jamil Stokes, a former
CLA student who had been kicked out
of South Philadelphia High School for
bringing a box cutter to school, is now enrolled in a two-year accounting program
at Manor College.
His advice to those considering alternative education?
“Do it! Education is the most important thing in your life, period. You should
let nothing or no one stop you from getting the education that you need, or
reaching higher education.”
For more information on alternative education in Philadelphia, call the
Re-engagement Center at 215-400-6700
or visit the School District’s website at
webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/r/alternative.
Monika Zaleska, a freelance writer and recent
graduate of Swarthmore College, volunteered at
the Notebook this summer.
• Free in-gallery and outreach
lessons are available for K-12
classes. Reservations required.
• All lessons are age-appropriate and
are designed to complement Pennsylvania State Academic Standards.
• Limited transportation funds are
available.
For more information or to
schedule a lesson for your class,
call us at 215.991.3680 or visit our
Web site www.lasalle.edu/museum.
Guide 2013
highschoolprofiles2013
Directory of Philadelphia's public and charter high schools
special admission
High Schools
Academy at Palumbo
1100 Catharine St., 19147
215-351-7618
Adrienne Wallace-Chew, Principal
Email: [email protected]
www.philasd.org/schools/palumbo
Grades served: 9-12
2012-13 enrollment: 718
Waiting list? # of students: Yes, 400
Admissions requirements: As and Bs, and one C
in a major subject; advanced and proficient on
PSSA or 88th percentile on other standardized
tests; good attendance and minimal lateness; no
disciplinary record; interview may be required
Student racial demographics:
African American – 51%
Asian – 21% White – 16%
Latino – 9%
Other – 4%
% English language learners: 2%
% special education students: 4%
% eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch: 84%
Mission statement: To provide students with the
most comprehensive and intense preparation
available in the public sector for the rigors
of higher learning. As an integral part of this
preparation, the Academy’s mission must
include raising the aspirations of each student,
developing universally applicable problemsolving techniques, technological skills, and
instilling a lifelong passion for learning, including a rich cultural arts experience.
Points of pride: University of Pennsylvania
National Moot Court finalist; school newspaper,
Prime Movers partnership; VIEW with Villanova; WISE (Women in Science and Engineering); All-City Choir and Orchestra
Measures for positive, safe learning: Home &
School Association; School Advisory Council;
3rd District Police Partnership; Hawthorne
Community Coalition Partnership
Accreditations/awards: Top 100 PhiladelphiaArea Public Schools: Philadelphia magazine,
October 2012; Top Schools in Pennsylvania:
U.S. News & World Report, 2012; Jefferson
Award for Public Service: Silver Place Winner,
May 2012; East Coast Get Schooled Attendance Challenge: 1st place, 2011
Arts activities and classes: Vocal music classes
or ensemble; instrumental music classes; visual arts instruction; theater instruction; choir;
concert and/or jazz band; orchestra; drum line;
other instrumental ensemble; school play or
musical(s)
Additional activities: Clubs include: anime;
billiards; chess; cheerleaders; community
service; debate; drama; fiber arts; GSA; Inkblot
Literary; jazz, Latin and rock bands; Multicultural Club; Pep/Step; poetry; Students Run
Philly Style; school newspaper; yearbook
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Indoor Track & Field, Lacrosse, Soccer,
Swimming & Diving, Track & Field, Wrestling,
Volleyball
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Indoor Track & Field,
Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Track & Field, Volleyball
Foreign languages: Spanish, Chinese
AP courses: Biology, Calculus AB, Chemistry, Chinese Language & Culture, English
Literature & Composition, European History,
Government & Politics, Physics B, Psychology,
Spanish Language, Statistics, Studio Art: 2-D
Design, U.S. History
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, School Advisory Council, volunteering for
Career Day, class trips, office help desk
SEPTA routes: 23, 27, 32, 47, 64, Broad
Street subway
The Arts Academy
at Benjamin Rush
11081 Knights Rd., 19154
215-281-2603
Jessica Brown, Principal
www.rushartsonline.org
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: Strong academic
record; excellent attendance and behavior; proficient or advanced on PSSA reading and math
(Terra Nova scores should be comparable);
successful audition in chosen art major
Asian – 4%
White – 55%
Latino – 14%
Other – 4%
Charles Mostoller
Conwell students Amna Al-Sulaimani and Darris Abrams took part in a debate contest at Academy at Palumbo.
or ensemble; instrumental music classes;
Mission statement: Our school is based on the
visual arts instruction; film/video instruction;
belief that the arts provide an unequaled oppordance instruction; theater instruction; choir;
tunity to foster intellectual growth by connectconcert and/or jazz band; orchestra; other
ing arts and literacy. Visual and media literacy
instrumental ensemble; dance group; school
skills permeate all subjects at the high school.
play or musical(s)
Reflective teaching and learning will be exAdditional activities: Academic tutoring; art
pected in every classroom, with an emphasis on
club; journalism (Prime Movers); National
building a community of learners to be thinkers
Honor Society; writing club; jazz band; fussball
and creators. The spirit of intellectual curiosity
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball
will be encouraged in and through the arts.
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball
Points of pride: Student-centered community;
Foreign languages: Spanish
21st-century learning that includes technology
AP courses: Calculus AB
integration and habits of mind application;
Other special academic offerings: Honors
writing across the curriculum; arts integration
English, Honors American History, WHYY News
Measures for positive, safe learning: Students
Hour, Music Technology, Music Theory, Film
take project-driven core courses, as well as
Studies, SAT prep, College & Career Course,
electives such as story casting (digital filmSenior Capstone Course, Biology 2, Health 2
making), creating theatre, graphic arts, media
Parent involvement: Home & School Associaarts, dance appreciation, chamber singers.
tion; fundraising; help during performances
Six habits of mind (or core values) frame the
SEPTA routes: 20, 67, 84
curriculum: Imagination, Communication, Em(continued on page 16)
pathy, Perspective, Analysis, and Commitment.
Key to the school profiles
These core values are integral to curriculum
Abbreviations used throughout the listings:
and instruction.
NR = Not reported
Accreditations/awards: From 2008 to 2013,
AP = Advanced placement
students have received awards in these areas:
AYP = Adequate Yearly Progress
Philadelphia Young Playwright Awards; One
CTE
= Career and Technical Education
Book/One Philly - Graphic Arts award; Young
PIAA = Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association
Artists Exhibition; Philadelphia Sketch Club;
* = Sports are not authorized for PIAA competition
All-City Orchestra and Choir
†
= These CTE programs are not state-approved.
Using the high school profiles
These pages contain profiles of 87 public high
schools open to students in Philadelphia. The information can help you find schools that are a good fit for you.
The profiles are organized by the type of high school
– see our descriptions below. Review the profiles to find
schools with offerings that match with your interests. Do
you want strong arts programs? Lots of Advanced Placement (AP) courses? Many sports teams? Each profile
The profiles are organized by type
of high school:
Special admission high schools
These 20 District-run high
schools have specific – and generally
tough – admissions requirements in
the areas of test scores, grades in core
subjects, and attendance and behavior. But any student can apply using
the School District’s application form.
Citywide admission high schools
These 8 District high schools also
accept students from across the city.
Each has its own admissions requireGuide 2013
spells out the academic programs, extracurricular activities, and other offerings at each school.
Check the admissions requirements to get an idea
of whether you would qualify – and consider where
the school is located. The profiles also include statistics
about enrollment and student characteristics, from reports compiled by the School District or the state.
Then check out our information on school and
ments for grades, attendance, and behavior – though generally not as tough
as the special admission schools. All
applicants who meet the criteria are entered into a lottery run by the District.
There are also three selective admission
programs within other high schools.
Neighborhood high schools
These 21 District schools have
geographic boundaries; students are
guaranteed admission if their school
for grade 8 falls within the feeder pattern. Those living outside of the feeder
pattern may also apply, but admission
is based on available space and determined through a lottery.
Charter high schools
There are now 38 charters serving the high school grades. Each
functions as an independent school
district and has its own admission
procedures. Several charters serve a
specific neighborhood catchment area
and must first admit those students.
But any Philadelphia student may apply to any charter school. Charters are
required to choose students by lottery
if there are more applicants than slots.
student performance (p. 20-21). You will find statistics
like SAT scores, graduation and suspension rates, and
more. There are big differences among schools in how
they perform on these indicators. Using all this information, you can whittle down your list of schools.
The profiles are based on a survey completed by
each school during summer 2013, which gives them the
chance to tout their offerings and accomplishments. We
edit the responses to avoid repetition and correct errors;
in some cases, we remove claims about school performance that conflict with publicly available data. If a
school had no response to an item, that item does not
appear. A few schools failed to complete the survey.
The Notebook does not independently verify that
all of the programs described are currently in place, nor
can we verify their quality.
The school profile survey was administered by
the Notebook in collaboration with the Philadelphia
School Partnership and its school choice information
website, www.greatphillyschools.org.
Changing admission requirements
The admissions requirements for District schools listed
in these school profiles had not yet been finalized as this
guide went to press. For the final admissions requirements,
go to the District’s high school selection web page:
http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/h/hsselection
special admission
High Schools
Bodine High School
for International Affairs
1101 N. 4th St., 19123
215-351-7332
Deborah Jumpp, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/bodine
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: Advanced or proficient
on PSSA reading and math; all As and Bs in
major subjects on most recent final report card,
with possible exception of one C; no disciplinary
reports; excellent attendance and punctuality;
80th percentile on standardized exams
Latino – 20%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: To provide urban public
school students with a comprehensive educational experience that expands students’ interests to include global issues and prepares them
for a lifetime of achievement and participation
in the local, national, and global communities.
Points of pride: International Baccalaureate
program, Blue Ribbon School 2010, Vanguard
School, AP program
or ensemble; instrumental music classes; visual arts instruction; concert and/or jazz band
Additional activities: World Affairs Council Club;
Freedom School; BuildOn; National Honor Society
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Tennis
Girls’ sports: Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball
Foreign languages: French, Spanish
AP courses: Calculus AB, English Literature &
Composition, Physics B, Spanish Literature,
U.S. History
Parent involvement: Home & School or Parent
Association; volunteering with class trips and
other activities
SEPTA routes: 23, 27, 32, 47, 64, C, Broad
Street subway
Carver High School
of Engineering & Science
1600 W. Norris St., 19121
215-684-5079
Ted Domers, Principal
www.carverhses.net
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: All As and Bs (one C
allowed in a minor subject); good behavior, attendance, and punctuality; advanced scores on
PSSA reading and math; one-page essay detailing reasons for wishing to attend this school
Latino – 7%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: We are committed to providing
a rigorous curriculum enriched by related extracurricular opportunities. Our goals are to prepare
our students with the skills for collegiate success
and the social and leadership skills to be lifelong
learners and productive citizens.
Points of pride: High college acceptance rate;
$6.7 million in scholarships by Class of 2013;
rigorous academic program; dual enrollment; Advanced Placement courses; approved Engineering CTE program; academic competitions: five
awards at MESA National Engineering Design
Challenge and two 1st-place awards in citywide
science fair; partnerships with U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, ACE Mentoring, Outward Bound,
Turner Construction, Naval Sea Systems Command, Temple, Penn, Drexel, and Villanova
Measures for positive, safe learning: Peer mediation; daily Homework Zone; college preparation expectations
Accreditations/awards: Continuous achievement
of AYP; 2008 National Blue Ribbon School
of Excellence; 2010 Middle States accreditation; 2011 National Academy Foundation
Accreditation; recognized in U.S. News & World
Report’s “Best High Schools,” Silver Medal,
2012, 2013; Newsweek’s “America’s Best High
Schools,” 2013; Philadelphia magazine’s “Top
100 Philadelphia-Area High Schools,” 2012
Arts activities and classes: Instrumental music
classes; visual arts instruction; film/video instruction; band; jazz band; other instrumental
ensemble
Additional activities: Chess team (four-time state
champions); National Honor Society; National
Society of Black Engineers; Alumni Association
Career Day; robotics team and club; Science
Fair Club; Envirothon; Anime Club; moot court;
debate team; student government; yearbook;
Homework Zone; peer mediation; Technology
Student Association; Red Cross Club; Gift of
Life Club; Weight Room Club; internship opportunities with Army Corps of Engineers, Turner
Construction, NAVSEA, Pennoni Associates, ACE
Mentoring
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Indoor Track & Field, Soccer,
Swimming & Diving, Track & Field, Volleyball
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Indoor
Track & Field, Soccer, Swimming & Diving,
Track & Field, Volleyball, Cheerleading*
Career & Technical Education programs: Engineering Technologies/Technicians
AP courses: Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus
BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, English
Language & Composition, English Literature
& Composition, Environmental Science,
Government & Politics, Physics B, Psychology,
Statistics, U.S. History
Other special academic offerings: 1) PLTW: fouryear sequence in engineering or technology.
Courses: Engineering Survey, Introduction to
Engineering, Principles of Engineering, Digital
Electronics, Civil Engineering/Architecture,
Senior Engineering projects. This is a state-ap(continued on page 17)
Georgia E. Gregory
Interdenominational
School Of Music
Enroll by October 31st
and receive a
complimentary lesson
on piano, keyboard,
percussion or voice.
Woodwinds, Keyboard, Voice,
Dance & Percussion.
Group classes also available.
1628-30 W. Allegheny Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19132-1745
Call for fees and Schedule Classes
215.430.0435
Guide 2013
special admission
High Schools
(continued)
proved CTE program associated with the National
Academy Foundation, from which students can
earn college credit. Partner organizations provide
mentors, speakers, field trips and internships. 2)
Biomedical Program: three-year foundation program for college pre-medical programs or science
research. 3) Advanced Computer Programming:
JAVA and AP Computer Science. 4) Psychology:
Partnership with University of Pennsylvania. 5)
Environmental Science: Partnership with Delaware Valley Green Building Council Association.
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, School Advisory Council
SEPTA routes: 2, 4, 16, C, Broad Street subway
Central High School
1700 W. Olney Ave., 19141
215-276-5262
Timothy J. McKenna, President
www.centralhigh.net
Grades served: 9-12
2012-13 enrollment: 2,339
Admissions requirements: Must score on or above
88th percentile on PSSA; all As and Bs in last
two years; good attendance; minimal lateness;
no unsatisfactory disciplinary history; essay
African American – 31% Asian – 32% White – 25%
Latino – 9%
Other – 3%
Mission statement: To prepare each student for
the rigors of higher education. We raise the
aspirations of each student, develop univer-
sally applicable problem-solving techniques,
and instill a lifelong passion for learning. By
the nature of our demographics, our mission
includes respect for multiple cultures, religious
belief systems, life paths, and learning styles.
Points of pride: Student diversity; accomplishments of students, including most recent
graduating class of 272 generating $23.6
million in scholarships; 26 AP courses; full
International Baccalaureate program; extensive
extracurricular opportunities; excellent staff
and involved/supportive parents; special days:
International, Women’s, Earth, and Career;
35% of students in mentally gifted program
Accreditations/awards: 2011-12 only Blue Ribbon High School in Pennsylvania; Title I School
of Excellence – Pa. Department of Education;
School of Inspiration – College Board; National
School of Secondary Excellence – U.S. Department of Education; Philadelphia magazine and
Redbook – Excellence in Secondary Education;
Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report
recognition for all years in program
or ensemble; instrumental music classes; visual
arts instruction; film/video instruction; theater
instruction; choir; concert and/or jazz band;
orchestra; drill team; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Extensive club program
includes at least 80 different interests, which
allows students to pursue activities before and
after school; extensive music and art program
(traveling to many different countries, winning
multiple awards); science research program;
creative writing opportunities including yearbook, newspaper, Mirror and Mosaic literary
magazines; student-run broadcast network;
video; drama; debate; mock trial; departmental
and student-supervised tutoring options; class
and schoolwide governmental activities
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country,
Philadelphia Teachers,
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Franklin Learning Center
616 N. 15th St., 19130
215-684-5916
Joyce A. Hoog, Principal
http://www.flchs.org
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: As and Bs (with possible exception of one C in a minor subject)
on most recent final report card; advanced or
proficient on PSSA/Keystone; above 80th percentile on standardized tests; good attendance
record with no unexcused absences; no negative disciplinary reports; audition or portfolio
presentation required for arts majors
Asian – 9%
White – 25%
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Guide 2013
Football, Golf, Indoor Track & Field, Lacrosse,
Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track &
Field, Volleyball, Wrestling, Intramurals*
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Field
Hockey, Golf, Indoor Track & Field, Soccer,
Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field,
Volleyball, Intramurals*
Foreign languages: French, Spanish, Italian,
Chinese, Latin
AP courses: Art History, Biology, Calculus AB,
Calculus BC, Chemistry, Chinese Language
& Culture, English Language & Composition,
English Literature & Composition, Environmental Science, European History, French Language
& Culture, Government & Politics, Italian Language & Culture, Latin: Vergil, Macroeconomics,
Music Theory, Physics B, Physics C, Psychology,
Spanish Language, Statistics, Studio Art: 2-D
Design, Studio Art: 3-D Design, Studio Art:
Drawing, U.S. History, World History
Parent involvement: Home & School Association; School Advisory Council; chaperones
for trips; committee participants; assisting
in special events such as International Day;
participation in the Freshman Tea
SEPTA routes: Broad Street subway, all bus
routes that go through Olney terminal
Latino – 19%
Other – 4%
Mission statement: To provide a multicultural
environment that emphasizes health, technology, and arts and humanities in preparation
for college. Students work on a “competencybased” system of study that requires mastery
in each subject through a step-by-step program, enhanced by real-world learning.
Points of pride: “Competency-based” system
of study; twice recognized as a Blue Ribbon
School of Excellence by the U.S. Department
of Education; culturally diverse
Accreditations/awards: State-level distinction
for mock trial; reached AYP for five consecutive
years; boys’ basketball PIAA District XII AAA winners; state finalists in HOSA competitions; winner in the Philadelphia Stock Market competition
Measures for positive, safe learning: We have a
schoolwide expectation for respect, pride, and
integrity.
visual arts instruction; dance instruction; theater instruction; other instrumental ensemble;
dance group; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Afterschool tutoring;
Saturday school; yearbook; Red Cross; HOSA;
DECA; art class at PAFA
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Volleyball, Cheerleading*
Career & Technical Education programs: General
Office Occupations & Clerical Services, Health
Professions & Related Clinical Sciences
Computer Science A, English Language &
Composition, English Literature & Composition
Other special academic offerings: Instrumental
music; vocal; dance; drama
Parent involvement: Home & School Association; volunteerism in classrooms, halls, and
office; supporters of sporting activities
SEPTA routes: 2, 23, 43, Broad Street subway
Girard Academic Music Program
(GAMP)
2136 W. Ritner St., 19145
215-952-8589
Carol Domb, Principal
www.gamp.phila.k12.pa.us
Grades served: 5-12
Admissions requirements: Must have an interest
in choral or instrumental music; proficient or
advanced on PSSA; B average or above
Latino – 4%
Other – 3%
% English language learners: <1%
Mission statement: GAMP is committed to the
continual development of an educational environment in which all learners succeed. Reflecting on our own collective knowledge and the research on the “best instructional practices,” we
envision that the educational environment will
be cooperative, interactive, rigorous in standards,
and responsive to the diverse needs of learners.
Points of pride: Annual musical theater production;
award-winning cheerleading squad; made AYP every year since 2003; community partnerships with
the Kimmel Center, Mann Music Center, Astral
Artists, Philadelphia Orchestra Association
Measures for positive, safe learning: Community
and university partnerships (Drexel University)
Accreditations/awards: Winner: Title I Award
for Pennsylvania from among all 501 school
districts, 2010; winner: Citywide Cheerleading
Competition, 2012; winner: High School and
Middle School National Academic League, 2009
or ensemble; instrumental music classes; dance
instruction; theater instruction; choir; concert
and/or jazz band; orchestra; drum line; other instrumental ensemble; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Online newspaper: GAMP
Voice; Red Cross Club; Diversity Club; Jefferson Awards Program in association with the
GAMP Student Council; debate club; Gift of
Life organ donation organization
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Tennis,
Intramurals* at middle grades
Girls’ sports: Softball, Tennis
Foreign languages: French, Spanish, Latin
AP courses: Biology, Music Theory
Parent involvement: Home & School Association; Open House events each fall and winter;
yearly school raffle fundraising event managed
by the Home & School Association; winter and
spring music festivals; annual musical theater
production; annual student talent show
SEPTA routes: 7, 37, C
Hill-Freedman
Middle School/High School
6200 Crittenden St., 19138
215-276-5260
Anthony Majewski, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/hill-freedman
Grades served: 6-9 (adding high school grades)
special admission
High Schools
Waiting list: No
Admissions requirements: As and Bs (one C allowed) in major subjects on most recent report
card; must score at or above the 80th percentile
in reading and math on the PSSA or other standardized test; excellent attendance and punctuality records; students with complex needs are
encouraged to apply for transition program
Asian – 3%
White – 2%
Latino – 3%
Other – <1%
Mission statement: To provide a rigorous academic
learning environment that fosters lifelong learners who are committed to being knowledgeable,
caring, and internationally minded citizens.
