ILLUMINATE

Excellence

Begin the journey to your best.

Where the light in every student shines bright.

Penn Charter, a leading Friends school set on 47 acres in Philadelphia’s vibrant East Falls neighborhood, serves students from pre-K through grade 12. Driven by discovery, possibility, growth, and innovation, we inspire excellence in every learner.


Here, we educate the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—preparing them to think critically, act with compassion, and lead with integrity.


Guided by Quaker values—community, equality, integrity, peace, service, simplicity, social justice, and stewardship—PC students learn to use their voices for the greater good.

We invite you to learn more, and begin the journey to uncovering new passions and purpose—and discover the excellence that exists within you. 

Discover The Difference

Through a robust curriculum, enhanced athletics, vibrant arts, and meaningful community engagement, Penn Charter students discover their passions, build resilience, and unlock their distinct potential. Athletes cultivate dedication and teamwork, while artists and scholars discover fresh opportunities for expression and innovation.

The result is a community where every student is empowered to make a difference—and to carry that impact far beyond our campus.


Discover how Penn Charter students are educated to live lives that make a difference.

Arc illustration

86%

Teachers with Advanced Degrees

50

Advanced Courses and Independent Study offered

89%

of Seniors Attending One of Their Top-Choice Colleges

35%

Students of Color

16

Students in Average Lower, Middle and Upper School Class

40%

Students Receiving Need-Based Financial Aid

109

Zip Codes Represented In Student Body

5:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

47

Acre Campus in East Falls, Philadelphia

336

Years Since The School Was Founded (1689)

Empowering Each Student's Life To Speak

At Penn Charter, we foster a culture of excellence that promotes innovation, inquiry and interdisciplinary learning, rooted in Quaker values. Discover the depth of our academic programming below.

Lower school students

Lower School

(Pre-K-Grade 5)

Middle school students

Middle School

(Grades 6-8)

Upper school students

Upper School

(Grades 9-12)

The Voices Of
Penn Charter

Arts, Academics, Athletics (3 As)

“I like that Penn Charter gives you an opportunity to participate in athletics and arts, and they make sure that you thrive in academics. I think that being involved in all three areas is important for character development, and that definitely plays a part in why the students at Penn Charter are so awesome! I have enjoyed trying field hockey this year, and my classes are so engaging. I have also really enjoyed Jazz Band this year."


—Lena P, 8th grade

Student-Faculty Relationship

“In my experience, the teachers here will always be your biggest cheerleader, in that they want you to succeed, in every way possible, both academically and in extracurriculars. They will show up to support the play or musical, or even stop by a home game to cheer you on. They also make themselves available to you as much as possible to offer additional support.”


—Karya K, Class of 2025

Quaker Values

”The Quaker Values serve as guidelines for the students on how to be a positive contributor to the community of both Penn Charter and Philadelphia. Quakerism prioritizes values like peace and integrity in creating a community of people who all feel respected and uplifted. The idea of the "light of God" in everyone is truly reflected at Penn Charter where every passion, idea, and identity is supported and allowed to develop through the opportunities at Penn Charter."


—Grace A, Class of 2024

“As a ‘lifer’ at Penn Charter [who attended K-12], I always imagined that my children would attend this school. What continues to inspire me is how PC acknowledges and fosters the leadership potential in each and every student. Exceptional teachers empower my daughters, igniting their passion for learning. It warms my heart to witness my eldest daughter being coached in water polo by my favorite math teacher and the very same coach I had for water polo. Penn Charter offers a place for everyone, and the teachers are invested in the success of their students. My daughters are flourishing here."


—Josh T, Class of 1995; Middle and Upper School parent

ILLUMINATE

Excellence

Penn Charter is the oldest Quaker school in the world and a top choice for a Pre-K to 12 education in Philadelphia that brings out the best of students' minds, bodies, hearts and spirits.

Contact admissions:
215.844.3460 ext. 103

admissions@penncharter.com