Project Learn School

Prepare to be disillusioned. Project Learn School does not have a principal. It has an administrative committee that makes decisions about what issues to bring before the parent community for them to vote on. If this sounds cumbersome, time consuming and stressful, that is because it is! I chose PLS because I hoped for involvement in my children's school. However, this place just spins in circles with no leadership and no ability to make important decisions. Read your contract carefully. It is important to note that if the school makes a mistake on its budget (prepared by a parent) and runs out of money mid-year, they have the right to bill an extra tuition payment to each family to make up for the shortfall. They have done this in many recent years so be prepared to pay more than you think. The school environment is warm and friendly but many families have left in recent years due to concerns about academic quality. I agree with the child centered philosophy of the school, however, children still need academic preparation (i.e. cover the appropriate coursework) in order to be prepared to participate with their peers from other schools in high school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school, with dedicated, creative teachers and a strong curriculum. There are so many wonderful "extras" that compliment the educational program. Kids are encouraged to work independently, and learn for the sake of learning. I can't imagine sending my kids to any other school.
--Submitted by a parent

The art program at Project Learn is excellent. However, sadly, this is where the excellence ends. Although they advertise that the teachers are certified, the majority are not. Also, they brand themselves as a "humanistic" school. At one point, I believe they may have been, however this does not seem to be the case currently. Because of their Humanistic message however, they attract many children who are different learners. They involve the families, take their money, but fail to provide the proper education for these children. They are doing a great disservice to many children and their families, but without their revenue, the whole school would financially fail. As far as the cooperative aspect of this school, there is nothing cooperative about it. A few families dominate, resulting in the minority choosing the school's direction. This school lacks follow through, needed leadership, or resources to teach the majority of it's students. If you are to visit, please note, the physical appearance of this school greatly reflects the school itself, i.e. disorganized. I feel very sorry for the few decent teachers and families that remain. Buyer beware!
--Submitted by a parent

PL is the best out there! My daughter attended PL and it was a wonderful part of her educational journal. We loved this school so much that we still support the work that they do almost ten years later. BRAVO PL!!!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. I've watched my shy girl blossom into a confident and happy child who loves school, loves reading, and has made really strong friendships. The school provides the right environment for her to feel secure in her own abilities where she can "just be herself." I highly recommend this school to any parent who is looking for small classroom sizes (12 to 16 kids per class!), individual attention, great art, high standards, and a love of learning and teaching!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been part of the Project Learn (PL) community since 1997. I love the co-oping and governance structures - parents can get involved in their child's education in a deep and meaningful way, both by using their individual skills, and as part of the Town Meeting which makes all major decisions for the school. Both of our kids looked forward to going to school every day while at PL. Our oldest went to Central for high school, loved it, and graduated in the top 10, then got a scholarship to the Honors College at U. of Md. The staff and community at PL are wonderful, and the kids learn skills about taking responsibility for their own learning and looking out for themselves using social skills and creative problem solving.
--Submitted by a parent

Project Learn School is the best elementary independent school in the Philadelphia area because it teaches to the student not the test.
--Submitted by a parent

Children are whole people there. They develop their minds and their social selves there seamlessly. They graduate whole people, not just test scores.
--Submitted by a parent

Project Learn School makes learning a truly joyful endeavor. The teachers here really love the kids and love teaching. They work very hard to make learning a hands-on experience whenever possible. Kids get choices and in that way become responsible for their own education. Both of my kids love this school and are thriving. I love the community-- working together with other parents and teachers to make PLS a wonderful place for all of our kids.
--Submitted by a parent

We are so happy to have our daughter at Project Learn School. After searching far and wide for exactly the right environment - open, child-centered, non-competitive - when we walked into PLS we knew that this was it. PLS teaches kids to think and explore and our daughter loves to learn. She wants to come to school on the weekend! We have no doubt that she, like the majority of PLS grads, will go on to the high school and college of her choice and blossom into the thoughtful, compassionate leader she is meant to become.
--Submitted by a parent