We have several pillars of learning: critical and
creative thinking; exploration and investigation;
problem solving; communication and collaboration; reflection; responsibility and social action.
Points of pride: High school envisioned and
created by students, parents and staff; specialized programs for students with complex
support needs that encompass a wide variety
of exceptionalities and intellectual abilities
including autism, intellectual disabilities,
multiple disabilities, physical disabilities and
language impairments.
Measures for positive, safe learning: Our positive
school environment is driven by students, teachers and parents who care deeply about education
where distractions from learning are minimized.
school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Academic support; step
team; drama/musical; STEM club; spoken
word club; technology club; World Citizenship
Club; Spanish club
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Track &
Field
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Softball, Track & Field
Other special academic offerings: International
Baccalaureate Continuum for 9th-12th grades;
college preparedness through the IB diploma
programs courses; International-Mindedness
via the Learner Profiles; self-discovery through
the Personal Project, Theory of Knowledge
course and 150 hours of Community Action
and Service; Digital Literacy and Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM);
Humanities through art, music and dance
Parent involvement: Home & School Association; fundraiser planned in 2013-14 to support middle school and high school musical,
high school expansion needs, library, and
student performances
SEPTA routes: 18, XH, L
Lankenau Environmental Science
Magnet High School
201 Spring Lane, 19128
215-487-4465
Karen Dean, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/lankenau
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Admissions requirements: Must score in the
70th percentile on PSSA; As, Bs, and Cs
on most recent final report card; excellent
behavior and attendance record; no negative
disciplinary reports
Asian – <1% White – 1%
Latino – 3%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: A place where all students
can achieve at high levels and acquire skills
that help maximize potential in a safe and supportive environment. This will be accomplished
through excellence in teaching and learning in
partnership with family and community.
Points of pride: Three AP courses; National
Honor Society; environmental science focus;
rain garden; composting; paper retriever; Envirothon and recycling; Wellness Council; international travel: Costa Rica, Paris, Barcelona,
Madrid, Quebec; Pennsylvania stock market
game; technology fair; Jefferson Awards; Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest
Measures for positive, safe learning: Student
engagement in rigorous learning and interesting extracurricular activities promotes a safe
and healthy school climate. Peer mediation
is available. “Caught in the Act” drawing
tickets are distributed to students observed
doing the right thing, following the norms,
and nurturing others. Bi-weekly drawings are
held. Dedicated staff, parents and community
partners support initiatives.
Accreditations/awards: Bronze Medal, U.S.
News & World Report’s 2012 and 2013 lists of
best U.S. high schools; RoxArt 2013 1st-place
student artist winner; Shire’s Great Food Fight
2012-2013 1st-place awardee; Carver Science
Fair 2013 1st-place awardee
Arts activities and classes: Dance group; school
play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Botany Club; Schuylkill
Center for Environmental Education Partner-
ship Programs; Sustainability Program/Grant
with Shawmont Elementary School; recycling
club; Spirit Club; yearbook club; poetry club;
drama club; technology club; French club;
AmiGO Club; NHS peer tutoring, HYPE Wellness Council; dance team
Boys’ sports: Cross Country, participates in
athletic programs offered by the Promise Academy at Martin Luther King High School
Girls’ sports: Cross Country, participates in
athletic programs offered by the Promise Academy at Martin Luther King High School
Foreign languages: French
AP courses: English Literature & Composition,
Government & Politics, U.S. History
Parent involvement: Home & School Association;
Spirit Club, comprising students, parents, staff,
and community partners. Members plan programs that celebrate Lankenau’s diversity, such
as guest speaker/lecture series, Heritage Day,
multicultural research projects, mother-daughter
tea and father-son breakfast. Parents volunteer in
student performances, phone outreach to families, walkathons, and community events/forums.
SEPTA routes: No direct route; students
shuttled from various locations in Northwest
Philadelphia
Julia R. Masterman Laboratory
& Demonstration School
1699 Spring Garden St., 19130
215-299-4661
Marjorie Neff, Principal
htttp://mastermanschool.org
Grades served: 5-12
Admissions requirements: Must score in the 88th
Inspire. Imagine.
Create.
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Graduate Education Programs
Saint Joseph’s University’s Graduate Education Programs
proudly honor and serve the needs of novice
and seasoned teachers and administrators. We are
now accepting applications for the spring 2014
semester. To learn more and to register for our next
graduate open house on Tuesday, October 15,
please visit us at sju.edu/notebook.
Teacher Education
and Special Education Certification
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement (Online) NEw
- English as a Second Language Specialist K-12 (Online) NEw
- Hearing Impaired (PA)/Teacher of the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing Certification (Online) NEw
- Reading Specialist and Reading Supervisor
- Special Education Pre K-8 and 7-12 Certification
Professional Development Courses
- Instructional Technology: The Digital Teacher Leader *
sju.edu/notebook
Administrative Certification Preparation
- Curriculum Supervisor
- Principal Certification
- Reading Supervisor
- Supervisor of Special Education
- Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility
Graduate Degrees
- Ed.D. Educational Leadership (K-12 or Higher Ed)
- M.S. Education: Pre K-4, Middle 4-8, Secondary 7-12
- M.S. Education: Art Education or Foreign Language K-12
- M.S. Educational Leadership (online or on-campus)
- M.S. Special Education: Pre K-8 or 7-12
- M.S. Reading Specialist
Saint Joseph’s Special Education Programs have been identified as one of only nine programs internationally to
meet the rigorous standards of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).
*Scheduled to launch spring 2014.
Graduate Studies | College of Arts and Sciences | Saint Joseph’s University | 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Guide 2013
special admission
High Schools
(continued)
percentile or above on PSSA; As and Bs; excellent attendance, punctuality, and behavior
Latino – 6%
Other – 4%
Track & Field, Volleyball
AP courses: Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus
BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A, English
Language & Composition, English Literature &
Composition, Environmental Science, French
Language & Culture, Government & Politics,
Music Theory, Psychology, Spanish Language,
Statistics, U.S. History
Other special academic offerings: Film
Association, School Advisory Council
SEPTA routes: 2, 43, C, Broad Street subway
Points of pride: National Blue Ribbon School;
top-ranked school in Pennsylvania on PSSA;
U.S. News & World Report Top 100 school;
Motivation High School
nationally ranked chess team; extensive AP
5900 Baltimore Ave., 19143
course offerings; 100% of seniors accepted to
215-471-2906
four-year colleges
Rennu Teli-Johnson, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/motivation
arts instruction; theater instruction; choir; conGrades served: 9-12
cert and/or jazz band; orchestra; other instru2012-13 enrollment: 244
mental ensemble; school play or musical(s)
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross
Admissions requirements: As and Bs with the
Country-coed, Gymnastics-coed, Soccer, Tenexception of one C; advanced or proficient on
nis, Track & Field, Volleyball
PSSA in reading and math; good attendance,
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Cross Country-coed,
punctuality,
Gymnastics-coed,
Soccer, Softball,
PCOM-notebook-9-2013_Layout
1 Tennis,
8/22/13 12:49 PM
Page 1 and behavior; interview and writ-
ing sample
Asian – 9%
White – 1%
Latino – 2%
Other – 3%
Mission statement: We establish a nurturing,
personalized, scholarly environment that
creates productive, responsible students. We
provide corrective academic, educational support simultaneously with high-quality rigorous
instruction, and ensure that all students are
successful in their classes. We also integrate
technology into the curriculum as a tool to individualize and improve teaching and learning.
Points of pride: Interaction between staff and
students; over $1.9 million in scholarships/
grants; number of students engaged in college preparation; member of Jefferson Award
Program and UNICEF
Measures for positive, safe learning: We have consistency in following District and school policies
Accreditations/awards: AYP status for 8 straight
years
visual arts instruction
Additional activities: Rotary
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Football, Track & Field
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Track & Field
Foreign languages: Arabic
Career & Technical Education programs: Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology
Composition, Environmental Science, U.S. History
Other special academic offerings: Financial
Literacy, Multicultural Ethical Issues, Drama,
Forensics, African Culture and Art
Parent involvement: Home & School Association; School Advisory Council; volunteer in
school; chaperones for trips
SEPTA routes: 34, 46
Parkway Center City
High School
540 N. 13th St., 19123
215-351-7095
Karren Dunkley, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/parkwaycc
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: As and Bs (one C
allowed); average or above on PSSA; excellent
marks in citizenship (no 3s); no suspensions;
no more than 10 days absence; no more than
5 late; must demonstrate attitude of aspirations to attend college
Asian – 7%
White – 2%
PCOM OFFERS INNOVATIVE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAMS INCLUDING:
• Master of Science in School
Psychology (MS)
• Educational Specialist Degree
in School Psychology (EdS)
• Doctor of Psychology in
School Psychology (PsyD)
All PCOM’s school psychology programs have full NASP approval.
PCOM’s Master of Science in School Psychology is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Our classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends.
PCOM is conveniently located on City Avenue, just minutes from the city and suburbs.
800-999-6998 • pcom.edu • 215-871-6700
4170 CITY AVENUE • PHILADELPHIA • PA 19131
Guide 2013
For more information on PCOM’s
school psychology programs, scan
the QR Code with your smartphone.
Latino – 8%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: To provide a liberal arts,
college preparatory education for all students
to prepare them for matriculation in and
graduation from colleges/universities, career
and innovation. Our staff provides a secure
and enriching teaching and learning environment in which all are engaged and nurtured.
Our families join us in fostering academic
achievement, personal responsibility, and selfactualization. We encourage our students to
have an appreciation for civic responsibility.
Points of pride: Student respect for diversity;
excellent student and staff attendance; met
AYP for 8 consecutive years; earned Pennsylvania Achievement Keystone Award for 6 consecutive years; most students enroll in colleges
and universities; effective family engagement
program; events, including annual Walk for Fitness, Multicultural Awareness Day, Career Day,
and Alumni Day
Measures for positive, safe learning: Building a
culture of high expectations and achievement;
schoolwide positive behavioral expectations;
tutorials to develop strong relationships with
students; restorative practices; peer mediation;
coherent safety and deployment plan; mentoring program for boys and girls
Additional activities: Student government;
robotics; Students Run Philly Style; senior
committees; Model United Nations
Boys’ sports: Cross Country-coed, Football,
Lacrosse, Soccer, Track & Field
Girls’ sports: Cross Country-coed, Soccer, Track
& Field, Cheerleading*
AP courses: English Language & Composition,
U.S. History
Other special academic offerings: Earth Science;
Introduction to Technology in the Classroom;
Geography; Art, Health and Physical Education; Contemporary Issues; Drama; SAT prep;
Multicultural Ethical Issues; Statistics; Environmental Science; Personal Finance; Web
Design; Coding; Educurious
Parent involvement: Home & School Associa(continued on page 22)
Philadelphia’s District and charter high
Total
enrollment
School name
Percentage
of lowincome
students
Percentage
of special
education
students
Percentage
of English
language
learners
Average
student daily
attendance
Total
suspensions
Average
score
SAT
verbal
Average
score
SAT
math
4-year
graduation
rate –
class of 2012
Collegegoing rate:
class of 2012
Special admission high schools
Academy at Palumbo
718
84%
4%
2%
97%
1
455
478
88%
74%
Arts Academy at Rush
Bodine - International Affairs
Carver HS of Engineering and Science
Central
Franklin Learning Center
Girard Academic Music Program - GAMP (5-12)
Lankenau - Environmental Science
Masterman (5-12)
Motivation
Parkway Center City
Parkway Northwest - Peace and Social Justice
Parkway West
Phila. HS for Creative and Performing Arts - CAPA
Philadelphia HS for Girls
Saul HS for Agricultural Sciences
558
60%
10%
2%
96%
18
431
433
88%
61%
515
85%
4%
2%
96%
11
472
478
90%
76%
752
76%
3%
3%
97%
35
455
482
94%
85%
2,339
62%
1%
1%
97%
22
540
573
96%
88%
779
89%
4%
2%
94%
53
408
434
NA
67%
520
59%
4%
<1%
98%
0
470
466
94%
75%
61%
322
85%
9%
1%
95%
13
414
427
89%
1,175
49%
2%
<1%
99%
11
628
660
99%
97%
244
90%
6%
4%
98%
15
417
423
84%
55%
471
90%
5%
2%
95%
64
410
446
88%
79%
260
77%
9%
<1%
95%
26
389
395
92%
68%
259
91%
9%
0%
94%
31
359
360
72%
68%
716
62%
6%
1%
96%
23
500
476
92%
77%
1,176
84%
3%
1%
95%
9
451
468
86%
82%
529
84%
11%
1%
95%
47
427
419
90%
56%
488
58%
8%
2%
96%
0
488
492
93%
84%
Constitution High School
382
83%
11%
4%
94%
69
419
402
88%
74%
Dobbins Career and Technical Education High School
High School of the Future
Mastbaum Area Vocational Technical School
Philadelphia Military Academy at Elverson
Randolph Career and Technical
Robeson HS for Human Services
Swenson Arts and Technology
736
94%
19%
3%
86%
14
377
371
77%
49%
408
94%
17%
2%
94%
81
361
360
72%
63%
687
95%
16%
9%
92%
234
359
375
72%
45%
206
94%
7%
4%
95%
36
404
406
79%
56%
547
94%
14%
2%
92%
145
350
360
84%
45%
267
94%
15%
2%
93%
33
378
378
90%
69%
694
83%
18%
6%
95%
88
383
381
91%
45%
964
94%
24%
9%
87%
230
340
346
56%
38%
1,257
96%
23%
26%
80%
298
352
366
47%
25%
1,370
89%
18%
15%
89%
342
355
363
58%
42%
1,377
95%
26%
11%
77%
298
360
367
52%
32%
574
94%
22%
16%
86%
201
348
383
53%
45%
552
89%
18%
38%
90%
34
363
414
52%
47%
427
95%
23%
14%
87%
71
362
372
57%
39%
373
96%
32%
14%
82%
133
369
389
49%
31%
366
96%
30%
15%
83%
108
384
374
46%
33%
227
97%
19%
12%
90%
0
NA
NA
NA
NA
755
90%
33%
3%
83%
350
354
345
50%
27%
1,794
89%
22%
5%
88%
461
383
394
54%
40%
2,964
84%
13%
15%
93%
746
407
447
74%
61%
1,006
94%
22%
1%
82%
470
362
357
52%
38%
483
89%
24%
2%
90%
224
326
345
62%
43%
513
95%
23%
<1%
86%
85
339
340
53%
40%
627
94%
25%
28%
84%
102
336
392
46%
36%
28%
Science Leadership Academy
Citywide admission high schools
Neighborhood high schools
Bartram
Edison - Promise Academy
Fels
Frankford
Franklin, Benjamin
Furness
Kensington - Creative and Performing Arts
Kensington - International Business
Kensington Health Sciences Academy
Kensington Urban Education Academy
King - Promise Academy
Lincoln
Northeast
Overbrook
Roxborough
Sayre
South Philadelphia
Strawberry Mansion - Promise Academy
Washington
West Philadelphia - Promise Academy
436
96%
32%
<1%
78%
187
348
326
63%
1,875
75%
19%
11%
90%
474
408
424
80%
58%
832
95%
22%
2%
83%
352
319
344
45%
30%
Data for the following schools are not included because they started serving high school grades after 2011-12: Hill-Freedman, Penn Treaty, and The Workshop School.
Key to data for District schools
Schools that serve more than high school grades are noted - data are for the entire school.
See p. 15 for description of school types
Enrollment and demographic data are for 2012-13. Attendance and suspension data are for 2011-12. Source: School
District of Philadelphia
SAT scores are for the class of 2012. NA indicates no data available. Source: Pa. Department of Education.
Graduation rates are four-year rates based on the cohort of entering 9th graders from fall 2008. Students are attributed
to their 9th grade school. NA indicates there was not a 9th grade cohort at the school in 2008. Source: School District of
Philadelphia.
College-going rates: for 2012 high school graduates entering college in fall 2012. NA indicates no graduating class.
Source: National Student Clearinghouse data via School District of Philadelphia.
Where to get more info online
School profiles
from the School District
http://bit.ly/district-profiles
For each school, a treasure trove of
data: incident reports, test scores,
attendance, survey results, and more.
Charter school annual reports
from Pa. Department of Education
http://bit.ly/charter-annual-reports
Detailed account of the educational
program, plans, and performance data
for each charter school, filed annually.
GreatPhillySchools
from Philadelphia School Partnership
www.greatphillyschools.org
Searchable site with school rating
system based on test scores, serious
incidents, attendance, etc.
Academic achievement report
from Pa. Department of Education
http://bit.ly/philly-paayp
For Philadelphia, an adequate yearly
progress report card on each school.
A new report is coming soon.
Guide 2013
schools: How are they doing?
Making sense
of the numbers
School name
The school profiles starting on page 15 of this guide
tell you a lot about the 87 schools we describe and their
programs. Here we provide statistics about how their
students are performing. That is important information as
you think about where to apply to high school.
On the facing page you’ll find data about all the
District-run schools. This page shows charters.
The first four columns of numbers on each page tell you
about each school’s student body. What’s the enrollment
and do they serve large percentages of low-income and
special education students and English language learners?
Student attendance is often a good indicator of how
engaged students are. Keep in mind that a school with
90% attendance has twice as many students absent as
one with 95% attendance. The number of suspensions
tells you about school climate, though a school with more
students might be expected to have more suspensions.
Average SAT scores indicate how well the school
prepares students for the test required for college
Total
enrollment
Percentage
of lowincome
students
Percentage
of special
education
students
Percentage
of English
language
learners
Average
student daily
attendance
admission. Nationally, average student SAT scores,
both verbal and math, hover around 500. Only two
Philadelphia public schools top the national average in
both areas; SAT test results are highly correlated with
poverty rates. Note that not all students take the SAT; if
a school pushes all its students to take the test, that can
drive the average down.
Finally, check out graduation rates and what
percentage of graduates are going to college. Here you
see some of the starkest contrasts. At six schools, fewer
than half of the students who started 9th grade in 2008
graduated in 2012. And at 30 high schools, including
most neighborhood high schools, fewer than half those
who graduate go straight to college.
The Notebook has not included PSSA scores in this
chart. We are trying to learn more about their validity and
the results of investigations into apparent adult cheating
on past exams.
