Philadelphia Performing Arts CS

This is my kids first year at PPACS, and I really love the school. The work load is heavy, but they have adjusted. I really love the education and the arts. There is always something fun or enjoyable for the kids to do in the school. Only thing I wish I could change is that they would let more parent volunteers into the classroom. Its so hard to get into the school and actually volunteer in the classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

Unlike most reviews on this website I was a student who went here NOT a parent so I really know what goes on in this school. The teachers pass around gossip like they are all students and when students are in an environment that perhaps encourages that they learn to think doing so is okay. I could not stand being in that school for my 7th and 8th grade they were horrible years for me and changed my whole life. However, the music teaching is great. The school also picks on certain kids and they always get in trouble for normal things kids do it's almost as if the teachers like to call parents on purpose and watch the kids suffer. Certain teachers allow kids to cut class. Some teachers are very good but majority of the teachers in this school will pick out favorite students and treat them better than everyone else. The school is such a fake place to be in and its horrible for a kid to grow up surrounded by a bunch of people who try to act like the school is so great but in reality the school is not as great as it seems. The teachers would sometimes talk and make fun of children who were absent with the students who were in that day. Its sick and not as great as people say.

My son is beginning first grade at PPACS. His kindergarten year was both enjoyable and challenging. The workload is heavy but nothing the kids couldn't handle. He came out of kindergarten having studied subjects I never learned until 3rd or 4th grade. LOVED his teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I have my two daughters at PPACS. I am extremely happy with the teachers, the curriculum and the extra activities (ballet, violin, French, vocal, visual art and creative writing). The school culture is wonderful: zero tolerance for bulling and good manners are reinforced. The school is very safe and comforting. The kids are welcomed by the school staff in the morning. The school opens the doors early to accommodate the need of working moms and the principal and teachers are always available.
—Submitted by a parent

Ppacs is a wonderful school and I feel very lucky to have my daughter attending. She benefits greatly from the daily art classes and can't wait to choose a major. At the end of fifth-grade children are asked to select a major from the arts they have experienced since kindergarten; they will then continue to study their chosen Art for an hour and a half each day! Arts include creative writing, science, violin, ballet, visual arts, chorus and French language. As in all schools you won't love all the teachers however we have been very lucky and my daughter has been truly inspired by her teachers. PP a CS purchased the former Fels recreation center and the school will greatly benefit from having a gymnasium as well as an indoor pool. With all the awful cuts to public schools in the Philadelphia District PEP ACS offers a truly incredible opportunity to its students. The arts or a cool war part of the curriculum and will never be cut. Last, by participating in the schools by annual performances at the Kimmel music center the children gain a once in a lifetime experience which builds character,pride, and it is a wonderful celebration of this hard work they do all year long.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school, I M in seventh grass and I have been in this school since kindergarden. I love all of my teachers and me and my sister are doing excellent in our academics and our majors.

I love love love this school. I tried to get my daughter in for 3 years and then finally - she was able to get in thorugh their lottery process. The curriculum is awesome, staff and students are great, loving and veyr helpful. My daughter is excelling in her regular subjects (which are a year a head of the public schools) and she loves her specials (art, creative writing, french, ballet, violin, science lab and computers).
—Submitted by a parent

I know a lot of people that have their children in this school and if you don't get in with the lottery in kindergarden forget about it. It's all about who you know, don't let them tell you different! The people I know got their children in by knowing the principal and staff. If you know the principal all she has to do is sign her name on a piece of paper or your packet you fill out and your in. I've tried for 5 yrs to get my child in and now I glad I didn't because my daughter is now in one of the top rated best middle schools in Philadelphia better than PPCAS. She is an A student and recieves high pssa scores so overall I'm happy she doesn't go there now. Good Luck and if your child is very smart think about Masterman, Gamp, and Meredith before you decide to go with this Chater school.

best school you could ever go to! the teachers are amazing and they really help the kids understand what they are working on.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers that my children have had are excellent, there are some staff members that are rude and a bit standoffish however for the most part, it is a great school and we are happy our children attend
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in PPACS. The school is great. The teachers really are interested in academic performance and encourage their students to excel. The administration and staff are wonderful as well. They have always addressed my concerns. Overall, I am pleased with the school's academic and performing arts programs.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended PPACS from 1st gr. Graduated in June 2010. He loved all his teachers & staff who were all amazing. I have to disagrre with reviews on getting in touch with teachers, principal & staff. I am disable, can't speak, I have a trach. I email the teacher, staff etc, & they always got right back to me. If I had my daughter call & speak for me they were always nice & helpful. I recommned this school to everyone. My son loved this school & misses it. Great school..
—Submitted by a parent

My eldest child graduated with honors. He is now attending a blue ribbon public school and is doing well. With a background in the arts and majoring in Creative Writing at this school he is excelling in most of his classes. My youngest child is advanced in all subjects in this school and I am working with the principal to see that he gets the attention that is needed to ensure he continues to do so. The staff is always willing to assist and direct the parents to ensure sucess for every student. All you have to do is ask and be willing to do your part as a parent and mentor.
—Submitted by a parent

The administration is very unprofessional. It took over a week before my phone call was returned by the principle to discuss my sons test results. Than when she returned my call, she didn't have his chart to disscuss the issue.The staff that I have encountered have been rude when I have called to have questions answered regarding my child. I agree with the parent that said that certain individuals receive a warm welcome, while others do not. It is definetly not a school of diversity and I have call the school district to complain of issues that I have encountered with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! if you read the review you'll see that the 'parents rating' 3 of 5 is not representative because some folks neglected to RATE the school, but their comments are positive. My son is excelling and the school has been very supporting and open to providing extra reading/math. They have an affiliation with St. Johns College (university?) and students from the Masters Program in Education come to provide tutoring help to those who are 'behind' as well as the the top percent of the class that need more stimulation. SO far our experience has been very positive and my son LOVES it.
—Submitted by a parent

As a graduating student from ppacs, i feel as though some of these reviews are absurd and should be disregarded. this school has a beautiful atmosphere. it prepares you for all of the obsticals and hardships to come in the next grade as well as highschool. i think if parents were to attend ppacs as a student, they would see that it is a very good to send your child to.
—Submitted by a student

I also am a parent of 3 children attending PPACS. And my eldest is graduating this year. She has been there from day one in the very first kindergarten class. I am surprised at some of the reviews claiming that there is a lack of diversity. The students there come from many backgrounds/cultures. It is very diverse! And academically it is very advanced. My kids have excelled at this school! My daughter got excepted to every high school she applied to which is a true testament to the schools level of academics. And the arts program is superb!It gives the kids that extra leg up. I recommend this school to everyone parent I know!
—Submitted by a parent

As a teacher at this school, I see first hand how hard the faculty and administration works to make sure that every child excels academically. In addition, the arts program is first class, providing many professional opportunities for its students. Students from this school graduate and go on to attend the best criteria based and private high schools in the city.
—Submitted by a teacher

This school is great. My daughter likes most of her teachers. But the only problem is that teachers are always busy to reach to discuss children with them. very hard to reach a teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel there is nepotism in this school and any activities I tried to participate in or any suggestions I gave were ignored. My child has been exposed to bullying by a child who's mother runs activities in the school. The atmosphere of of this school can come off very cold and it is obvious that certain individuals get a warm welcome when others don't get the same.
—Submitted by a parent