Powel Samuel School

My children have been at Powel since 2009 and I love it! Even we moved to the Frankford section of the city. We had the opportunity to change schools, but decided that the commute was worth it. They have had a new principal since last school year and she makes it a point to invest in every student there. The teachers are the reason I couldn't send my children anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter graduated from Powel in 2004. I feel she got a top notch education there. She went on to Gamp, others went to Masterman and Carver. In 2004 the curriculum changed for Philadelphia public school students and that has a lot to do with children struggling in reading and math.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Powel. The teachers are deeply invested in the school and extremely attentive. I have always felt welcome in the classroom and appreciate the effort that individual staff members make to supplement the curriculum with field trips, visiting artists, and additional materials.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Powel for 3+ years now and is thriving. We feel that she is stimulated, safe, and has access to many activities such as instrumental music, class trips to local museums and events, and diverse clubs at Powel. Parents, teachers, and the principal work together and are deeply invested in the school's success.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a first grader, I must say I have become very disappointed in the school. The teachers are not parent friendly, on an average you are treat as an outcast. What I find ironic that the parents are involved and the teachers are distant. The curriculum is being taught to the children without phonics. Some children gets it and sme don't. If your child doesn't get it they are left behind. The intervention that they have is not helpful. The college students do not come on a regular basis for tutoring so it is not helpful. When a teacher is absent for a period of time, there are too many subustitutes, expecially at this age, children need consistency. I am definitely looking into Catholic School.
—Submitted by a parent

Powel has a diverse students body, all of whom are offered a high quality education that will give them the opportunity to be admitted into any of the academically competitive high schools in the city.

My daughter attends this small public school and loves it. The teachers are great as is the curriculum. There is a lot of parent and community involvement. The school always meets AYP and takes kids from outside the catchment area.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my sons second year at Powell, he started in kindergarten and now 1st. I can say that the teachers are attentive, the staff friendly, and the school overall has that small school effect where everyone can virtually know everyone if you take your time to say hello. There could be more extracurricular activities though.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Powel. The school is small and the staff members are great! My children have really learned a lot and enjoy going to school. They have music lessons and other activities with lots of parental involvement.
—Submitted by a parent