-Paul Socolar
Total
suspensions
Average
score
SAT
verbal
Average
score
SAT
math
4-year
graduation
rate –
class of 2012
Collegegoing rate:
class of 2012
Charter schools serving high school grades
Arise Academy
176
100%
37%
0%
67%
42
NA
NA
NA
48%
1,611
73%
22%
19%
82%
NR
331
350
NA
29%
Universal Audenried Charter High School
529
100%
23%
NR
79%
72
367
351
NA
44%
Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia
466
79%
12%
0%
95%
47
379
385
66%
76%
Charter HS For Architecture + Design
589
71%
15%
0%
93%
NR
398
413
90%
71%
Community Academy of Philadelphia
ASPIRA - Olney
1,210
80%
14%
6%
93%
61
449
438
67%
53%
Delaware Valley
643
74%
13%
0%
87%
380
358
362
85%
57%
Eastern University Academy
309
66%
11%
0%
93%
NR
NA
NA
NA
NA
Esperanza Academy
750
88%
15%
18%
91%
183
356
388
84%
58%
Franklin Towne
933
48%
10%
0%
96%
31
418
443
86%
63%
Freire
470
83%
17%
0%
94%
126
390
423
67%
69%
Imhotep Institute
575
99%
15%
<1%
92%
240
352
357
73%
59%
KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy
667
87%
24%
NR
95%
384
NA
NA
NA
NA
1,155
97%
16%
NR
91%
NR
384
394
65%
43%
Maritime Academy
767
90%
9%
2%
98%
NR
399
416
77%
46%
Mastery - Lenfest Campus
530
51%
17%
NR
95%
292
366
394
80%
75%
Mastery - Pickett Campus
715
84%
25%
NR
92%
320
388
395
66%
67%
Mariana Bracetti Academy
Mastery - Shoemaker Campus
Mastery - Simon Gratz
Mastery - Thomas Campus
Mathematics Civics and Sciences
711
96%
20%
1%
95%
205
402
394
81%
70%
1,092
64%
23%
0%
78%
937
342
340
NA
32%
613
64%
17%
4%
95%
170
380
416
68%
71%
906
79%
3%
0%
96%
55
362
356
90%
67%
1,268
35%
12%
2%
97%
NR
488
512
92%
80%
Multi-Cultural Academy
221
85%
11%
0%
95%
NR
409
434
79%
80%
New Foundations
698
65%
10%
1%
98%
15
NA
NA
NA
NA
New Media Technology
450
71%
14%
0%
91%
229
377
375
85%
56%
MaST Community
Philadelphia Academy
1,181
27%
25%
NR
96%
12
449
438
84%
60%
Philadelphia Electrical & Technology
606
70%
16%
2%
92%
11
364
368
73%
39%
Preparatory Charter of Math Science Tech & Careers
585
62%
5%
NR
92%
90
414
416
85%
81%
Sankofa Freedom Academy
488
85%
13%
1%
93%
15
NA
NA
NA
NA
Tacony Academy
729
72%
16%
0%
93%
NR
NA
NA
NA
NA
Truebright Science Academy
304
67%
12%
0%
91%
204
355
366
48%
61%
Walter D. Palmer Leadership Learning Partners
866
100%
13%
2%
95%
36
352
357
71%
42%
World Communications
500
80%
6%
NR
90%
NR
404
397
64%
74%
YouthBuild Philadelphia
269
82%
11%
0%
NA
52
NA
NA
NA
32%
Data for the following schools are not included because they started serving high school grades after 2011-12: First Philadelphia, Mastery Hardy Williams, Richard Allen, String Theory.
Key to data for charter schools
Many of these schools serve grades other than 9-12 – enrollment, demographic, attendance, and suspension data are
for the entire school. See school profile section for each school’s grade configuration
NR = Not reported
Enrollment, demographic, attendance, and suspension data are for 2011-12. Source: Pa. Department of Education
charter school annual reports.
SAT scores are for the class of 2012. NA indicates no data available. Source: Pa. Department of Education.
Guide 2013
Graduation rates are four-year rates based on the cohort of entering 9th graders from fall 2008. Students are attributed
to their 9th grade school. NA indicates there was not a 9th grade cohort at the school in 2008. Source: School District of
Philadelphia.
College-going rates: for 2012 high school graduates entering college in fall 2012. NA indicates no graduating class.
Source: National Student Clearinghouse data via School District of Philadelphia.
special admission
Philadelphia High School
for Girls
High Schools
1400 W. Olney Ave., 19141
215-276-5258
Parthenia Moore, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/girlshigh/
tion; School Advisory Council; family workshops; home visits; parent volunteer programs;
family college roundtable; conversations with
the principal; trip chaperones
Parkway Northwest High School
for Peace & Social Justice
1100 E. Mount Pleasant Ave., 19150
215-248-6220
Gina Steiner, Principal
www.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/parkwaynw
Grades served: 9-12
allowed) in major subjects on most recent final
report card; advanced or proficient on PSSA in
reading and math; 70th percentile or higher on
standardized tests; excellent attendance and
punctuality; no disciplinary reports
Asian – 0%
White – 1%
Harvey Finkle
Besides the arts, CAPA students can participate in student government, sports, and other activities.
Studio Art: 2-D Design, American History
Other special academic offerings: 9th- and 10thgrade courses in social leadership; 9th-grade
global issues course; Educurious program
SEPTA routes: 23
Latino – 3%
Other – 2%
Parkway West High School
Mission statement: We offer a rich, rigorous college preparatory curriculum emphasizing the
theme of peace and social justice. Students
learn through an inquiry approach, applying problem-solving and research skills while
working in a safe and positive educational
environment.
Points of pride: High graduation rate;
$237,000 in college scholarships awarded to
the class of 2013; Outward Bound opportunities; United Nations activities; Network
for Teaching Entrepreneurship Philadelphia
competition: one of the top 10 winners
Measures for positive, safe learning: Students
perform community service, learn peer-mediation skills, take special courses on social
leadership and global issues, and complete
a rigorous graduation project on a peace or
social justice issue.
Arts activities and classes: Visual arts instruction
Additional activities: All Acceptance Alliance;
art club; Dwight Evans Civic Leadership
Summit; National Honor Society; mock trial;
STAR (Students Talking About Relationships);
student leadership team; Weavers Way Co-op
Country-coed, Football, Tennis
Field Hockey, Tennis
4725 Fairmount Ave., 19139
215-581-5510
Kathleen McCladdie, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/parkwaywest
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Admissions requirements: As and Bs; good attendance and behavior (no 3s or suspensions
on academic record); advanced or proficient on
PSSA; letter of recommendation from current
teacher and counselor; mandatory interview
Latino – 1%
Other – <1%
Mission statement: To ensure that all students
reach their personal and academic potential,
and become productive citizens who are lifelong
learners. This will be achieved by providing a
safe and nurturing learning environment, excellence in teaching and learning, and collaboration with our families and community partners.
Additional activities: Book club; cheerleading;
chess club; choir; dance; drama; Future Business Leaders; Future Educators of America;
National Honor Society; debate; poetry club;
student government; tutoring; Scrabble
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Football, Track &
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Field, Volleyball
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Track & Field, Volleyball, Softball*
Foreign languages: Latin
AP courses: English Language & Composition
Association; volunteering in classrooms and on
trips; attending workshops and meetings
SEPTA routes: 15, 64, Market-Frankford El
for Creative & Performing Arts
901 S. Broad St., 19147
215-952-2462
John J. Dunphy Jr., Principal
www.capaavenueofthearts.org
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: As; advanced or
proficient on standardized exams; excellent
attendance and behavior; arts audition
Asian – 5%
White – 28%
Latino – 11%
Other – 4%
Mission statement: To nurture the creative talents
and aspirations of students within an artsenriched academic program preparing them
for higher-level education. Our graduates will
demonstrate a mastery of defined skills that enable them to be productive, self-directed, lifelong
learners who appreciate and respect diversity.
Points of pride: Arts majors; college preparatory curriculum; high college acceptance rate;
world-class theater, vocal, dance, and instrumental departments
Measures for positive, safe learning: Intimate
learning communities; arts majors
dance instruction; theater instruction; choir;
concert and/or jazz band; orchestra
Additional activities: Environmental club; student
government; Honors Society; GSA; mock trial
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Cross Country-coed,
Volleyball
Girls’ sports: Cross Country-coed, Softball, Volleyball
Foreign languages: French
Career & Technical Education programs: Web
Page, Digital/Multimedia & Information Resources Design; Film
AP courses: Biology, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition,
Environmental Science
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: Must be in the 85th
percentile or higher on standardized tests;
As and Bs on most recent final report card;
advanced or proficient scores on PSSA/Keystone Exam in reading and math; excellent
attendance, punctuality, and behavior record;
strong motivation and interest to be challenged
academically; interview may be required
Latino – 11%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: To provide learning experiences in a safe, nurturing environment that
prepare our students for success in college and
leadership in their chosen fields. We do this by
challenging the intellect, embracing diversity, celebrating leadership, honoring ethical
behavior and encouraging participation in the
extracurricular program.
Points of pride: High percentage of students
attend universities; International Baccalaureate program; expanding number of AP courses;
National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta
members; debate team; dance; foreign language and student travel opportunities; music;
drama; robotics; 50 clubs; activities/organizations to address diverse student interests;
student government; athletic association and
alumnae association; large scholarship/awards
program; service opportunities
Measures for positive, safe learning: Motivational speakers; school spirit activities; career
day; special guests and alumnae presentations; leadership opportunities for students;
class meetings; whole school meeting; peer
mediation; ethnic pride opportunities; student
government; mentoring
Accreditations/awards: Ranked among the top
5 schools in Philadelphia; 2nd-oldest all-girls
public school in the country; recognized at
Silver level by U.S. News & World Report,
2012-2013; has exceeded AYP, beginning in
2002; expanding International Baccalaureate
program; recipient of the Jefferson Award Gold
Medal, 2012-13; Public League Bowling and
Lacrosse League Champions, 2012-13
drill team; other instrumental ensemble; dance
group; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: National Honor Society; Mu
Alpha Theta Society; Jefferson Service Learning
Membership; clubs: African/African America,
anime, Asian, Athletic Association, chamber
strings, dance ensemble, debate society, drum
line, ECO, Fit, LGBT, garden, gospel choir;
Indo Pak, Irish club, jazz band, Latina Unidas,
Muslim Student Association, No Place for Hate,
orchestra, pep band, Red Cross, service club,
Stage Kroo, Treble Clef, yearbook
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving,
Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Bowling*,
Cross Country*, Indoor Track & Field*
Foreign languages: French, Spanish, Chinese,
Latin
AP courses: Art History, Calculus AB, Chem(continued on page 23)
Guide 2013
special admission
High Schools
(continued)
istry, Chinese Language & Culture, English
Language & Composition, Environmental
Science, Government & Politics, Latin: Vergil,
Macroeconomics, Studio Art: 2-D Design,
Studio Art: Drawing
Other special academic offerings: Environmental
Science; American History; SAT prep; Drama
Introduction to Film; Psychology; Dance
(Techniques and Art); Ballet; music minor; art
minor; Visual Art 1 & 2; Ceramics
Parent involvement: Home & School Association; Parent Teacher Daughter Association;
Alumnae Association; volunteer work in school
office and with daily functions; participate in
meetings to discuss budgets, scholarships,
and grants; participate with the School Improvement Plan/Strategic Planning for school
climate, academics, sports and humanities
SEPTA routes: C, 6, 18, 22, 26, 47, 55, 80,
Broad Street subway
W. B. Saul High School
for Agricultural Sciences
7100 Henry Ave., 19128
215-487-4467
Tamera Conaway, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/saul
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: Score in the 80th
percentile or above on PSSA; As and Bs in all
academic areas; good behavior; no more than
8 absences and/or latenesses
African American – 64% Asian – 1%
White – 20%
Latino – 14%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: To develop in students an
understanding of and appreciation for the
career and leadership opportunities that are
available to them in many fields of agriculture.
To cultivate each student’s individual abilities to
prepare him or her for a lifetime of productive,
academic, vocational, and civic endeavors.
Points of pride: Lindback Teacher of the Year,
Julie Steiner; winners of FFA Teams going to
Nationals; 1 of 3 agricultural high schools in
the country
Measures for positive, safe learning: Peermentoring program, senior-junior partner with
freshmen; positive climate assemblies; rewards
for being good
Additional activities: Several agricultural clubs
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Bowling, Cross Countrycoed
Girls’ sports: Bowling, Cross Country-coed, Softball, Volleyball
Career & Technical Education programs: Agricultural
Mechanization-General, Mason/Masonry, Applied
Horticulture/Horticultural Operation-General
Environmental Science, Government & Civics
Association
SEPTA routes: 27
55 N. 22nd St., 19103
215-979-5620
Chris Lehmann, Principal
www.scienceleadership.org
We’re thrilled to announce the incredible
slate of EDDY award winners for 2013:
Renowned musicians
Kevin, Robin and Duane Eubanks
DOW CHEMICAL
Arthur R. Block, Esquire
TEACHERS LEAD PHILLY
Zoralis Ortiz
You are invited to join us at WHYY for the 9th Annual
EDDY Awards. For more information and to purchase
tickets, visit http://www.philaedfund.org/news-events/
upcoming-events.
Interested in sponsorship?
Contact Katherine Primus at [email protected]
or call (215) 665-1400, ext. 3353.
www.philaedfund.org
Guide 2013
@ Beeber
5925 Malvern Ave., 19131
215-979-5620
www.slabeeber.org
Survey not completed for SLA@ Beeber. Unless otherwise noted, information is for SLA.
Grades served: 9-12
allowed); advanced or proficient on PSSA reading and math; good attendance, punctuality,
and behavior; teacher or counselor recommendation; project-based interviews held in
November, early December
White – 36%
Latino – 9%
Other – 4%
Mission statement: A partnership high school
between the School District and the Franklin
Institute. It provides a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum with a focus on science,
technology, mathematics and entrepreneurship.
Students learn in a technology-infused, projectbased environment where the core values of
inquiry, research, collaboration, presentation,
and reflection are emphasized in all classes.
Points of pride: Partnership with the Franklin
Institute, including 9th-grade program and
Franklin Scholars Speaker series (included
Michael Dell in 2013); featured on the White
House website in a Google Hangout on educational technology; Class of 2013 received more
than $3.6 million in college financial aid;
engineering program has designed and built a
solar distillation system for a hospital in Sierra
Leone and has two patents pending for a flow
process bio-diesel generator
Measures for positive, safe learning: Four-year
advisory program so that every child has an
advocate and is part of a small learning community, and every parent knows who their first
point of contact is at the school. Narrative
report cards in the 1st and 3rd quarters and
parent-adviser-student conferences where participants can have deep conversations about
school and student progress.
Accreditations/awards: Named as one of 10
Most Amazing Schools by Ladies’ Home Journal
in August 2010; featured in the PBS documentary Digital Media: New Learners of the 21st
Century; Apple Distinguished School, 20092013; 2011 city debate champions; featured in
2012 Philadelphia magazine as one of the “Top
100 Philadelphia-Area Public Schools”
classes; visual arts instruction; film/video instruction; theater instruction; other instrumental ensemble; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Art club; community service
club; chess club; debate; drama; engineering
club; Gay-Straight Alliance; SLAMedia/journalism;
Lit Mag; math club; newspaper; peer mediation;
poetry slam; Rough Cut Media; science club;
student leadership; tech club; yearbook; yoga
Country-coed, Soccer, Track & Field, Ultimate
Frisbee*, Students Run Philly Style*
Soccer, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee*, Students Run Philly Style*
Page, Digital/Multimedia & Information Resources Design
Other special academic offerings: Dual enrollment program: Drexel University, University
of Penn Scholars, and Community College
of Philadelphia; streamed courses in grades
9-11; 10th- and 11th-grade Individualized
Learning Plan; 12th-grade Capstone Course;
courses offered in Digital Filmmaking, Computer Science Engineering, General Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Journalism,
Debate, Art Studio, Drama/Playwrighting
school store; tutoring; school leadership; advisory parents; grade-level parents; EduCon team
SEPTA routes: For SLA - 33, 38, 48, trolley
lines. For SLA@Beeber – 44, 65, G, Regional
Rail – Overbrook
special admission
and citywide admission
programs within
other high schools
The Bok Technical Institute at
South Philadelphia High School
2101 S. Broad St., 19148
215-952-6220
Otis Hackney, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/southphila
Admission requirements: As, Bs, or Cs on the most
recent final report card; no more than 10 absences;
no more than 5 latenesses; no negative disciplinary
reports on the most recent final report card
See South Philadelphia High School under “Neighborhood High Schools” for more information.
Northeast Medical, Engineering
& Aerospace Magnet
(at Northeast High School)
1601 Cottman Ave., 19111
215-728-5018
Christopher Frank, Program Director
www.nehs.phila.k12.pa.us
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list? # of students: Yes, NR
Admissions requirements: As and Bs on final
7th-grade report card; good behavior; minimum of excused absences and latenesses;
85% in Terra Nova or 1506 in reading and
1601 in math on PSSA
Mission statement: The Northeast Magnet
program integrates rigorous math, science, and
technology skills to enhance student motivation and academic performance. The staff
promotes the development of strong values
and the practice of good citizenship by serving
as role models who exhibit the qualities of
empathy, morality, and fair practices. Our ultimate goal is to prepare our students to emerge
as responsible, successful, and progressive
leaders in an evolving global community.
See Northeast HS under “Neighborhood high
schools” for more information
Samuel Fels High School
of the Arts
5500 Langdon St., 19124
215-537-2516
Shawn McGuigan, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/fels
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: Must have a clean
discipline record for the last two years and a
minimum GPA of 2.0. Programs of study include dance, theater, visual arts, vocal music,
and instrumental music.
See Samuel Fels under “Neighborhood high
schools” for more information.
Follow the Notebook
on Twitter @psnotebook
for news and views about
#phillyeducation
citywide admission
High Schools
Constitution High School
18 S. 7th St., 19106
215-351-7310
Thomas Davidson, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/constitution
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: Marks of A, B, or C; excellent attendance and behavior; essay; interview
White – 14%
Latino – 11%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: The school is a unique collaboration among the School District, the National Constitution Center, and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. By engaging
students with an appreciation for history and
an understanding of the democratic principles
embodied in the U.S. Constitution, this college
preparatory high school will develop the next
generation of engaged citizens and civic leaders
in government, public policy, and law.
Points of pride: Only social studies-themed high
school in Pennsylvania; high student college
acceptance rate; significant partnerships with
Ballard Spahr law firm and History Channel;
numerous state finalists and 7 national finalists in National History Day competition
Arts activities and classes: Vocal music classes or
ensemble; visual arts instruction; film/video instruction; theater instruction; school play or musical(s)
Be prepared for the school year!
This fall, you’ll need more than just notebooks and
pencils. Visit RFA’s website for the latest research
and information on education in Philadelphia,
including our brief on school closings.
Additional activities: Chess club; National
Honor Society; chorus; debate; yearbook; video
club; drama club; yoga/wellness; weight room;
science fair; art club; Civil War project; Spirit
Club (honor roll club, multicultural club, fashion club); class activities; tutoring club; GayStraight Alliance; student government; mock
trial; newspaper; peer mediation; fundraising;
Keystone/SAT/AP test prep; World Affairs Support; technology club; DJ club; Spanish club
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling,
Football, Indoor Track & Field, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Bowling, Indoor Track
& Field, Soccer, Swimming & Diving; Tennis;
Government & Politics, U.S. History
Other special academic offerings: Senior internship; elective courses taught with National
Constitution Center
Parent involvement: Parent Support Group
meets once a month to devise fundraising
projects and efforts to support and serve the
school. Parents volunteer in the school and as
field trip chaperones.
SEPTA routes: 47, Market-Frankford El, Regional Rail; all bus routes serving Market Street
Dobbins Career & Technical
Education High School
2150 W. Lehigh Ave., 19132
215-227-4421
Toni Damon, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/dobbins
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.researchforaction.org
Latino – 7%
Other – <1%
Mission statement: We prepare students for an
evolving global marketplace through rigorous
academic, career and technical instruction.
Our student-centered approach allows for intellectual growth in a diverse and challenging
environment. Dobbins provides academic and
career-based skills needed to pursue higher
education and/or a career in a competitive
global market, all with the goal of graduating
productive and contributing citizens.
Points of pride: Community partnerships with
Allegheny West Foundation, Deliverance
Evangelistic Church, and the Freedom Credit
Union; robotics club; technology club; Red
Cross club; Future Business Leaders of America; many graduates pursue post-secondary
studies at Howard University, Delaware State
University, and Bloomsburg University.
Measures for positive, safe learning: Community
partnerships with 22nd Police District and Philadelphia Anti-Drug Anti-Violence Network, as
well as other family and community volunteers.
or ensemble; visual arts instruction; film/video
instruction; choir; drum line
Additional activities: Poetry; technology club;
robotics club; Red Cross; Junior Music Exec;
credit recovery; grade enhancement; tutoring;
film; SAT prep
Cross Country-coed, Football, Indoor Track &
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Admissions requirements: As, Bs, or Cs; good
behavior record; no more than 10 unexcused
absences and 10 latenesses during the last
academic year
HealthPartnersPlans.com
Guide 2013
citywide admission
High Schools
(continued)
Field, Track & Field, Competitive Spirit*
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Countrycoed, Indoor Track & Field, Soccer, Softball,
Track & Field, Volleyball, Competitive Spirit*
Career & Technical Education programs: Administrative Assistance/Secretarial Science;
Commercial & Advertising Art; General Office
Occupations & Clerical Services; Institutional
Food Worker; Plumbing Technology/Plumber;
Baking & Pastry/Baker/Pastry Chef; Cosmetology; Barbering; Fashion Design
Government & Politics
Parent involvement: School Advisory Council
High School of the Future
4021 Parkside Ave., 19104
215-823-5500
Tim Stults, Principal
http://sof.philasd.org
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: Cumulative results of
last academic year: passing all classes with a
C or better; no out-of-school suspensions; 10
or fewer unexcused absences in the previous
year; no more than 5 unexcused latenesses
Asian – 3%
White – 3%
Latino – 8%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: To see all learners graduate
on time, ready to be successful in college and
career and proficient in 21st-century skills.
