Frequently Asked
Questions
Who is Philly for Great Public Schools?
Philly for Great Public Schools is a coalition of community members and leaders who are focused on advancing education outcomes for Philadelphia students by increasing the number of high-quality schools in our city. We believe great public schools come in all forms, from traditional public neighborhood schools to magnet school programs and public charter schools.
What types of public schools are available in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia offers several types of public education options including neighborhood schools (where students are assigned based on where they live), citywide admission schools (open to students across Philadelphia), special admission/magnet schools (which have specific admission criteria), and public charter schools. Each type serves different student needs and interests.
Who decides what schools open and close in Philadelphia?
The School District of Philadelphia's (SDP) Board of Education votes on all decisions about opening and closing district schools. For charter schools, the Board also votes on whether to approve new charter schools or close existing ones. These decisions are made through public votes at Board meetings.
How can students apply to public magnet schools?
The School District of Philadelphia (SDP) offers criteria-based school options for middle and high school students. Click here to view up-to-date guidance on the District’s school selection process.
Can a family choose a district school that is not their catchment school?
The School District of Philadelphia’s (SDP) school selection process allows families to apply to attend district schools with available space other than their catchment school. Click here to view up-to-date guidance on the District’s school selection process
Are charter schools public schools?
Yes, all charter schools in Pennsylvania are tuition-free, nonprofit public schools. Charter schools have the flexibility to be innovative, and are held accountable for student and operational performance. Open to all students, each of these independent public schools is different, increasing the variety of high-quality school choices available across the city.
Who can attend public charter schools?
Public charter schools are open to students across Philadelphia, serving students K-12, with some schools drawing from specific catchment areas and others open citywide. Philadelphia's public charter schools are built on the belief that every student should have the opportunity to attend a great school that puts their needs first, regardless of zip code, income, or ability level.
How are public charter schools held accountable?
All public charter schools must first be authorized to operate by the School District of Philadelphia's (SDP) Board of Education. Like traditional public schools, all charter schools are accountable to state and federal public education laws. Public charter schools also undergo extensive oversight by SDP with a regular, rigorous charter renewal process. Renewal recommendations are based on a body of evidence across three key pillars: academic performance, financial health, and governance. Schools are also evaluated on whether they have met the goals and deliverables outlined in their charter agreement.
How are public charter schools funded and managed?
Public charter schools receive state funding based on their enrollment. State funding is provided annually to the school district; the district then allocates a portion of this funding to Philadelphia charter schools based on the number of students each school serves. The district keeps a portion of funding to cover centralized, administrative costs.
Who teaches at public charter schools?
The passionate and dedicated teachers at Philadelphia's public charter schools are learning experts, with bachelor's degrees and subject matter competency. They also undergo background checks — just like teachers at traditional public schools — to ensure children’s safety.
How can you attend a public charter school?
Every year, Philly students can participate in the application process for all public charter schools. Many public charter schools participate in using the Apply Philly Charter (APC) standard application. The APC site is available in multiple languages and offers additional translation services. For more informaiton, visit SDP's Charter Schools Office website.
What are the demographics of students attending public charter schools in Philadelphia?
Public charter schools serve a broad and diverse range of students, including students of color, students from low-income households, second language learners and students with disabilities or other special needs.
In Philadelphia, 88% of charter school students are students of color, and 23% of charter school students in Philadelphia have a disability.
What are the benefits of funding school repairs and new school facilities?
Investing in the repair and improvement of school facilities is critical to supporting student success, staff well-being, and community equity. Well-maintained facilities reduce exposure to hazardous materials, mold, and poor ventilation. As a result, attendance, concentration, test scores, and graduation rates improve. Improvements also reduce the chance of legal liability, keeping buildings up to code and ADA compliant. Studies consistently show that students perform better in clean, well-lit, and temperature-controlled environments. Facility improvements increase morale amongst teachers and school staff, leading to better instruction for students, plus provide a vital community resource. Schools often serve as vital community hubs for events, adult education, and civic services. Investing in equitable facilities ensures that underserved communities have equal access to quality spaces.
How are public charter schools impacted by inequitable facilities funding?
Despite being public schools, charters do not receive dedicated funding for buildings or repairs. Public charter schools must cover facility costs, rent, maintenance, and upgrades out of their own operating budgets. Public charter schools also receive less funding per student, on average, than traditional public schools, leading to a significant funding gap. This comes at the expense of students. Funds that could be invested in staffing, technology, and student services are diverted to pay for buildings, often leaving students in outdated, overcrowded, or inadequate learning environments. To ensure all public school students have access to safe and supportive facilities, it's essential to address the funding inequities faced by public charter schools too.