Founded in 1972, The Philadelphia School (TPS) is an independent school serving students in preschool through eighth grade in Center City Philadelphia. Our mission is to educate children for a future that is impossible to know but not impossible to shape—a mission that could not be more relevant than it is today.

Within a framework of evidence-based teaching methodologies, The Philadelphia School applies a distinct progressive educational approach that is renowned throughout the region and has established the school’s reputation as a center for joyful, life-long learning.

This approach includes a school-wide commitment to experiential, hands-on learning; we know that children learn best by doing. From preschoolers planting seeds in the expansive Garden that surrounds our Early Childhood Education Center, to eighth graders organizing a school-wide letter-writing campaign to affect change in their city, we encourage our students’ thoughtful, age-appropriate, and participatory learning throughout their years at The Philadelphia School.

This hands-on learning also occurs far beyond the classroom walls of our two Lombard Street campuses. Students from kindergarten through eighth grade develop their knowledge of and responsibility to our city through active, off-campus engagement with Philadelphia’s vast resources in history, the arts and sciences, community groups, and more.

As children growing up in an urban landscape, there is also equal attention to bringing students out into nature, forging their sense of environmental stewardship and deepening their connection to the natural world.

The Philadelphia School is committed to anti-racist and anti-bias education. Diversity is a core value at The Philadelphia School, because we know that our community is at its best when it reflects different worldviews, identities, histories, and abilities. Issues around diversity and equity are woven into our curriculum at all grades and reflected in different ways as we nurture each student’s sense of empathy, integrity, respect for individuality, and advocacy for themselves and others.

Above all else is The Philadelphia School’s focus on the whole child, helping each student develop to their potential intellectually, creatively, emotionally, socially, and physically at every stage of their development. Students are seen for who they are, engaged to discover who they could be, and respected as individuals by their teachers and peers throughout their time at our school. Students are encouraged to ask questions, seek answers, and be active participants in their own learning.

The Philadelphia School alumni matriculate to the region’s top public and private high schools and from there to private and public colleges and universities across the country, with many going on to pursue advanced degrees. They are also known to be confident, caring, lifelong learners who are prepared to thrive in high school, in college, and in life.

We invite you to schedule a virtual tour and learn more about the joyful learning now taking place at The Philadelphia School. Go to our website or contact our Admissions office to learn more.

The Philadelphia School supports the Philly Family Community.