Points of pride: Students demonstrated the
highest gains on the 2012 PSSA test of any
school in the city or state; 100% of all graduating seniors in the last two years have been
accepted to college; welcoming students from
University City High School into school this fall
Measures for positive, safe learning: We are implementing the restorative practices program,
training staff and students, and developing
partnerships with area universities to develop a
sustainable culture of high expectations.
Accreditations/awards: Made AYP in 2011;
Leeds Certified Green building
arts instruction; film/video instruction; theater
instruction; drum line; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: AP club; pottery; Special
Olympics soccer; Cheer; Urban Nutrition Initiative; chess
Cross Country-coed, Football, Soccer, Track &
Field, Volleyball
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Countrycoed, Soccer, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball
AP courses: Biology, Calculus AB, English
Composition, Environmental Science, Government & Politics, U.S. History
Parent involvement: School Advisory Council,
volunteering
SEPTA routes: 15
Become part of our growing,
informed community.
Sign up to be a Notebook
member! See p. 3 or go to
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Guide 2013
Jules E. Mastbaum Area
Vocational Technical School
explaining goals, achievements, and
reason for wanting to attend; interview
(without parents); successful completion of mandatory summer training
program in August; agree to abide by
Army JROTC Cadet Creed; wear the
Army JROTC and PMA uniform
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: Student academic, attendance, and other records are reviewed; must
demonstrate high grades in major subjects; must
have vocational interest in programs offered
African American – 57% Latino – 36%
Asian – 2% White – 4% Other – 2%
3116 Frankford Ave., 19134
215-291-4703
W. David Bowman, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/mastbaum
Asian – 1%
White – 3%
Latino – 38%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: To provide equal opportunities for all students to achieve at high levels to
develop the necessary academic, vocational, and
technical skills, and attitude to have the option
of pursuing higher education.
Points of pride: Academic offerings and
vocational programs; National Honor Society;
industry-recognized and approved certifications in Career & Technical Education; annual
honors assembly
Measures for positive, safe learning: Collaboration with all stakeholders to continue to ensure
an optimized learning environment.
Accreditations/awards: Award-winning graphic
design program; nationally recognized Health
Occupation Student Association Chapter; Department of Labor Youth Rules Ambassadors;
University of Pennsylvania Distributed Leadership Grant; accreditation through the Middle
States Association; member of the Southern
Regional Education Board
or ensemble; visual arts instruction
Additional activities: U.S. First Robotics; ASPIRA; Skills USA; student government; senior
residency; Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship; Future Business Leaders of America;
National Society for Minorities in Hospitality
Football, Track & Field, Volleyball
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Bowling, Soccer, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball
Career & Technical Education programs: Carpentry/Carpenter; Health/Medical Assisting
Services; Welding Technology/Welder; Auto
Body/Collision & Repair Technology/Technician; Commercial & Advertising Art; Electrical,
Electronic & Communications Engineering
Technology/Technician; Health Professions &
Related Clinical Sciences; Baking & Pastry/
Baker/Pastry Chef; Web Page, Digital/Multimedia & Information Resources Design
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, other parent association
SEPTA routes: 5, 60, Market-Frankford El
Philadelphia Military Academy
2118 N. 13th St., 19122
215-657-1274
Patricia Randzo, Principal
(A merger of PMA at Leeds and Elverson)
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list?: No
Admissions requirements: Resident of Philadelphia; on grade level for reading and math;
report cards for 1st and 2nd marking period
of 8th grade; good attendance and discipline
records; two letters of recommendation; essay
% eligible for free or reduced-priced
lunch: 94%
Mission statement: The school is
committed to promoting academic
excellence through sound educational
Harvey Finkle
principles and practices conjoined
High School of the Future uses restorative practices to
with leadership training and character
create a safe learning environment.
building. Formed in June 2005, the
high schools in the nation to offer studies in
school is solely college preparatory.
the field of human services. We take an “acadThe military aspects are to develop leadership
emy” approach to courses, in that students
skills and character.
choose the career strand in health and human
Arts activities and classes: Choir; drum line;
services they are most interested in to prepare
drill team
for post-secondary study.
Additional activities: National Honor Society;
Points of pride: Penn Medicine Pipeline ProRaider Team; Red Cross club; Red Cross CPR;
gram; Health Related Technologies/CTE Produal enrollment; chess club; student governgram; BuildOn club; college access program
ment; Scrabble club
Accreditations/awards: Picasso Art Project
grant, 2012; Girls’ Track – All Public League
Country-coed, Football, Weightlifting*, Fenc1st place, 2011; Girls’ Track – All Public
ing*, Biathlon*, Archery*
League 2nd place, 2012; Boys’ Track, All
Public League 4th place, 2012
Fencing*, Biathlon*, Archery*
Arts activities and classes: Theater instruction;
AP courses: English Language & Composition
Parent involvement: Home & School AssociaIndoor Track & Field
tion, School Advisory Council, volunteering in
afterschool activities
Indoor Track & Field
SEPTA routes: 39, Broad Street subway
Career & Technical Education programs: Health
A. Philip Randolph
Professions & Related Clinical Sciences
Career Academy
Other special academic offerings: Internships at
3101 Henry Ave., 19129
human services organizations to provide com215-227-4407
munity service in West Philadelphia
Darryl C. Overton, Principal
Parent involvement: Home & School AssociaEmail: [email protected]
tion, School Advisory Council
www.philasd.org/schools/randolph
SEPTA routes: 21, 30, 40, Market-Frankford El
Grades served: 9-12
Swenson Arts & Technology
Admissions requirements: Marks of at least a C in
High School
all classes, no more than 10 absences; no more
2750 Red Lion Rd., 19114
than 5 latenesses for an academic year; no disci215-961-2009
plinary reports on most recent final report card.
Colette Langston, Principal
Latino – 8%
Other – 0%
SEPTA routes: 1, 32, 48, 60, R
School did not complete survey
Paul Robeson High School
for Human Services
4125 Ludlow St., 19104
215-823-8207
Richard M. Gordon IV, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/robeson
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: Must have a 2.5 GPA
or higher; less than 10 absences during the
school year
Asian – 0%
White – <1%
Latino – 3%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: Our school is one of only 8
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: As, Bs, (one C allowed) in major subjects; good citizenship; no
suspensions or 3s in behavior in past 3 years;
interest in and knowledge of programs of study
Asian – 7%
White – 37%
Latino – 24%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: Swenson is a “High Schools
That Work” school site. Using a reform model
developed by the Southern Regional Education Board in Atlanta, we continue to explore
ways to raise the achievement of career-bound
students, to hold them to higher intellectual
and technical standards, and to prepare them
for further education and/or employment.
Points of pride: Successful JROTC program;
award-winning girls’ track team for the last 5
years; Philadelphia Academies collaboration;
dedicated faculty and staff
Measures for positive, safe learning: Emphasis
on respect for all members of the school family;
citywide admission
High Schools
positive culture of teaching and learning through
building relationships between faculty, staff, students and their families; anti-bullying programs
Accreditations/awards: 2012-2013 PDE Certificate for Growth in Career & Technical Education; in 2012-2013, NOCTI scores averaged
over 50% student proficiency in programs of
study; culinary students scored 95% proficient
or advanced
classes; visual arts instruction; film/video
instruction
Additional activities: Yearbook; tutoring; The
Write Place; Skills USA; DECA; HOSA; FBLA
Country-coed, Track & Field
Track & Field
Career & Technical Education programs: Carpentry/Carpenter; Welding Technology/Welder; Auto
Body/Collision & Repair Technology/Technician;
Commercial & Advertising Art; Computer Systems Networking & Telecommunications; Drafting & Design Technology/Technician; Electrical,
Technology/Technician; Graphic Communications; Health Professions & Related Clinical Sciences; Computer Technology/Computer Systems
Technology; Construction Trades; Plumbing
Technology/Plumber; Communication Technology/Technicians & Support Services; Engineering Technologies/Technicians; Baking & Pastry/
Baker/Pastry Chef; Culinary
AP courses: English Literature & Composition
Parent Involvement: Home & School Association
SEPTA routes: 1, 14
The Workshop School
221 S. Hanson St., 19139
215-471-2960
Simon Hauger, Co-founder
www.workshopschool.org
Grades served: 9 (adding grades)
2012-13 enrollment: NA (new school)
Waiting list: No
Admissions requirements: Preference to
neighborhood students. Must be interested in
working in a hands-on, project-based school
environment
Student racial demographics: NA (new school)
Mission statement: The mission of the Workshop
is to unleash the creative and intellectual potential of young people to solve the world’s toughest
problems. We do this by putting real world problems at the center of the curriculum. We create
a culture that fosters creativity, risk-taking, and
responsibility. We help students understand that
setbacks are a necessary part of doing challenging work, and that the most important thing is to
learn from them and press on.
Points of pride: New this year, the school originated as an alternative senior year program,
the Sustainability Workshop, which operated
for the last two years; nearly all students
accepted into 2- or 4-year colleges; about
75% of students completed at least one college course for credit while in the program;
students have reached the finals of the Conrad
Foundation Spirit of Innovation Awards for the
last two years; a technology-rich environment,
with all students working on their own laptops
Accreditations/awards: 1 of 8 recipients nationally of a launch grant from Next Generation
Learning Challenges, which recognizes innovative high schools; an accredited Career & Technical Education (CTE) program for Automotive
and Mechanical Engineering
Measures for positive, safe learning: We believe
strongly in creating a culture that values the
potential, talents, and contributions of students
and staff. We ask students to think deeply about
our values as a community and what it means to
live up to those values on a day-to-day basis. We
expect them to conduct themselves responsibly
and to help their peers do so as well.
Additional activities: Small afterschool program
in fabrication shop, where the emphasis is on
teaching students how to design things
Boys’ sports: Students Run Philly Style*, afterschool running club to launch in 2013
Girls’ sports: Students Run Philly Style*, afterschool running club to launch in 2013
Career & Technical Education programs: Auto
Body/Collision & Repair Technology/Technician, Electrical, Electronic & Communications
Engineering Technology/Technician
Other special academic offerings: Upper-class
students can take college courses for credit if
on track to graduate.
Parent involvement: Home & School Association
(being created); volunteering as tutors or mentors; assisting with community events
SEPTA routes: 21, Market-Frankford El
neighborhood
High Schools
John Bartram High School
2401 S. 67th St., 19142
215-492-6450
Ogo Okoye-Johnson, Principal
www.bartramhigh.net
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: Serves students from
catchment area; others may apply, with admission based on space availability
Asian – 4%
White – 2%
Latino – 2%
Other – 1%
SEPTA routes: G, 11, 36, 108
Thomas Alva Edison High School/
John C. Fareira Skills Center
151 W. Luzerne St., 19140
215-324-9599
Charles Baltimore, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/edison
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
catchment area; others may apply with admission based on space availability
African American – 17% Asian – <1% White – 1%
Latino – 81%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: Edison is committed to
tailoring individual learning plans to ensure
that all learners graduate prepared to excel in
the global workforce.
Points of pride: Committed and visionary
educators; full menu of vocational certification
programs; learners are empowered leaders; a
full-blended learning model
Measures for positive, safe learning: Staff, learners, families, and community partners work
as a team to maintain a productive and safe
environment. Edison focuses on prevention
and learner support. Assaults, bullying, and
intimidation are swiftly addressed. As a result
of these measures, the school has completed
its second consecutive year of being off the
persistently dangerous schools list and reduced the number of serious incidents by 30%
during the 2012-13 school year.
or ensemble; instrumental music classes; film/
video instruction; dance instruction; choir;
drum line; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: EducationWorks and Congreso afterschool programs
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football,
Soccer, Volleyball, Wrestling
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball
Career & Technical Education programs: Childcare & Support Services Management; Welding
Technology/Welder; Auto Body/Collision &
Repair Technology/Technician; Commercial &
Advertising Art; Electrical, Electronic & Communications Engineering Technology/Technician; Health Professions & Related Clinical
Sciences; Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/
Technician; Sales, Distribution & Marketing
Operations; Computer Technology/Computer
Systems Technology; Plumbing Technology/
Plumber; Cosmetology; Culinary†
Other special academic offerings: An expanded
list of AP courses is being developed.
Samuel S. Fels High School
5900 Langdon St., 19124
215-537-2516
Shawn McGuigan, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/fels
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Admissions requirements: Serves students
from catchment area; others may apply, with
admission based on space availability. Fels
has a new special admission arts program (see
Special Admission Programs Within Other High
Schools, p. 24).
White – 3%
Latino – 22%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: To develop knowledgeable
lifelong learners who are challenged to meet their
individual potential and who can do the following: communicate effectively, express themselves
creatively, use technology, solve problems, work
cooperatively, understand and respect cultural di(continued on page 27)
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Parents: Register your child(ren)
for tennis clinics!
For more information, please visit www.legacyYTE.org
Legacy Youth Tennis and Education
4842 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19129
215.487.9555 • www.LegacyYTE.org
Guide 2013
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball,
Cheerleading*
Career & Technical Education Programs: Accounting Technology/ Technician & Bookkeeping
Chemistry, Chinese Language & Culture, English
Literature & Composition, Government & Politics
neighborhood
High Schools
(continued)
versity, adapt to change, and be responsible and
productive members of society.
Points of pride: Administration, staff, and
students worked diligently to get Fels removed
from the persistently dangerous schools list;
entering our 3rd year of being off the list; inviting tone throughout the school; a thriving CTE
program; a winning sports program; a partial
citywide admit program for the arts
Measures for positive, safe learning: Administration, staff, and students work together to ensure
that Fels is not only safe, but also a place
conducive to learning; hallways are clear, and
learning is happening in every classroom.
arts instruction; film/video instruction; dance
and/or jazz band; orchestra; drum line; drill
team; school play or musical(s)
Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Track & Field,
Cross Country, Bowling
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Bowling, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Track &
Field, Volleyball
Career & Technical Education programs: Graphic
Communications; Film & Video; Business
Technology
AP courses: Chemistry, English Language &
Composition, World History
Fels intends to build a strong parent volunteer
group to assist with afterschool programs
SEPTA routes: 19, 24, 26, 67
Frankford High School
5000 Oxford Ave., 19124
215-537-2519
Reginald Fisher, Principal
www.frankfordhs.phila.k12.pa.us
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Asian – 2%
White – 8%
Latino – 34%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: The school promotes a rich
educational program where teachers deliver
a rigorous and relevant curriculum. Our educational experience develops critical thought
and a commitment to lifelong learning while
respecting and embracing cultural diversity.
Points of pride: Army JROTC: Honor Unit with
Distinction Award; Culinary Arts: 2013 C-CAP
award winners; Varsity Baseball: 2013 Public
League Championship; Varsity Football: 2013
Public League Championship; Track & Field:
qualified for Penn Relays
Measures for positive, safe learning: The Frankford Five Expectations have been implemented
schoolwide; teachers were trained for one week
before the school year began on positive communication skills with students; teachers were
also trained on the Framework for Teaching
and the Common Core State Standards
Accreditations/awards: JROTC Gold Star, 2013;
Excellence in Community Service, 2013;
Philadelphia Special Olympics, 2013
classes; visual arts instruction; theater instruction; concert and/or jazz band; drum line
Guide 2013
Kensington Creative &
Performing Arts High School
(KCAPA)
1901 N. Front St., 19122
215-291-5010
Debora Borges-Carrera, Principal
Harvey Finkle
A decorative wall in Kensington Creative & Performing Arts High School encourages students.
Additional activities: Student government;
National Honor Society; teen court; yearbook;
drama; chess; debate team
Cross Country, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Wrestling
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country,
Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball
Career & Technical Education programs: Building/
Property Maintenance & Manager; Culinary Arts
AP courses: Biology, Calculus AB, English Literature & Composition, Government & Politics,
Human Geography, Physics B, U.S. History
Parent involvement: School Advisory Council;
volunteering in classrooms and extracurricular
activities
SEPTA routes: 3, 5, 24, 67, 75, J, K, R,
Market-Frankford El
or ensemble, visual arts instruction, film/video
instruction, choir
Additional activities: Photography club; yearbook
club; Excellence Institute; Summer Search
program; Temple University tutoring program
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Indoor Track & Field, Soccer,
Track & Field, Rugby*
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Indoor
Track & Field, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball, Cheerleading*
Foreign languages: Arabic, French, Spanish
Career & Technical Education programs: Culinary
Arts; will offer Advanced Manufacturing in the
2014-15 school year.
Parent Involvement: Home & School Association; parents welcome to volunteer during the
school day and after school
Benjamin Franklin High School
Horace Furness High School
550 N. Broad St., 19130
215-299-4662
Greg Hailey, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/benfranklin
1900 S. 3rd St., 19148
215-952-6226
Dan Peou, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/furness
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
catchment area; others may apply, with admission based on space availability and lottery
Asian – 5%
White – 1%
Latino – 14%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: A comprehensive high school
where graduating students embark on one of the
following pathways: attend a four-year college or
university, attend an accredited two-year technical
program or trade school, pass the ASVAB exam
and join the military, or enter the workforce.
Points of pride: Dedicated, caring, and experienced teaching staff and faculty; diverse
student body from all over the city; focus on
students graduating in four years; focus on
creating a college-going culture
Measures for positive, safe learning: Franklin
will consist of five small learning communities: 9th-grade Academy, New Learners
Academy, Naval JROTC Community, Technology & AVID Community, and Culinary Arts
Community. This structure divides the school
into small, focused, and caring communities
of teachers, students, and support staff that
will support the academic and social needs of
students.
Accreditations/awards: Made AYP, 2007-2008
Latino – 11%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: To develop and nurture a
safe, diverse, and responsible community of
learners through a Career Academy structure
that enables every student to demonstrate
the knowledge and skills necessary to exceed
expectations as successful members of a 21stcentury society.
Points of pride: AP/college level courses; academic programs – Hotel, Restaurant, Travel, and
Tourism Academy; Business Academy; English
as a Second Language/Multicultural Academy
Measures for positive, safe learning: Annual
multicultural fair and assembly/concert; school
newspaper: The Falcon; BuildOn; afterschool
extracurricular/community service activities;
student government; out-of-school time has
full-time staff and afterschool extracurricular
activities; debate team; National Honor Society
Additional activities: SAT preparation; science
club
Golf, Soccer
Grades served: 9-12
catchment area; others may apply, with admission based on space availability. Neighborhood students who select Kensington CAPA
must have an interest in one or more of the
following: dance, choir, instrumental music,
filmmaking, or theater and visual arts.
Asian – 1%
White – 9%
Latino – 62%
Other – <1%
SEPTA routes: 3, 5, 39, 54, 57, 89, MarketFrankford El
Kensington High School
for International Business,
Finance & Entrepreneurship
2501 Coral St., 19125
215-291-5168
Eileen Maicon Weissman, Principal
www.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/kensington
Grades served: 9-12
Asian – 2%
White – 9%
Latino – 60%
Other – 0%
SEPTA routes: 3, 5, 39, 54, Market-Frankford El
Kensington Health Sciences
Academy
2463 Emerald St., 19125
215-291-5185
James Williams, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/kensingtonculinary
(Formerly Kensington Culinary)
Grades served: 9-12
Asian – 2%
White – 8%
Latino – 64%
Other – <1%
SEPTA routes: Market-Frankford El, 3, 5, 39, 54
neighborhood
High Schools
Kensington Urban Education
Academy
2051 E. Cumberland St., 19125
215-291-5420
Michelle Burns, Principal
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Asian – 1%
White – 9%
Latino – 53%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: The school provides a secure and welcoming environment for students
to grow as scholars and teachers (especially
in the content areas of Science, Technology,
ESOL and Mathematics), individuals, and
members of the larger community. We promote
communication and thoughtful discourse
between students, teachers, parents and the
community, and encourage the core values of
inquiry, research, collaboration and reflection
to increase student achievement.
Points of pride: Internships with elementary
schools; art gallery; instrument club; partnership
with West Chester and Cheyney Universities
Arts activities and classes: Visual arts instruction; drum line
Additional activities: Art club; drum club; homework club; poetry club; student government
Soccer, Track & Field, Wrestling
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Track
& Field
AP courses: Art History, Chemistry
Parent Involvement: School Advisory Council,
volunteering for trips and afterschool activities
Promise Academy at Martin
Luther King High School
6100 Stenton Ave., 19138
215-276-5253
William Wade, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/mlking
Grades served: 9-12
catchment area; others may apply with admission based on space availability
Latino – 2%
Other – 1%
SEPTA routes: 18, K, L, XH
Abraham Lincoln High School
3201 Ryan Ave., 19136
215-335-5653
Donald J. Anticoli, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/lincoln
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Admissions requirements: Serves students
from catchment area; others may apply, with
admission based on space availability. Also the
center for deaf and hard-of-hearing students
for the School District.
Asian – 5%
White – 34%
Latino – 21%
Other – 3%
Mission statement: We educate all students for
current and future success in college, career,
technology and service opportunities.
Points of pride: Over 350 graduates in 2012,
the most in seven years; 27 separate extracurricular sports and activities; 192 current or
exited English Language Learning students
served; 347 special education students served,
plus 32 autistic support students, and 43 deaf
and hard-of-hearing students
Measures for positive, safe learning: EducationWorks mentoring, GEAR-UP college readiness,
and Small Learning Community Grant. We
have a new initiative called the Compete 360
Design Thinking Program, sponsored through
the Garry Maddox Foundation.
Accreditations/awards: Middle States Accreditation for Growth 2006; Librarian of the
Year, 2008; Schoolmen’s Club Service Award,
2010; Philadelphia Flower Show Education
Award, 2012; Baseball Coach of the Year,
2012; AFJROTC Physical Training Competition, 1st place, 2012
concert and/or jazz band; orchestra; drill team;
Additional activities: Air Force JROTC
Golf, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Tennis,
Track & Field, Volleyball, Wrestling
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Field Hockey, Golf, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field,
Volleyball, Cheerleading* (fall and winter)
Other languages: American Sign Language
Career & Technical Education programs: Accounting Technology/Technician & Bookkeeping;
Administrative Assistance/Secretarial Science;
Health Professions & Related Clinical Sciences;
Applied Horticulture/Horticultural Operation
AP courses: Calculus AB, Chemistry, English
Literature & Composition, Environmental Science, Government & Politics, Physics B, Psychology, Statistics, U.S. History, World History
Other special academic offerings: AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination),
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, School Advisory Council, academic
planning through the career academy selection
process, Middle States accreditation process,
site selection of staff process, and the Deaf
Interaction Day
Northeast High School
1601 Cottman Ave., 19111
215-728-5018
Linda Carroll, Principal
http://nehs1.com
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Admissions requirements: This neighborhood
school also offers citywide programs that require
special admission to the school. These programs
include Medical, Engineering & Aerospace
Magnet, International Baccalaureate, and Audio
Visual and Interactive Design. Non-special
admission programs include Arts and Education,
Academic Language Program for ESOL students,
Health & Medical, and Global Business.
Latino – 19%
Other – 4%
(continued on page 29 )
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Guide 2013
neighborhood
High Schools
(continued)
Mission statement: Northeast seeks to empower
students to embrace learning as a lifelong
process. We strive to foster in our students a
respect for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, class, gender, or sexual orientation, for
this is the very essence of learning in a global
community. We strive to prepare our students
to be contributing members of our 21stcentury high-tech society. Our ultimate goal is
for our students to become empathetic leaders
within their families, communities, and world.
Points of pride: AP college-eligible scores; IB diplomas; NOCTI certificates; ICDL certifications;
SPARC robotics program; annual SPARC flight
(since 1968); Marine Advanced Tech. Ed. Program; Liberty Scholars – Drexel; National Merit
Scholar candidates; All-City Choir participation;
“Big Ten Freshman” of the year, 2013; championships: Soccer, Bowling, Wrestling, Boys
Lacrosse (2 times), Field Hockey, Volleyball
Accreditations/awards: Middle States accreditation, 2009; nationally accredited Graphic
Communication & Graphic Design programs;
Lindback Award for Distinguished Teacher;
Lindback Distinguished Leadership Award
drill team; other instrumental ensemble; dance
Additional activities: Agora; ALLY; American
Red Cross; Art; Asian Student Association;
Association of Chinese Students; band; choir;
debate; drill team; ESOL; tutoring; healthy
eating; Hip-Hop dance; sync step; Indo-Pak;
Italian tutoring; Key; Megaphone; mock trial;
MSA; music appreciation; National Academic
League; Northeast Designers; volunteers;
Philosophy; Science Olympiad; SCOPE; Skills
USA; Spanish; SPARC; stage crew; Valhalla;
video game programming; yearbook
Cross Country-coed, Football, Golf, Indoor
Track & Field, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming
& Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball,
Wrestling, Badminton*
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross
Country-coed, Field Hockey, Golf, Indoor Track
& Field, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming
& Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball,
Badminton*, Cheerleading*
Foreign languages: French, Spanish, Italian,
Chinese (over 50 languages represented at
Northeast)
Career & Technical Education programs:
Commercial & Advertising Art; Electrical,
Technology/Technician; Graphic Communications, Computer Technology/Computer Systems
Technology; Communication Technology/Technicians & Support Services; Web Page, Digital/
Multimedia & Information Resources Design
AP courses: Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC,
Chemistry, English Language & Composition,
English Literature & Composition, Environmental Science, Government & Politics, Italian
Language & Culture, Macroeconomics, Physics
B, Physics C, Psychology, Spanish Language,
Statistics, U.S. History, World History, Studio
Art: 2-D Design
Other special academic offerings: International
Baccalaureate program
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, School Advisory Council, Other Parent
Association
SEPTA routes: 19, 67, 70, 77
Overbrook High School
5898 Lancaster Ave., 19131
215-581-5887
Shannon M. Mayfield, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/overbrookhs
Grades served: 9-12
Latino – 2%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: For all students to receive the
academic, technological, and socially responsible
skills necessary to become productive, contributing, and high-character citizens in our society.
Points of pride: JROTC Distinguished Unit,
2013; career and technical programs; proud
home of NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain; proud
home of Will “Fresh Prince” Smith
Measures for positive, safe learning: Overbrook
is using restorative practices as a program enhancement to enrich, enhance, and contribute
to the overall positive growth in school culture
and climate.
Accreditations/awards: Mock trial award recipient, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010,
2011; robotics team award recipient, 2008,
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
choir; drill team
Additional activities: SAT prep classes; EducationWorks program support and tutoring; City
Year program support, tutoring and student
engagement; robotics club; mock trial club;
The Teachers Institute of Philadelphia (TIP)
A partnership of the University of Pennsylvania and the School District of Philadelphia
www.tip.sas.upenn.edu
free curriculum units and lesson plans
free professional development seminars
• Academic topics • Led by Penn scholars • Act-48 Credits •
• Curriculum Units Now Online •
for information: 215-746-6176
[email protected]
Guide 2013
Harvey Finkle
Roxborough maintains partnerships with College Access and Philadelphia Academies.
cheerleading; step team
Country-coed, Football, Soccer, Track & Field,
Volleyball
Soccer, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball
Career & Technical Education programs: Health/
Medical Assisting Services, Building/Property
Maintenance & Manager
Literature & Composition
Other special academic offerings: Aerospace,
Drama, African American Literature, Environmental Science
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, School Advisory Council, main office
services, Parent Center on Campus, afterschool
program activities
SEPTA routes: G, 10
Penn Treaty Secondary School
600 E. Thompson St., 19125
215-291-4715
Principal: Sam Howell
Grades served: 6-12
Roxborough High School
6498 Ridge Ave., 19128
215-487-4464
Dana Jenkins, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/roxborough
Grades served: 9-12
catchment area; others may apply with admission based on space availability and good
academic record (C or better); good attendance
and behavior
Asian – 2%
White – 19%
Latino – 4%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: To provide college and
career preparation, instruction and experiences; create supportive, stimulating, and
individually responsive learning experiences;
provide a rigorous curriculum which will adapt
to a changing world; prepare each student with
knowledge, core values and citizenship skills.
Points of pride: Wall-to-wall Career & Technical
Education Academy; AP classes; 10 mobile
computer carts; 9 class-size computer labs; 23
interactive white boards; 29 sets of student re-
sponse systems; 10 projectors; 1st place competition winners in cinematography, and web
design and business; new state of the art TV
studio & communications program; partnerships
with College Access, Philadelphia Academies
Measures for positive, safe learning: We have
implemented peer mediation, whole school
culture, and restorative practices.
theater instruction; concert and/or jazz band;
orchestra; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Newspaper club; yearbook
club; drama club; student government; student
ambassadors
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Countrycoed, Football, Soccer, Track & Field, Wrestling
Lacrosse, Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball
AP courses: Literature, Language, Government,
Biology, Statistics
Other special academic offerings: JROTC
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, Other Parent Association
SEPTA routes: 9, 27, 32, 35
William L. Sayre High School
5800 Walnut St., 19139
215-471-2904
Jamie Eberle, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/sayre
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Asian – 0%
White – 1%
Latino – 1%
Other – 0%
Mission statement: To create and sustain a
positive academic and social-emotional environment, which enables students to develop
the skills required to thrive globally, but serve
locally. In doing so, our students will earn a
high school diploma and be able to pursue
their post-secondary dreams and aspirations.
Points of pride: Partnership with the Netter
Center; Urban Nutrition Initiative; Sayre Health
Center Collaborative; Mural Arts Program
Measures for positive, safe learning: We are
looking at data and strategically planning to
utilize our personnel to the greatest capacity. We are building all aspects of leadership,
including school culture. We are organizing our
PBIS program around the motto “Show All You
neighborhood
High Schools
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America);
HOSA (Health Occupation Students of
America); Red Cross Club; robotics club; Skills
USA competitions; student government; DECA;
cooking club; carpentry club; CCAP
Country-coed, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer,
Lacrosse, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball,
Cheerleading*
Career & Technical Education programs: Accounting Technology/Technician & Bookkeeping; Carpentry/Carpenter; Childcare & Support
Services Management; Health/Medical Assisting
Services; Commercial & Advertising Art; Computer Systems Networking & Telecommunications; Electrical, Electronic & Communications
Engineering Technology/Technician; Health Professions & Related Clinical Sciences; Computer
Technology/Computer Systems Technology;
Engineering Technologies/Technicians; Baking
& Pastry/Baker/Pastry Chef; Culinary Arts
Computer Science A, English Language & Composition, Psychology, U.S. History, World History
Other special academic offerings: Asian Ameri-
Latino – 8%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: Dedicated to providing a quality educational program designed to address the
unique needs of a diverse student population.
Our mission is to provide a quality education for
all students that develop the knowledge, skills,
and attitudes which enable students to reach
their potential as responsible, productive citizens
and lifelong learners. Students gain the skills
and knowledge to participate in a multicultural,
technological, and change-oriented society.
Points of pride: The Bok Technical Institute at
South Philadelphia High School; Army JROTC;
National Honor Society – one of the first 10
chapters in the U.S.; AVID (Advancement Via
Individual Determination); extensive network of
partnerships that support student success and
opportunities
Measures for positive, safe learning: Restorative
practices
Arts activities and classes: Visual arts instruction; theater instruction
Additional activities: School newspaper; robotics; Outward Bound; computer repair club;
Respect Education.”
Arts activities and classes: Visual arts instruction; drum line
Additional activities: Chess club
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Intramural Soccer and
Basketball through OST program*
Girls’ sports: Intramural Soccer and Basketball
through OST program*
SEPTA routes: G, 21, 31, 42, 46, 52, MarketFrankford El
South Philadelphia High School
2101 S. Broad St., 19148
215-952-6220
Otis Hackney, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/southphila
Grades served: 9-12
catchment area
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more information and a list of
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can Studies
SEPTA routes: 37, 79, C, Broad Street subway
Strawberry Mansion High School
Promise Academy
3133 Ridge Ave., 19121
215-684-5089
Linda Cliatt-Wayman, Principal
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Latino – 1%
Other – 0%
Mission statement: To develop all students to
become active lifelong learners and productive
citizens in a global society. We strive to develop
students who demonstrate mastery of technology, exhibit analytical thinking, and demonstrate
exemplary communication skills, acquired
through excellence in teaching in conjunction
with a commitment to learning. We will work in
partnership with family and local communities
within our safe and caring environment.
Points of pride: Culinary program; architectural
drafting CTE program; competitive magnet
program; students and staff are invested in the
transformation of the school
Measures for positive, safe learning: Established
schoolwide rules are enforced daily; motivated
and committed teachers; sergeant and several
police officers; regular contact with parents
and the community, including community
partners; new sports teams
or ensemble; film/video instruction; choir;
orchestra; drill team; school play or musical(s)
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Bowling, Cross Countrycoed, Football, Track & Field, Volleyball
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Countrycoed, Track & Field, Volleyball, Cheerleading*
Career & Technical Education programs: Drafting
& Design Technology/Technician, Culinary†
Other special academic offerings: Magnet track
for qualifying students who satisfy the majority
of the necessary credits in grades 9-11. In
12th grade, they are dually enrolled to earn
college credit.
volunteering and participating in school government policies and procedures
SEPTA routes: 7, 32, 39, 48, 54, 61
George Washington High School
10175 Bustleton Ave., 19116
215-961-2001
Gene T. Jones, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/gwhs
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Latino – 12%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: We are dedicated to providing students with the necessary skills to be
competitive in the 21st century.
Guide 2013
neighborhood
High Schools
(continued)
or ensemble; instrumental music classes; visual arts instruction; dance instruction; theater
orchestra; drum line; other instrumental ensemble; dance group; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Yearbook; environmental
club; National Honor Society
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Indoor
Track & Field, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Track &
Field, Wrestling, Volleyball, Chess*, Debate*
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Field Hockey, Indoor
Track & Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track &
Field, Volleyball, Chess*, Debate*
Career & Technical Education programs: Accounting Technology/Technician & Bookkeeping; Sales, Distribution & Marketing Operations; Institutional Food Worker; Baking &
Pastry/Baker/Pastry Chef
Chemistry, English Language & Composition,
English Literature & Composition, European
History, Government & Politics, Human Geography, Physics B, Psychology, Spanish Language,
Spanish Literature, Statistics, U.S. History
Key to the school profiles
Abbreviations used throughout the listings:
NR = Not reported
AP = Advanced placement
AYP = Adequate Yearly Progress
CTE = Career and Technical Education
PIAA = Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association
* = Sports are not authorized for PIAA competition
† = These CTE programs are not state-approved.
The Promise Academy at West
4901 Chestnut St., 19139
215-471-2902
Mary Sandra Dean, Principal
www.philasd.org/schools/westphila
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
White – 1%
Latino – 1%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: To build upon the history
of our school as an educational foundation for
the community and to maintain its integrity by
reinforcing the relationship between school and
home. We work to improve teaching and learning
while providing professional collaboration for
improved academic performance. Our mission is
aimed at reinvigorating the academic program,
providing students with targeted resources and
valuable opportunities for their future.
Points of pride: Student Government Association; peer mentoring and conflict resolution;
University of Pennsylvania Student Academic
partnership; Penn faculty and students support
learning in the sciences and math
Measures for positive, safe learning: All teachers
and staff trained through the International
Institute of Restorative Practices. Students are
trained in conflict resolution as peer mediators
and peer mentors through Project Pride.
concert and/or jazz band; drum line; other instrumental ensemble; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Drama club; robotics; OST;
chess club; yearbook; math club; STEM
Cross Country-coed, Football, Indoor Track &
Field, Lacrosse, Track & Field, Wrestling
Country-coed, Indoor Track & Field, Softball,
Computer Systems Networking & Telecommunications, Drafting & Design Technology/
Technician; Web Page, Digital/Multimedia &
Information Resources Design
AP courses: Biology, English Literature &
Composition
volunteering in school activities and outings
charter
High Schools
Arise Academy
Charter High School
2116 E. Haines St., 19138
215-224-9400
Roberta Trombetta, CEO
www.ariseacademychs.org
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Admissions requirements: Must be 14-21 years
old and in or have been under the supervision
of the Department of Human Services
Asian – 0%
White – 1%
Latino –3%
Other – 0%
Mission statement: Arise coordinates and
streamlines interaction between community
members who support students’ academic,
social, and emotional well-being. Central to
our mission is a team-focused approach to
serving youth in care. We perfect reading and
math skills and provide students with real-life
experiences, which are valued by faculty,
school leaders, and their peers.
Points of pride: Low teacher-to-student ratio;
personalized learning and intensive support; many external partners and enhanced
resources; caring faculty and staff
Measures for positive, safe learning: Staff and
administration will focus on assisting students
in reaching their full potential. Students will
learn and grow in an atmosphere of mutual
respect and appreciation for individual talent.
Students will realize the intrinsic value of
education and family, and become part of a
community of lifelong learners. We will prepare
students to become responsible workers or
students of higher education.
Additional activities: Yearbook; dance; tutoring;
film; track; community service
Boys’ sports: Basketball
Girls’ sports: Basketball
SEPTA routes: 18, L, Broad Street subway
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esiringtolearnmoreaboutbecoming
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theendorsement(12credits)withatuitionrateof$500per
credit(normally$650).Thosechoosingtopursueamaster’s
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continuetoreceivea25percentdiscountontheprevailing
tuition rate.
Guide 2013
Apply Now!
for more information, contact:
greer richardson, Ph.D.
Director, graduate Programs in Education
La Salle University
1900WestOlneyAvenue
Philadelphia, Pa 19141
215.951.1593
[email protected]
Never stop exploring
charter
High Schools
ASPIRA Olney High School
100 W. Duncannon Ave., 19120
215-456-3014
Jose E. Lebron, Principal
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Admissions requirements: Students must live in
the catchment area
Asian – 4%
White – 1%
Latino – 49%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: Dedicated to creating, nurturing, and providing quality instruction and a supportive environment conducive to learning, while
empowering students to become global thinkers
and conscious leaders who will achieve academic
proficiency and college and career readiness.
Points of pride: Nearly doubled math and reading
proficiency rates from the previous year on the
2012 PSSAs; provides professional development
for staff on a consistent basis; teacher coaches
and department chairs to support faculty
Measures for positive, safe learning: School has
a full support staff, which includes 5 counselors, 4 deans, 2 social workers, 2 school
psychologists, 2 truancy officers, and over 30
safety team members. The school provides two
programs to help support struggling students:
The Success Academy focuses on behavior
modification and serves as a disciplinary
intervention, and the EXCEL Academy is an
accelerated program that works with students
who are overage and under-credited.
Accreditations/awards: PECO Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics Grant this
year; All State Cafe Exceptional Grant, which
addresses student nutrition, education about
nutrition, and food service
drum line
Additional activities: Clubs: Anime, robotics,
Asian, glee, debate, Gay-Straight Alliance,
Contemporary Concepts, drum line, Young
Life, music, ASPIRA, yearbook, fashion, game,
Brazilian Jiu-Jitzu, badminton, multicultural,
writing, SAT, school newspaper: The Olney
Student Voice, Cafe Exceptional program
Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball, Wrestling, (JV
Football, Basketball, Baseball*)
& Field, Volleyball, Cheerleading*
Composition, Environmental Science, Government & Politics, U.S. History
Other special academic offerings: Peirce College
Paralegal Partnership Program; Einstein Hospital and St. Christopher’s Hospital internship
programs; Senior Seminar is designed to assist
the graduating class with their senior project
and college/vocational school applications, and
to prepare for transition out of high school.
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, School Advisory Council, community
dinners, end of the year celebration
SEPTA routes: 1, 57, C, R
Universal Audenried
Charter High School
3301 Tasker St., 19145
215-952-4801
Glenda Darby, Principal
www.universalcompanies.org
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Admissions requirements: Students who live in
the feeder pattern are guaranteed admission;
open admission for other students
Asian – 2%
White – 0%
Latino – <1%
Other – 2%
% English language learners: NR
Mission statement: To provide an unparalleled,
high-quality education to all scholars in a
safe and nurturing environment. Through the
implementation of Universal’s comprehensive
academic and social program, we will build
future community leaders and positive contributing members of society. Universal seeks
to utilize the school as a key element and hub
for the surrounding community to help in the
transformation of the neighborhoods.
Points of pride: State-approved Career and
Technical Education High School with Transportation Academy; wall-to-wall academies;
Master Scholar Leadership program
Measures for positive, safe learning: In 2012,
the school was removed from persistently
dangerous schools list; schoolwide Positive
Behavior Support system; positive message;
incentives/privileges; peer mentoring
Accreditations/awards: Approved for candidacy
for Middle States accreditation, 2012
instruction; choir; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: ELECT/MARS; Saturday
Academy; Harcum College associate’s degree
program; Healthy Meals Cooking Club; Free Library KEYSPOT; book club; chess club; credit
recovery; Twilite; YesPhilly; Girlz II Womyn
program; student government
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Lacrosse, Track &
Field, Flag Football*, Fitness*
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Lacrosse, Softball,
Track & Field, Volleyball, Fitness*
Career & Technical Education programs: Health/
Medical Assisting Services; Commercial & Advertising Art; Electrical & Power Transmission
Installers; Building/Property Maintenance &
Manager; Institutional Food Worker; Medium/
Heavy Vehicle & Truck Technology/Technician;
Sports Officiating - aligned with Health-Related Technology Academy
AP courses: Government & Politics
Other special academic offerings: CARES – offered in 9th grade
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, School Advisory Council, workshops,
principal’s roundtable
Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia
Charter School
5501 Cedar Ave., 19143
215-387-5149
David P. Hardy, CEO
www.boyslatin.org
Charter High School
for Architecture + Design
Grades served: 6, 9-12
Admissions requirements: Open admission,
must live in Philadelphia
Asian – 0%
White – 0%
Latino – <1%
Other – 0%
Mission statement: A college preparatory high
school serving young men of diverse backgrounds who live in the city. Boys’ Latin offers
students a rigorous education that prepares
them for college matriculation and sets high
standards for achievement, character development, and conduct. We have created a
self-selected group of young men who value
academic success, hard work, and the development of their intellectual, moral, social,
creative, and athletic potential.
Points of pride: High graduation rate and college acceptance rate; 81% college matriculation rate; only all-boys public school in the
state; 4-year Latin requirement
Measures for positive, safe learning: Boys’ Latin
provides forums for student leadership and
expression. Respect and leadership forums are
facilitated regularly, weekly student summits
are held, and students are celebrated in Core
Value recognition award ceremonies (compassion, curiosity, courage, integrity, perseverance). Restorative discipline practices, establishment of school safety corridors with faculty,
parent, police, and community collaborations
ensure a positive, safe learning environment.
Accreditations/awards: Charter renewal and
expansion granted in 2012; Philadelphia
magazine: Best Afterschool Program, 2009
instruction; theater instruction; concert and/or
jazz band; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Outward Bound; student
government; mock trial; Model United Nations;
debate; Certamen (Latin competition); Network
For Teaching Entrepreneurship; theater;
creative writing; mural arts; film; A Capella;
jazz ensemble; African dance; Step Crew;
broadcasting (also operated as an athletic
team); fencing; running; robotics; community
garden; scientific investigations; Odyssey (selfdiscovery club); Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film; computer
competitions; cooking; chess; Key Club; book
club; board games; academic support; group
study; silent study; organizational skills
Soccer, Track & Field, Wrestling, Crew
Foreign languages: Latin
AP courses: Art History, Biology, English
Composition, Latin: Vergil
Other special academic offerings: Studio Art,
Ceramics, Advanced Art, Acting, Presentation
Skills, Stage Design, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft
Excel, Intro to Programming, Media Communications, Roman History, Food in the Ancient
World, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship,
Statistics, Math & Interactive Media, Robotics &
Engineering, Intro to Neuroscience, Science of
Health & Wellness, Honors Philosophy
Parent involvement: Extended Family Network
Parent Group holds monthly meetings; Respect and Leadership Forum panel members
organize and run fundraising initiatives, plan
and support teacher appreciation celebrations
and student events, serve as board member
liaisons, volunteer to advise afterschool clubs,
and assist in monitoring safety corridors
SEPTA routes: 34, 55, G
105 S. 7th Street, 19106
215-351-2900
Phyllis Santiago, Principal
www.chadphila.org
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: Application, lottery
Asian – 2%
White – 5%
Latino – 7%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: CHAD is committed to an
innovative program of study, integrating the
design process with the mastery of a strong
liberal arts education. We offer each student
the opportunity for success and preparation for
lifelong learning and responsible citizenship.
We have a thoughtful academic environment
that engenders love of learning, intellectual
curiosity, and new ways of seeing. CHAD also
prepares students for higher education.
Points of pride: High graduation rate; high number of graduates who attend colleges/universities; academic support programs and tutoring
Measures for positive, safe learning: CHAD is
committed to fostering social, emotional and
academic growth through Positive Behavioral
Interventions and Supports (PBIS). We believe
that it is important to recognize and celebrate
appropriate behavior and school success. PBIS is
a proactive approach to prevention and responding to school and classroom discipline problems.
It involves developing schoolwide systems that
promote positive behavior in our community.
Arts activities and classes: Visual arts instruction; drum line; other instrumental ensemble;
dance group
Additional activities: Chess; yearbook; fashion
club; annual fashion show; architecture club;
poetry and creative writing club; anime club;
hip hop club; music club; National Honor
Society; peer tutors; SAT prep club; student art
exhibitions
Boys’ sports: Soccer, Basketball
Girls’ sports: Soccer, Basketball
Other special academic offerings: Architecture
Guide 2013
charter
High Schools
(continued)
and design courses are offered at each grade.
Parent Involvement: Home & School Association, classroom and lunchtime volunteers,
chaperones for trips and dances
SEPTA routes: 9, 12, 17, 22, 44, 47, 48,
51, 61, Regional Rail, Broad Street subway,
Market-Frankford El
Community Academy
of Philadelphia Charter School
1100 E. Erie Ave. 19124
215-533-6700
Joseph Proietta, CEO
Alberta P. O’Brien, Principal
www.communityacademy.org
Grades served: K-12
Asian – 2%
White – 2%
Latino – 76%
Other – 7%
Mission statement: Our school serves urban,
high-risk children in search of a positive, supportive school experience and an atmosphere
free of negative labels. Our students may have
been truant or dropped out, repeatedly failed,
or been expelled from the School District of
Philadelphia. CAP acts as a “second chance”
for students and families.
Points of pride: Class of 2013 offered over $1
million, including several full scholarships
from Drexel, LaSalle, and Penn State; above
average college retention after 2 years; above
average in college enrollment; 68% of faculty
have master’s degrees or higher
Measures for positive, safe learning: CAP has a
strict code of conduct. Students wear uniforms
and are expected to adhere to all policies. We
have 12 security officers trained by Temple
University’s Criminal Justice Center.
Accreditations/awards: Accredited for preK-12
by the Middle States Association of Colleges
and Schools since 1995; Hispanic Association
of Colleges and Universities member
or ensemble; instrumental music classes; film/
video instruction; choir; drum line; drill team;
dance group
Additional activities: Literary magazine: The Promethean Reader; poetry café; art club; forensics
club; drama club; Latin dance group; chess
club; restaurant club; hip hop dance group
Soccer
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Bowling, Soccer,
Softball, Volleyball
Foreign languages: Spanish, Latin
Literature & Composition, Spanish Language,
U.S. History
Other special academic offerings: Media & Technology course, which includes the CAP News
Broadcast; ’60s Cultures & History; Asian
Cultures; Creative Writing
Parent involvement: Home & School Association,
extracurricular activities, aides in the library
Delaware Valley
Charter High School
5201 Old York Rd.
Logan Plaza – Suite A, 19141
215-455-2550
Ernest Holiday Jr., CEO/Principal
www.dvchs.net
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: Lottery
Asian – 0%
White – 1%
Latino – 6%
Other – 0%
Mission statement: Our mission is to make sure
all students learn via a rigorous curriculum in a
S.A.F.E. (Scholarship, Attitude, Focus and Excellence) environment. With our commitment
to S.A.F.E., we seek to develop our students’
critical thinking and social skills to facilitate a
successful transition into higher education or
a career. We encourage students to be lifelong
learners, develop critical thinking skills, and
promote honesty and integrity.
Points of pride: High graduation rate and postsecondary acceptance rate
Measures for positive, safe learning: Mastery
Learning program; RTII; ELL program; character building program; extensive extracurricular
program; start-on-time program
Accreditations/awards: Keystone Award, 20062007; School District of Philadelphia Best
Practices Award, 2005-2006
ensemble; instrumental music classes; visual arts
instruction; dance instruction; theater instruction;
choir; concert and/or jazz band; drum line; drill
team; dance group; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Fashion design; culinary;
modeling; after-school tutoring Prep-Zone;
graphic arts; art; mock trial
Cross Country-coed, Football, Golf, Indoor
Track & Field, Lacrosse, Soccer, Track & Field,
Weightlifting*
C. Shonda Woods
Charter High School for Architecture + Design combines design with a strong liberal arts education.
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country-coed, Golf, Indoor Track & Field, Lacrosse,
Soccer, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball
AP courses: Biology, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition,
Government & Politics, Physics B
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, committees related to technology, professional development, and curriculum
SEPTA routes: Broad Street subway
Eastern University Academy
Charter School
3 Falls Center, Suite 2
3300 Henry Ave., 19129
215-769-3131
Omar Barlow, CEO and Principal
www.euacademycs.org
Grades served: 7-12
Admissions requirements: Open enrollment, application, lottery if the number of applications
exceeds the number of available spots; anyone
who is not admitted through the lottery will be
added to a waiting list; interview; must attend
summer orientation
Asian – 0%
White – 0%
Latino – 3%
Other – 0%
SEPTA routes: 32, K, R
Esperanza Academy
Charter High School
301 W. Hunting Park Ave., 19140
215-457-3667
David Rossi, CEO
www.neacademy.org
Grades served: 6-12
Admissions requirements: Application, lottery, parent/student interview with school administrator
Asian – 0%
White – <1%
Latino – 93%
Other – <1%
Mission statement: We prepare critically thinking,
socially capable, spiritually sensitive, and culturally aware young adults who can use English,
Spanish, and technology as tools for success.
Points of pride: Excellent school climate; low staff
turnover; over 92% graduation rate; over 90% of
students accepted into post-secondary institutions
Accreditations/awards: 2013 U.S. News &
World Report - Silver Medal
Measures for positive, safe learning: We enforce
a zero tolerance policy. All staff members
receive training regarding the code of conduct
and discipline procedures. Our safety climate
officers are CPR-certified and attend additional
training as needed.
concert and/or jazz band; dance group
21st Century afterschool program that includes: student council, computer zone, dance
ensemble, CARE club, photography club, Animal Awareness, video game club, film, sports,
knitting club, fitness club, fashion club, forensics club, ESL, Cheerleading, Entrepreneurship, Esperanza Post (school paper), yearbook,
art, intramural sports, mentoring, tutoring
Cross Country-coed, Football
Country-coed, Softball
Foreign languages: Arabic, French, Spanish,
Italian, Chinese, Latin
Language & Composition, Spanish Language,
Studio Art: 2-D Design, U.S. History
Other special academic offerings: 14 majors
of study: Teacher Education, Technology,
Entrepreneurship, Journalism, Health Science,
Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts, Engineering,
Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Theater,
Dance, Film, Visual Arts; honors courses:
Anatomy & Physiology, Algebra I, Geometry,
English, Biology, British Literature, Perspectives in English, Physical Science, Political
Science & Economics, U.S. History, U.S. Literature, World History; dual enrollment program
through Eastern University’s Cross Boundaries
What’s YOUR opinion? We want to know!
Write a letter to
Philadelphia Public School Notebook at:
699 Ranstead St., 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Fax: 215-238-2300 • E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.thenotebook.org/contact
Guide 2013
charter
High Schools
Program; partnership with Esperanza College
Parent involvement: Other Parent Association;
volunteering during school activities, college
and career events; workshops; 21st Century
Advisory Council; school board
SEPTA routes: 1, 47, 56, 57, Broad Street
subway
First Philadelphia Preparatory
Charter High School
6201 Rising Sun Ave., 19111
215-743-3100
Josephine Arcaro, CEO/Principal
Grades served: K-9
Waiting list: Yes, 1,400
Asian – 5%
White – 29%
Latino – 23%
Other – 10%
Mission statement: We will provide a well-balanced literacy-based education contributing to
the formation of lifelong learners and leaders
of the global community.
Points of pride: Caring school community; No
Excuses University; international travel; music
and arts programs
Measures for positive, safe learning: First Philadelphia uses the Caring School Community
model to develop a sense of community among
our staff, students, and families. Students
learn to solve problems using discussion and
class meetings.
or ensemble; instrumental music classes; visual arts instruction; dance instruction; theater
orchestra; other instrumental ensemble; dance
Additional activities: Before- and after-school
tutoring; Reading Olympics; girls’ club;
yearbook; Math Counts; art club; musical;
extended-day program; Students Run First
Philly Style; kickball; T-ball
Gymnastics-coed, Soccer
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Gymnastics-coed,
Softball
Parent involvement: Work on committees
to assist with special events such as Bring
Someone You Love Dance and Family Fun Day;
chaperones for trips
SEPTA routes: 18, 19, 24, 26, 67
Franklin Towne
Charter High School
5301 Tacony St., Building 108, 19137
215-289-5000
Joseph M. Venditti, CEO
www.franklintowne.org
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list? # of students: Yes, 4,000
Asian – 3%
White – 79%
Latino – 12%
Other – <1%
Mission statement: A college preparation program willing to do whatever it takes to provide
a warm and encouraging family-like atmosphere for all of our students.
Points of pride: 96% daily attendance; high
college attendance rate; 2012 PSSA scores 86% proficient in math, 80% reading
Accreditations/awards: 2009 National Excellence in Urban Education Award, National
Center for Urban School Transformation; 2010
Breakthrough School of the Year, MetLife
Foundation-NASSP; 2011 National Title I
School of Excellence and Pennsylvania Distinguished Title I School
instruction; choir; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Culinary; chess; debate;
drama; science; film & literature; photography;
video production; Historical Society; Best Buddies; science club; woodshop
Country-coed, Soccer, Track & Field, Wrestling
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Field Hockey, Soccer,
Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball
AP courses: Calculus AB, English Language &
Composition, English Literature & Composition, Statistics, U.S. History, World History
Freire Charter School
2027 Chestnut St., 19103
215-557-8555
Kelly Davenport, CEO
www.freirecharterschool.org
Grades served: 5-12
Admissions requirements: Application, lottery;
applications received after the deadline are
added to waiting list on a rolling basis
Asian – 0%
White – 0%
Latino – 1%
Other – 5%
Mission statement: Freire provides a collegepreparatory learning experience with a focus on
individual freedom, critical thinking, and problemsolving in an environment that emphasizes the
values of community, teamwork, and nonviolence.
Points of pride: Students and teachers enforce
the nonviolence policy and engage in peer
mediation; college prep
Measures for positive, safe learning: Freire students and staff are trained in conflict resolution
and peer mediation. Students feel comfortable
taking teachers and students to mediation
because it is part of the school culture. Mediation reduces the number of discipline referrals
and physical altercations. Additionally, students
must agree to Freire’s code of conduct, which
states that there are no second chances for
students who violate our nonviolence policy.
Accreditations/awards: First charter school in
state to receive the National Title I Distinguished School award, 2010; EPIC Silver Award
for Student Achievement, 2011; U.S. News &
World Report Best High Schools, Bronze Medal,
2012; 4-time winner of Keystone Award for
Academic Excellence; 21st Century Community
Learning Center grant recipient
Arts activities and classes: Visual arts instruction;
film/video instruction; theater instruction; choir
Additional activities: A cappella singers; art program at PAFA; audio-visual club; book club;
Breakfree Fashion Design program; cooking
classes with Urban Nutrition Initiative; engineering/robotics club; Freire live news broadcasting;
fruit/smoothie stand with Urban Nutrition Initiative; Future Doctors Medical Outreach program; Future Millionaires of Freire Stock Club;
Gay-Straight Alliance; Live Connections Music
Program; mock trial team; mural arts program;
Harvey Finkle
Imhotep Institute is an African-centered school with a focus on science, math, and technology.
National Honor Society; personal fitness classes
at YMCA; Philadelphia City Rowing; student
government; Students Run Philly Style; yearbook
Country-coed, Track & Field
Soccer, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball,
Cheerleading*
U.S. History
Other special academic offerings: Advanced
Biology II, Anatomy, Theater, Peace & Social
Change, Personal & Business Finance
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, school board, parent-teacher conferences
and meetings with academic advisers
SEPTA routes: 9, 12, 17, 21, 42, 44, 48, 62,
124, 125, Regional Rail (Suburban Station),
10, 11, 13, 34, 36 trolleys, Broad Street
subway, Market-Frankford El
Imhotep Institute
Charter High School
6201 N. 21st St., 19138
215-438-4140
M. Christine Wiggins, CEO
www.imhotepcharter.org
Grades served: 9-12
Asian – 0%
White – 0%
Latino – 0%
Other – 0%
Mission statement: To provide standards-driven,
high-quality educational program for urban
learners grounded in the African principles of
MA’AT and seven principles of the Nguzo Saba.
Imhotep aims to nurture lifelong learners who
are valuable members of the world community.
Points of pride: Athletes on championship
basketball and football teams received
athletic and academic scholarships; 2011
Gates Millennium Scholar graduate attending
Howard University; 90% attendance rate; first
graduating class in 2000; high graduation and
post-secondary placement rates; over $1.5
million in scholarships for class of 2013; Saturday classes; summer enrichment program;
internships; before- and after-school programs;
professional development trips to Ghana, West
Africa, for students, staff and parents
Accreditation/awards: Scholar Champions,
2009, 2011, 2012, 2013; highly successful Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball teams have
won several titles in recent years; 1st-place
winners, men’s 4x4, Penn Relays, 2013;
PIAA 2A Football Champions, 2013; National Signing Day; 1st-place winners, PIAA
District XII cheerleading competition, 2013;
3rd-place winners, Envirothon Competition,
2013; winner of Aberdeen Asset Management
Investment Challenge, 2011, 2012; 1st-place
winners in 6 categories at Pennsylvania STEM
competition, 2012; 1st-place Community
Team, Dwight Evans Civic Leadership Summit,
2010; football player participated in Semper
Fidelis All American Bowl, 2013; Gates Millennium Scholar 2011
Measures for positive, safe learning: Partnership
with Northwest Community Coalition for Youth
to establish Safe Corridors for students; new
partnership with the Youth Court System.
Arts activities and classes: Art; music; African
and modern dance
Additional activities: African drumming; sports
management; juvenile diabetes walks; Pillars
of Peace; Council of Youth Afrikan Leadership; 9th & 12th-grade mentoring program;
WHYY internships; senior internships; Royal
Guard; Capoeira; JAAMA Empowerment and
Enrichment Program; mock trial; culinary arts;
computer applications
Boys’ sports: Cross Country, Track & Field,
Basketball, Football
Girls’ sports: Cross Country, Track & Field,
Basketball, Cheerleading
Other special academic offerings: Honors
classes in English, math, social studies, science. Sophomores who meet the criteria can
begin to take honors courses.
Parent involvement: Booster Club for athletics,
fundraising, board of directors, advisory boards,
Safe Corridors, community partnerships, fan
support and providing resources for our school;
help with annual College Fair and Financial Aid
Nights, chaperones in lunchrooms
SEPTA routes: 6, K, L
KIPP DuBois
Collegiate Academy
5070 Parkside Avenue, 19131
267-687-4297
Aaron Bass, Principal
www.kipp.org/school-content/kipp-duboiscollegiate-academy
This academy is part of KIPP Philadelphia
Charter School. Student data are for the whole
school, which includes lower grades.
Grades served: 9-12
Guide 2013
charter
High Schools
(continued)
Admissions requirements: Open admissions,
Philadelphia resident
Asian – 0%
White – 0%
Latino – 5%
Other – 5%
Mission statement: We will provide students
with a relevant, exciting and individualized
learning environment, allowing students to
emerge with the critical thinking, global vision
and knowledge of self necessary to succeed in
college and be leaders in their communities.
Points of pride: Partnerships with more than 20
colleges nationwide; one of the highest ACT
averages in the city; expanded arts and athletics
programs; 100% focused on college success
Measures for positive, safe learning: Established
a strong parent community
or ensemble; instrumental music classes; theater instruction; choir; concert and/or jazz band;
drum line; drill team; other instrumental ensemble; dance group; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: NFTE: Entrepreneurship;
Tiger Woods Learning Center: focused on STEM;
students are mentored and trained by Deloitte
employees and offered job opportunities
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Football, Soccer, Track
& Field, Equestrian*
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Soccer, Track & Field,
Equestrian*
Foreign languages: Arabic, Spanish
AP courses: Biology, Spanish Language, U.S.
History, World History
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, Other Parent Association, volunteering
in classrooms, chaperoning trips, providing
feedback to the school
SEPTA routes: 40, 52, and 10, 15 trolleys
Mariana Bracetti Academy
1840 Torresdale Ave., 19124
215-291-4436
Angela Villani, CEO
www.mbacs.org
Latino – 77%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: All students draw upon their
passion, motivation and life experience to become independent, adaptive problem-solvers,
powerful thinkers, effective communicators
and meaningful contributors to the larger community. Our school community is committed to
leveraging every resource to ensure all students
are prepared for college and career success.
Points of pride: New campus; partnerships
with Vanguard, University of Pennsylvania,
Congreso, Summer Search, Philadelphia Futures, and Rachel’s Challenge; 2013 graduates
earned $1,358,500 in college scholarships;
qualified students may enroll and earn credit
from local colleges while working toward their
high school diploma
Accreditations/awards: Made AYP: 2011, 2012;
Read Right reading program won national award
of excellence in 2013; Of Mythic Proportions, a
storytelling performance program in partnership
with B. Someday Productions and Walking Fish
Theater, won a Barrymore in 2010
Guide 2013
Maritime Academy
Charter School
2700 E. Huntingdon St., 19125
215-535-4555
Edward Poznek, CEO
www.maritimecharter.org
Grades served: 4-12
with preference given to siblings of previously
enrolled students
Asian –2%
White – 32%
Grades served: 6-12
Asian – 0%
White – 2%
Measures for positive, safe learning: Students have
accepted Rachel’s Challenge, a student-led initiative, to create a safe learning environment for
all students by using hearts, heads and hands to
bring about positive permanent change. Students
earn merits for exemplary behavior that can be
redeemed for incentives and demerits for policy
violations. Also, student deans attended the
2013 Safe Schools Summit.
Arts activities and classes: Visual arts instruction; dance instruction; theater instruction;
dance group; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Robotics; tutoring; dance
club; Sierra Club; newspaper club; prom committee; yearbook club; drama club; Friends of Rachel;
chess club; cooking club; arts & crafts; financial
education; ESL club; physical fitness; SAT prep
Volleyball, Wrestling
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Softball, Volleyball
Career & Technical Education programs: Graphic
Communications, Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology, Web Page, Digital/
Multimedia & Information Resources Design
Parent involvement: Back to School Night, Family Night, SAT and PSAT preparation dinners,
grade-level meetings and information sessions,
Keystone and PSSA orientation and preparation, sports banquet, volunteer in classrooms
Latino – 19%
Other – 5%
Mastery Charter School
Hardy Williams Campus
5400 Warrington Ave., 19143
215-724-2343
Lisa Bellamy, Principal
www.masterycharter.org
Grades served: 7-10
2011-12 enrollment: 816 (for K-8 school)
Asian – <1% White – <1%
Latino – <1%
Other – <1%
Mission statement: Students learn the academic and personal skills they need to succeed
in higher education, compete in the global
economy, and pursue their dreams.
Points of pride: High number of specialty
classes; extracurricular activities
Measures for positive, safe learning: Our Safe
Corridors plan includes entry and dismissal
posts for all available staff members. During
dismissal, we have staff members posted at the
bus stops that our students use, and they re-
main there until the students are safely on their
bus. We also require our students to go straight
home after school; they are not allowed to loiter
around the neighborhood after dismissal.
Accreditations/awards: In spring 2013, Hardy
Williams Academy Mastery Charter School was
recognized as a top 10 school in Pennsylvania
by PennCAN, a statewide nonprofit educational
organization.
Additional activities: Glee club, art club
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Soccer, Track & Field
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Soccer, Track & Field
Language & Composition, English Literature
& Composition, French Language & Culture,
Physics B, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, U.S. History, World History
Parent involvement: Safe Corridors program,
Parent/Teacher Organization
SEPTA routes: 13 trolley
Lenfest Campus
35 S. 4th St., 19106
215-922-1902
Steven Kollar, Principal
Grades served: 7-12
Asian – <1% White –1%
Latino – 6%
Other – <1%
Mission statement: All students learn the
academic and personal skills they need to
succeed in higher education, compete in the
global economy, and pursue their dreams.
Points of pride: High rate of acceptance to college or technical program; over $3 million in
scholarships awarded to class of 2013; 20112012 7th & 8th grade PSSA math scores
exceeded state averages; 100% of sophomores
complete external 18-week internship
Measures for positive, safe learning: Hired assistant principal of school culture, two deans,
school social worker and outpatient therapist;
development of two student government committees – School Culture and School Excellence; proactive response to student issues,
including student mediations and class circles;
consistent parent communication; full staff
approach to relationship building
Accreditations/awards: U.S. News & World
Report Best High Schools, Bronze Medal,
2012, 2013; PennCAN’s Pennsylvania Top
10 Schools Report Card: #10 High School for
Black Student Performance, 2013; Pennsylvania Department of Education – Title I Distinguished School, 2010-2011
or ensemble; visual arts instruction; dance
instruction; drum line
Additional activities: Student government; yearbook; National Honor Society; creative writing
club; FAST Track Financial Literacy; Just Be
Girls Group; outdoors club
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Football, Running Club*,
Fitness Club*, Basketball (middle school)*
Girls’ sports: Pep Squad/Cheerleading*, Running Club*, Fitness Club*
English Literature & Composition, U.S. History
Parent involvement: Other Parent Association,
mentors in internship program; fundraising
SEPTA routes: 17, 21, 33, 42, 48, 57, MarketFrankford El
Pickett Campus
5700 Wayne Ave., 19144
215-866-9000
Jason Kegel, Principal
Grades served: 6-12
Asian – 0%
White – 0%
Latino – 1%
Other – 0%
global economy and pursue their dreams.
Points of pride: Over the last two years, 95% of
seniors were accepted into a 2- or 4-year college or university; 9 students enrolled at Community College of Philadelphia for their senior
year during the 2012-13 school year, earning
a combined 148 college credits; student
government and community partnership with
Temple University’s Temple Voices program
Measures for positive, safe learning: There
are two assistant principals of school culture
responsible for a safe learning community. Each
grade has a dean of students to enforce a strict
attendance and discipline policy, including
truancy, bullying and other disruptive behaviors.
We have an extensive reward policy including
merits and trips for students who display preferred behaviors. Pickett maintains a learning
environment where students feel safe to maximize their instructional time in classrooms.
Arts activities and classes: Drum line
Additional activities: High school art class;
step; yearbook; photography club; baking
club; music production; video club (student
news); culinary club; dance club; fashion club;
newspaper; circus; theater/drama; National
Honor Society; House Wars; spirit team; moot
court; SGA; JV Cheerleading; chess club; flag
football; math club/24; Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award program
Country-coed, Football, Track & Field, JV Boys
Basketball*, Varsity Football*, Varsity Track &
Field*, Fall Fitness Club*, Intramural Basketball*, Middle School Intramural Basketball*,
Spring Fitness Club*
Lacrosse, Softball, Track & Field, Varsity
Cheerleading*, JV Girls Basketball*, Varsity
Track & Field*, Fall Fitness Club*, Intramural
Basketball*, Spring Fitness Club*
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The Notebook’s agency code number is: 48140
Other special academic offerings: Year-long
internship course in sophomore year
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, fundraising for school events, volunteering at socials, chaperoning trips, meeting with
CEO for Town Halls, mentor for interns, Career
Day speakers
charter
High Schools
English Literature & Composition, Government
& Politics, U.S. History, World History
Other special academic offerings: Honors courses: 9th-grade Literature, 9th-grade History
Other Parent Association, open-door policy
SEPTA routes: 53, K
The Mathematics, Civics
& Sciences Charter School
447 N. Broad St., 19123
215-923-4880
Veronica J. Joyner, M. Ed., Principal
www.mcscs.org
Shoemaker Campus
5301 Media St., 19131
267-296-7111
Sharif El Mekki, Principal
Grades served: 7-12
Asian – 1%
White – 5%
Latino – 12%
Other – 10%
Points of pride: In 2006, identified as the 2nd
most violent school in Philadelphia, but now math
scores increased 56 points in 8th grade; reading
scores increased 41 points in 8th grade; violence
has dropped 90%; attendance is above 95%;
student retention is above 96%; high acceptance
rate to institutions of higher learning; class of
2013 earned over $4 million in scholarships
Accreditations/awards: EPIC (Effective Practice
Incentive Community) Gold Award, 2009, 2010;
EPIC Silver, 2011; U.S. News & World Report
Best High Schools, 2012; PennCAN’s Pennsylvania Top 10 Schools Report Card, 2013: #10
Middle School for Black Student Performance,
#7 High School for Black Student Performance
arts instruction; choir; drill team; dance group
Additional activities: A Cappella; art after school;
mural arts; newspaper; Penn Music; mentoring;
sewing; yearbook; yoga; chess; Future Nurses
program; Gay-Straight Alliance; Key Students;
Muslim Student Association; National Honor
Society; student government; Upper House;
BuildOn; City Year; Outward Bound
Football, Lacrosse, Track & Field, Wrestling,
Cycling*, Soccer*, Fencing*, Crew*
Lacrosse, Track & Field, Cycling*, Soccer*,
Fencing*, Crew*
English Literature & Composition, Government
& Politics, U.S. History, World History
Other special academic offerings: Music (10th);
PE (10th); Internship (10th); Senior Seminar
(12th); Honors Biology; English; Art; Calculus;
Constitutional Law
It’s results
that count:
C. Shonda Woods
U.S. News & World Report named Mastery’s Shoemaker Campus as one of the best high schools in 2012.
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, Puma Parent Academy, open door policy
SEPTA routes: 10, 15, 52, G
Simon Gratz Campus
1798 West Hunting Park Ave., 19140
215-227-4408
Rickia Reid, Principal of 11th and 12th
Peter Langer, Principal of 9th and 10th
Email: [email protected],
[email protected]
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Asian – 0%
White – <1%
Latino – 1%
Other – 1%
Points of pride: 99% of seniors gained college
acceptance; 40% of students demonstrated category jump on PSSA (below basic to proficient
and proficient to advanced); AP classes; 94
consecutive school days violence-free for seniors
Measures for positive, safe learning: Safe Corridors, community engagement
Arts activities and classes: Dance instruction;
theater instruction; choir; concert and/or jazz
band; drill team
Additional activities: Hip hop; yearbook;
women’s fitness; anime; computer club; weight
lifting; Gay-Straight Alliance; GEMS; community service club; fashion
Country-coed, Football, Lacrosse, Track & Field
Lacrosse, Soccer, Track & Field
English Literature & Composition, U.S. History
Other special academic offerings: Art; Music;
PE; Technology; Mastery Class; Senior Seminar
(College Readiness); Internship Program
Advertise online
at www.thenotebook.org
Call 215-839-0082
ext. 105 today
Other Parent Association
SEPTA routes: 1, 23, 53, R, Broad Street subway
Thomas Campus
927 Johnston St., 19148
267-236-0036
Kristy Fruit, Principal
Grades served: 7-12
Admissions requirements: Application, students
living in the 19148 zip code are given priority
Latino – 5%
Other – 0%
academic, personal, and interpersonal skills to
Points of pride: 95% student attendance; high
college acceptance rate; honors/AP classes
across grades; Philadelphia School District Performance Index - 2 (1 is highest, 10 is lowest)
Measures for positive, safe learning: We worked
to foster student leaders through: Student
Council, specific clubs and organizations
such as National Honor Society, Gentlemen of
Distinction and the culture team, which identified student support staff. We significantly
increased the number of students involved in
extracurricular programs and sports. Giving
students more voice, agency, and opportunities increased student motivation and buy-in,
which led to a more positive school culture.
Accreditations/awards: EPIC (Effective Practice
Incentive Community) Silver Award Winner
2010, 2011; made AYP: 2006, 2007, 2008,
2009, 2010; U.S. News & World Report ranked
#4 charter high school in Pennsylvania in 2013
classes; visual arts instruction; dance instruction; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Yearbook; green club;
Advanced Ecology club; Cadence Foundation;
cycling club; drama club; National Honor Society; student council; debate club; Gentlemen
of Distinction; D.I.V.A.s (Developing Independent Virtuous Adults); F.A.M.E (Fashion,
Arts, Modeling, Entertainment); writers club;
keyboard club; pep squad; hospitality club
Football, Track & Field, Volleyball*
Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball*
Composition, World History
Grades served: 1-12
Admissions requirements: Application, lottery, preference given to students living in Philadelphia and
students with siblings attending the school
Asian – 0%
White – <1%
Latino – 2%
Other – <1%
Mission statement: To provide a quality education to students and to graduate students
prepared to enter college, vocational training
and today’s workforce. We offer an advanced
curriculum, a class size of 20 students, and a
highly qualified team of certified teachers.
Points of pride: Yearly, 97-98% of our graduates attend college and 2-3% vocational training; high graduation rate; over $1 million in
scholarships awarded to graduates in addition
to their FAFSA allotment; for three consecutive
years, a graduate received the Gates Millennium Scholarship (pays for 10 years of college)
Measures for positive, safe learning: Security staff
is posted throughout the building, including
the restrooms. Rules/regulations are posted in
every classroom. Teachers greet students at their
doors. Teachers and security provide supervision
during lunch. Surveillance cameras are located
throughout the building. Security is posted outside and in the subway during dismissal time.
Accreditations/awards: Won team and individual
championship in the 2013 DeVry University
Math Elite Competition; 1st place out of 163
schools competing in a Stock Market Game; a
senior and junior team won 2nd place in the
Young Scholars of the African American History
Challenge sponsored by 100 Black Men of
Philadelphia; Boys’ Basketball team won the
PIAA Class A State Championship in 2011 (also
Division E champs for three consecutive years)
or ensemble; dance instruction; choir; orchestra; drill team; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Public speaking club;
sewing club; chess club; jewelry-making club;
puzzle club; computer club; yearbook club;
mock trial; cheerleading club; spelling bee
competitions; math club; Spanish club; SAT
prep; homeless project; before- and afterschool program; afterschool tutoring
Boys’ sports: Basketball
Girls’ sports: Basketball
Accounting Technology/Technician & Bookkeeping; Computer Systems Networking &
Telecommunications; Medical, Education, and
Law Academies†
Parent involvement: Other Parent Association;
board of trustees; attend Back to School Night,
report card conferences, annual parent conference; assist in organizing, supporting, and
donating to the Veronica Joyner Scholarship
Fund Luncheon, homeless project, Christmas
Guide 2013
charter
High Schools
(continued)
canned food drive and Thanksgiving baskets;
chaperones on school trips
SEPTA routes: 4, 16, Broad Street subway
MaST Community
Charter School
1800 E. Byberry Rd., 19116
267-348-1100
John F. Swoyer III, CEO
www.mastccs.org
Grades served: K-12
Admissions requirements: Applications due end
of February, lottery in March
Latino – 6%
Other – 4%
Mission statement: MaST creates innovative
pathways for students pursuing knowledge focused on mathematics, science, and technology. The school has a STREAM model (Science,
Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and
Math). We challenge our students to use their
minds well; set high world-class standards for
student achievement; bring teachers, students,
families, and community together to better
educate everyone; and create a “pathway” for
student learning and development.
Points of pride: One-to-one device ratio per
student with over 1,600 devices used; iPad
program in grades 9-12; library media center
offers students access to a HD video studio,
motion capture, animation, floor projection iPad
system, and 3D printer; Lego Robotics program;
a full-size telescope housed in a dome on the
roof; students participate in Wii fitness activities
Measures for positive, safe learning: MaST
implements full bullying programs each year
and has moved to using “Raptor” for background checks of every person who enters the
school. The system does an ID check against
the Megan’s Law list to avoid putting children
at risk. We also use a finger-scanning system
for lunchtime and checking things in and out,
which helps avoid lost money or stolen passcodes. Doors are always locked.
Accreditations/awards: Top 30 schools in
Pennsylvania, U.S. News & World Report,
2012; highest-ranked charter school in Top
100 Philadelphia Area Public High Schools by
Philadelphia magazine, 2012; named in “Great
Philadelphia Schools,” Philadelphia magazine,
2011; over $7.3 million in college scholarships in 2012; National Charter School of the
Year, U.S. Department of Education’s Center for
Education Reform, 2007; Penn Future Award
in 2009 as a Green Building Leader; awarded
Investing in Innovation ASSET grant and Environmental Education grant; 1st-place winner,
PBS Teachers Innovation Award, 2012
choir; concert and/or jazz band; orchestra;
other instrumental ensemble; dance group;
Additional activities: Student newspaper: The
Panther Times; creative kids club; Math 24;
yearbook; student council; SADD; enrichment;
Club 7; National Honor Society; Do It Club;
Club Ophelia; video club; environmental club;
culture club; garden club; astronomy club; fitness club; yoga club; Girls in STEM program;
Lego club; school store; Before and Aftercare;
program nights; Title I nights; Technology
Guide 2013
Nights; STREAM Camp; school app published
for updates and updated for iPad, iPhone,
Android, Google Apps school, Panther Pride
Program, and The Panther Press newsletter
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Soccer,
Intramurals*
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball,
Intramural*
Career & Technical Education programs: 3D
Design & Modeling, Video Production, Project
Lead the Way – Engineering, Web Page Design/
Animation, Robotics (K-12)
AP courses: Biology, Calculus AB, Chemistry,
Psychology, World History
Other special academic offerings: Classes in
design, 3D design, video production, engineering, animation, web design, programming,
sociology, anatomy, personal finance, robotics
School Advisory Council, Association of MaST
Parents, volunteering with field trips, fundraising, Title I Nights, Parent Liaison Committee,
Program Nights, Open House, Movie Nights
Multi-Cultural Academy
Charter School
3821 N. Broad St., 19140
215-227-0513
James Higgins, Executive Director/Principal
www.macs.k12.pa.us
Grades served: 9-12
Waiting list: No
Admissions requirements: Application, attend
information meeting
Asian – 3%
White – 1%
Latino – 3%
Other – 0%
Mission statement: To educate the whole child
by providing a safe environment with strict
discipline in which students can learn and
teachers can instruct while emphasizing the
importance of parental involvement in the
educational process. The vision of our school
is to effect positive change in a multicultural
society by developing well-rounded, highly
educated, and thoughtful individuals who
embody the school’s core values.
Points of pride: High rate of acceptance to
college, many students with full or partial
scholarships; largest classes have only 25
students; ESD and Enrichment classes help
students make up skill gaps in math and reading; students required to perform 20 hours of
community service yearly
Measures for positive, safe learning: We are
built upon a foundation of integrity, dignity,
mutual trust, and intellectual honesty. This
foundation represents the highest possible expression of shared values among every member
of the school. Bullying and disrespect are not
tolerated, creating a safe space where teachers
can teach and students can learn.
Accreditations/awards: 5-time Keystone Awardwinning charter high school; named Title I Distinguished School, Pennsylvania Department
of Education, for closing the achievement gap
in math and reading; named a Best Practices
School by the School District of Philadelphia
for partnership with the community
Additional activities: Science club; yearbook
committee; student council.
Boys’ sports: Co-ed Soccer will start in 201314 school year
Girls’ sports: Co-ed Soccer will start in 201314 school year
Parent involvement: Home & School Association; monthly Parent University; Parent
Resource Center; parent committees
SEPTA routes: 16, 23, 53, 56, H, XH, Broad
Street subway
Nursing; Introduction to Education; Art; Drama;
Statistics; Communications & Public Speaking;
Consumer Math; Calculus; Astronomy; Arabic;
Spanish III; African American History
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, parents required to do 20 hours of volunteer work per year
New Foundations Charter School
New Media Technology
Charter School
4850 Rhawn St., 19136
215-344-6410
William Schilling, 9-12 Principal
www.nfcsonline.org
Grades served: K-12
Asian – 3%
White – 72%
Latino – 10%
Other – <1%
Mission statement: To provide students with the
academic, social, and emotional foundations and
skills necessary to become high-achieving, socially competent stewards of their communities.
Committed to lifelong learning and achievement
for students by creating an atmosphere of caring
that pervades every aspect of school life, and
promotes attachment to and responsibility for all
members of our school community.
Points of pride: New building with 2-story library/
media center, 2 computer labs, gym and fitness
center, school store, student lounge, 4 science
labs, 6 laptop carts, art and music rooms;
College & Career Counseling Center; rigorous
college/career curriculum; National Service
Learning; dual enrollment; National Honor
Society; student council; career education and
internships; 28 elective course offerings
Accreditations/awards: Recognized as one of the
top high schools in Philadelphia by the Northeast Times; recognized nationally for participation in National Service Learning Conference
Measures for positive, safe learning: As a caring
community, our school takes pride in respecting
and appreciating difference. Proactive efforts
such as class meetings, peer mediation, student
assistance program, and the enforcement of
consistent discipline procedures have created a
safe learning environment. School security and
video surveillance are used as additional tools.
ensemble; visual arts instruction; dance instruction; dance group; school play or musical(s)
student government; newspaper; robotics; web
design; guitar; chess; glee club; study skills;
yearbook; dance team; service learning; European trip; drama club
& Field, Volleyball
Foreign languages: Arabic, French, Spanish,
Italian, Chinese
AP courses: Biology, English Literature & Composition, Psychology, Spanish Language
Other special academic offerings: Criminal
Justice; Forensics; Anatomy; History of Philadelphia; Web Design; Robotics; Introduction to
8034 Thouron St., 19150
267-286-6900
Reuben Mills, CEO
www.nmtcs.net
Grades served: 6-12
Asian – 0%
White – 0%
Latino – 0%
Other –0%
Mission statement: To provide a student-centered
learning community that is project-based,
technology-driven, and culturally affirming.
Points of pride: Safe and nurturing; technologydriven
Measures for positive, safe learning: School leaders inspire a shared vision for the integration of
cultural awareness, technology and collaborative learning, and foster an environment that
is conducive to the realization of that vision.
Students will understand that lifelong learning
forms the basis of knowledge and wisdom.
Arts activities and classes: Visual arts instruction; film/video instruction; theater instruction;
choir; dance group; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Mock trial; film club; yearbook club; student government; Honor Society;
Philadelphia Center for Arts & Technology
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Indoor Track & Field,
Track & Field, Intramural Basketball and Football*
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Indoor Track & Field,
Track & Field
Page, Digital/Multimedia & Information Resources Design
Parent involvement: Other Parent Association,
chaperoning trips, volunteering, fundraising,
board meetings
SEPTA routes: 6, 18, 22, H, XH
The Philadelphia Academy
Charter School
1700 Tomlinson Rd., 19116
215-673-3990
Larry Sperling, CEO
www.philadelphiaacademy.org
Grades served: K-12
Asian – 3%
White – 85%
Latino – 5%
Other – <1%
We’re available 24/7:
Check out the Notebook online at
www.thenotebook.org
charter
High Schools
Mission statement: Students are strongly encouraged to attend every day on time, behave
appropriately and put forth their best effort
possible. The staff maintains high expectations
and provides creative, rigorous instruction,
utilizing state of the art educational tools.
Our faculty and staff commit themselves to
modeling for our students a love of learning
and a deep level of caring and respect for our
students and the members of our community.
Points of pride: State-of-the-art physics lab
with 3D printer, 5 computer labs, 8 MacBook
mobile carts, 8 iPad carts and many webbased apps; fundraising that contributes over
$35,000 per year to charitable organizations;
small class sizes; high school attendance of
95%; few discipline issues
Accreditations/awards: Charter renewal in
2003, 2008 and 2013; cited for excellence
by Pennsylvania Department of Education for
service to students with special needs (2008,
2010, 2013); cited for excellence in National
Honor Society, 2012
Measures for positive, safe learning: Positive
behavior reinforcement programs/incentives;
Project Wisdom (anti-bullying program); peer
mediation classes; a clean environment with student work prominently displayed; a rich science,
technology, engineering, arts and math environment; 11th-best SAT scores out of 84 public
high schools; near 100% on-time graduation rate
instruction; theater instruction; concert and/or
jazz band; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Academic tutoring; newspaper; media arts; SAT prep; cheerleading;
swimming; National Honor Society; community
service; weight room; salsa dancing; summer
programs for academic review; extended school
year; summer camp and enrichment classes;
annual art gallery; annual transition dinner
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Soccer,
(middle school sports program*)
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Softball,
(middle school sports program*)
AP courses: Calculus AB, English Language &
Composition, English Literature & Composition, Government & Politics, U.S. History,
World History
Other special academic offerings: Robotics,
Ecology, Zoology, Psychology, Contemporary
American History (writing based)
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, School Advisory Council, volunteering in
classrooms and lunchroom; chaperoning trips;
fundraising dinners and book fairs; assisting
with athletic events
Philadelphia Electrical &
Technology Charter High School
1420-22 Chestnut St., 19102
267-514-1823
Michael Nemitz, CEO
www.petchs.org
Grades served: 9-12
Asian – 0%
White – 30%
Latino – 7%
Other – 3%
Mission statement: To develop the skills and
knowledge in students so that they will be employable in the high-tech industries of the 21st
century. Our vision is to provide each student
with the skills and knowledge for college and
the workplace.
Points of pride: Exceeded the standard for
Pennsylvania academic growth in math and
reading (PVASS ratings); award-winning Cooperative Education Program; vibrant community
service program; summer and afterschool 21st
Century program for academic tutoring and
recreational activities.
Measures for positive, safe learning: Zero tolerance violence policy; Parent Discipline Review
Committee; annual update of board-approved
discipline policy; 7 security personnel
Accreditations/awards: School District of Philadelphia Best Practice Awards, 2005-06 and
2006-07
Additional activities: Annual talent show;
National Honor Society; student government;
yearbook: Union; multicultural club; broadcasting club
Boys’ sports: Baseball, Basketball
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Softball
AP courses: U.S. History
Other Parent Association, volunteering in
school library, discipline review committee,
serving on board of trustees
SEPTA routes: Broad Street subway, MarketFrankford El
The Preparatory Charter School
of Math, Science, Technology
& Careers
1928 Point Breeze Ave., 19145
215- 334-6144
John Smith, Principal
www.theprepcharterschool.org
Grades served: 9-12
Admissions requirements: Philadelphia resident,
application in the fall, lottery in the spring,
students interested in transferring into 10th,
11th, or 12th grade may apply at any time
Latino – 4%
Other – <1%
Mission statement: Provides a nurturing and
challenging atmosphere in which students acquire the knowledge and experience needed to
prepare them to become productive members
of society. Prep Charter will help its students
achieve high academic standards and develop
essential career skills while giving them extensive experiences in service to their community.
Points of pride: Made AYP: 2009, 2010, 2011;
Keystone Achievement Awards: 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007
Arts activities and classes: Choir; concert and/or
jazz band; drum line; drill team
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Lacrosse
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Lacrosse
Foreign languages: Arabic
Career & Technical Education programs: Accounting Technology/Technician & Bookkeeping, Childcare & Support Services Management, Dental Assisting/Assistant
www.thenotebook.org
Your source for
independent news on the
Philadelphia schools.
AP courses: Computer Science A, English
Language & Composition
Richard Allen Preparatory
Charter School
2601 S. 58th Street, 19143
215-878-1544
Lawrence Jones, CEO
www.rapcs.org
Grades served: 5-10
Admissions requirements: Complete intent to
enroll form. If there are more applicants than
there are available slots, a public lottery is held.
Asian – 1%
White – 1%
Latino – <1%
Other – <1%
SEPTA routes: 11, 36, 37, G
Sankofa Freedom Academy
Charter
4256 Paul St., 19124
215-288-2001
Ayesha Imani, CEO & Founder
www.sfacs.us
Grades served: K-12
Admissions requirements: Application, lottery,
preference given to students from the 19124
catchment area
Asian – 0%
White – <1%
Latino – 8%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: We are dedicated to increasing literacy and numeracy levels throughout the
community and promoting respect for scholarship, servant leadership, conflict resolution, personal, social, and environmental responsibility.
Our school engenders students, staff, and the
community with a love for learning, respect for
scholarship, pride in heritage and a commitment to personal and societal transformation.
Points of pride: High college acceptance rate
for first graduating class; 75% of senior class
completed international service projects to
Ecuador, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and
Gambia, West Africa; 6-week social action
internships for seniors; seniors are founders of
the Quality Education Youth Collective
Measures for positive, safe learning: Establishment of the Sankofa Gay-Straight Alliance
founded and run by students; Rites of Passage, Conflict Resolution programs; servant
leadership; peer mentoring program; genderbased overnights
Accreditations/awards: Carver Science Fair honorable mention, 2013; Carver Science Fair winners, 2010, 2011, 2012; Regional Black History
Bowl, 2012; City Wide Reading Olympics 2011,
2012, 2013; Constitution Debate Champions,
2013; City Wide Debate Finals, 2012, 2013
visual arts instruction; film/video instruction; theater instruction; other instrumental
ensemble; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Magazine; newsletter;
newspaper; Freedom School; peer mentors
(Ujima Trainers); National Honor Society;
mandatory sports for all
Country-coed, Football, Indoor Track & Field,
Soccer club* (students also play football with
Frankford High School)
Indoor Track & Field, Softball, Soccer club*,
Cheerleading*
Other special academic offerings: Honors Statistics, Honors Environmental Sciences, Honors
Pre-Calculus, dual enrollment program with
community college
volunteering in classrooms, chaperone trips, attend school activities, participate in intergenerational computer club, attend parent meetings
SEPTA routes: Market-Frankford El
String Theory High School
for the Arts & Sciences
1600 Vine St., 19102
215-334-4222
Jack Carr, Principal
www.stringtheoryschools.com
Grades served: 9
2011-12 enrollment: NA, new school in 2013
Student racial demographics: NA
Mission statement: To educate each child
so that learning and growth are united. Our
school integrates the developing mind and
body of each child through academics and
the performing arts. We ensure each child’s
excellence in academic skills and awaken and
preserve the spirit of students through the
classical arts, science, and technology. We also
nourish their spirit and curiosity.
Points of pride: Largest charter in city with 2,525
students; purchased the former GlaxoSmithKline
national headquarters at 1600 Vine St. and
sold the largest charter bond issued in the city;
partnerships with major performing arts organizations; students may perform in touring Broadway
productions; a Distinguished Apple School
Measures for positive, safe learning: We maintain a low student-to-faculty-and-staff ratio,
and encourage students and staff to participate in the school community. We provide
ongoing training to our faculty and staff on
safety and security issues.
Accreditations/awards: Awarded a $1.5 million
grant from the Philadelphia School Partnership
in 2012.
arts instruction; film/video instruction; dance
and/or jazz band; orchestra; other instrumental
ensemble; dance group; school play or musical(s)
Additional activities: Student newspaper; debate
team; yearbook; Environmental Action Club;
film club; community service club; Mathletes;
Model United Nations; mock trial team; National Honor Society; vocal club; chess and strategy
club; step team; robotics club; investment club;
novel discussion group; music production club
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Soccer, Softball,
Foreign languages: French, Chinese, Latin
Career & Technical Education programs: A
S.T.E.A.M. School (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)
Other special academic offerings: Our school is
opening with only a 9th grade for the 2013-14
academic year. The College Board does not
endorse AP courses for 9th-grade students.
We will offer AP courses for the 2014-15
school year. Students select an art- or sciencespecific major to be studied on a daily basis in
addition to academic courses.
Guide 2013
charter
High Schools
(continued)
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, School Advisory Council, Performance
Committee, School Activity Committee, Building Committee.
SEPTA routes: Broad Street subway
Tacony Academy Charter School
6238 Rising Sun Ave., 19111
267-388-8656
Sterling Garris, CEO
www.ap-schools.org/taconyacademy/about.php
Grades served: K-12
Asian – 2%
White – 39%
Latino – 22%
Other – 5%
Mission statement: To enhance, support and
promote creative and critical thinking as well
as the problem-solving skills of school-age
learners, all while mastering Pennsylvania and
national standards.
Points of pride: A caring school community
of learners; partnership with the Franklin
Institute and the S.T.E.M. Program; weekly
newsletter: MICS (Music in Charter Schools);
invention convention; dual enrollment with
Manor College
Measures for positive, safe learning: Implementation of the Caring School Community and
Alternative to Violence Project
dance instruction; choir; concert and/or jazz
band; orchestra
Additional activities: Art; Tacony Times; 4-H
club; tennis; ballroom dancing; science club;
chess; student government; student dances;
poetry (Word Jam); guitar club; homework club
Country-coed, Golf, Indoor Track & Field, Soccer, Track & Field
Indoor Track & Field, Softball, Track & Field
Composition, Government & Politics, Psychology
Parent involvement: Fundraising activities and
events; volunteering and assistance with field trips
SEPTA routes: 18
Truebright Science Academy
Charter School
407 E. Roosevelt Blvd., 19120
215-225-3437
Bekir Duz, CEO
www.truebright.org
Grades served: 7-12
Asian – 0%
White – 3%
Latino – 11%
Other – 1%
Mission statement: To offer an educational model with a focus on science and technology that
will equip all students with the core knowledge
and skills necessary to succeed in colleges and
the competitive global world.
Points of pride: Caring school community; small
Guide 2013
class size; Saturday Academy program; high
college acceptance rate; over $1.5 million in
scholarships for class of 2013 (48 seniors);
over $1.5 million in scholarships for class of
2012 (49 seniors); over $1.2 million in scholarships for class of 2011 (36 seniors)
Accreditations/awards: Made AYP: 200809,2009-10 and 2011-12; high college
acceptance rate for 2012-13 graduates;
Regional Science Olympiad at Millersville University 2012-13: 2nd and 4th place; Regional
Science Olympiad at Millersville University
2011-12: 1st and 4th place; Regional Science
Olympiad at Kutztown University 2010-11: 1st
and 3rd place
classes; visual arts instruction; film/video instruction; dance instruction; theater instruction;
choir; drum line; other instrumental ensemble
Additional activities: Science fair; Science
Olympiad; MathCounts; SAT/ACT clubs; college mentorship program; student council/
government; National Honor Society; National
Junior Honor Society; speech and debate club;
newspaper club; yearbook club; drama club;
movie club; chess; drum line; music appreciation; recycling club
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Soccer*
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Soccer*
Foreign languages: Spanish, Turkish
SEPTA routes: 1, R
Walter D. Palmer Leadership
Learning Partners Charter School
(a.k.a. Leadership Preparatory Academy)
5502 Harbison Ave., 19124
267-341-9830
D. Damaas Stephens, CEO
www.wdp-llpcs.org
Grades served: K-12
Admission requirements: Lottery system for
enrollment.
Latino –16%
Other – 0%
Mission statement: To promote dynamic partnerships that allow administrators, social workers,
parents, teachers, and students the educational
and social options and techniques relevant to
social growth and academic excellence.
Points of pride: Leadership character development; safe environment; strong parent involvement; highly qualified instructional staff
Measures for positive, safe learning: Increased
intervention and support including a Safe Corridor for traveling to and from school, as well
as strong community partnerships. Heightened
expectations and accountability for students, parents, and staff to proactively sustain a positive,
student-centered, and safe learning environment.
Accreditations/awards: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; Commission on
Institution-Wide Accreditation
Arts activities and classes: Visual arts instruction; film/video instruction; dance instruction;
theater instruction
Additional activities: Nationally ranked chess
club; partnership with PhillyCAM; Mural Arts;
afterschool tutoring and enrichment
Boys’ sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country-coed, Indoor Track & Field, Track & Field
Girls’ sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country-coed, Indoor Track & Field, Track & Field
Other special academic offerings: WorkReady
Philadelphia; student internships; Film & Me-
dia; service learning; Foundations of Leadership
Parent involvement: Home & School Association, School Advisory Council, Parent Council
Organization and Parent Ambassadors for
each classroom. Committees on transportation, fundraising, academics, tutoring, safety,
enrichment programs, post-secondary planning, and outreach.
World Communications
Charter School
512 S. Broad St., 19146
215-735-3198
Lord Ryder, CEO
Janet Middleton, Principal
www.worldcomcs.org
Grades served: 6-12
Admissions requirements: Applications accepted
Oct. 1-March 31, lottery third week in April,
preference given to Philadelphia residents and
siblings of current students
Asian – 3%
White – 1%
Latino – 3%
Other – 3%
Mission statement: To create students who question their environment, learn from their experiences, and change the world with their ideas.
Points of pride: National Honor Society; National Junior Honor Society; Network for Teaching
Entrepreneurs; chess team
Measures for positive, safe learning: Schoolwide safety and behavior support plans for all
students and staff members.
Accreditations/awards: U.S. News & World
Report Bronze Medal School, 2012
or ensemble; visual arts instruction; theater
instruction; choir; drill team
Additional activities: Student council; afterschool tutoring; guitar club; knitting club;
LGTBA Association; diversity club; Gals Inc.
Partner; male mentoring
Country-coed, Football, Indoor Track & Field,
Track & Field, Bowling*, Golf*
Indoor Track & Field, Track & Field, Volleyball,
Bowling*, Golf*
Other special academic offerings: iPad Program;
nanotechnology course; art and music tech
courses
chaperoning trips
SEPTA routes: 4, 17, 32, 40, 44, Broad Street
subway
YouthBuild Philadelphia
Charter School
1231 N. Broad St., 3rd and 5th Floors, 19122
215-627-8671
Simran Sidhu, CEO
www.youthbuildphilly.org
Grades served: 12 only - accelerated diploma
program
Waiting list: No
Admissions requirements: Application, interview,
information session, six-day “mental toughness
training” if selected
Asian – 1%
White – 3%
Latino – 2%
Other – 2%
Mission statement: Provides out-of-school youth
in Philadelphia with the broadest range of
tools, supports and opportunities to become
self-sufficient, responsible, contributing members and leaders in their community.
Points of pride: Supportive school culture;
students are part-time AmeriCorps members
and spend at least 675 hours in community
service; emphasis on transition and success
after YouthBuild; 72% of 2012 graduates
were working or enrolled in post-secondary
education within six months of finishing the
program; staff and professional environment;
named a Top Workplace by Philly.com for the
last 3 years
Measures for positive, safe learning: We use
restorative practices in our school to resolve
conflicts, maintain a positive and safe school
culture, and support our students’ individual
growth.
Accreditations/awards: Granted charter in 1997,
renewed in 2006 and 2011; Gates Foundation
commended YouthBuild in 2006 for its personalized school culture; received a Harris Wofford
Award for Active Citizenship in 2009
or ensemble
Additional activities: Page to Stage (writing and
spoken word); peer connectors; Youth Congress; yearbook; music club; fashion show
Boys’ sports: Basketball, depending on interest
Career and Technical programs: Building Trades
– construction, carpentry, green-building techniques, Commercial Driver’s License training,
Child Development Associate training, Certified
Nursing Assistant training, Home Health Aide
training, Information Technology, Business
Administration training
Parent involvement: Annual Community Night
SEPTA routes: 15 trolley, Broad Street subway
Looking
for an
Outstanding
School?
You are invited to
Central High School
1700 W. Olney Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19141
on Saturday, October 19, 2013
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
for an
Open House
Come and meet the staff
and students, tour the building
and discover the unique
programs offered at Central.
If your last name begins with the letter:
Timothy J. McKenna, President
Jackie Betof, Assistant Principal
Theresa Harrington, Assistant Principal
Everything you want to know about all
of the K-12 schools in Philly:
academic results
college enrollment
safety
extracurricular activities
graduation rates
... and much more!
greatphillyschools.org
PHILLY HIGH SCHOOL FAIR
explore your options
*
*
*
*
*
+
*
*
*
Saturday, November 16
*
9 am – 5 pm
The Armory at Drexel University
*
33rd and Market St.
*
Find out about academic and special programs,
extracurriculars, admissions, and more
*
www.phillyhighschoolfair.com
Guide 2013

PDF - Philadelphia Public School Notebook

Transcription

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