First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School

It is such a beautiful school I am a proud mother of a student of this schooll
—Submitted by a parent

Alright, So I am a student at First Philadelphia Charter School For Literacy and i would recommend this school but don't expect anything spectacular except for expensive uniforms, a lot of fundraising for our 8th grade trip to italy this year. Now i've gotten to know every teacher in the entire school and some of them are the best ever about 3/4 the other 1/4 are just fill in's from teachers that have just given birth (we have 5 pregnant teachers this year ) we normally have a lot of subs everyday. In kindergarten my teacher had given birth to her first child. I had a sub the first half of the year. Now, yes we have an excellent basketball and flag football team very good poets. The only way to express your individuality is on dress down days every other friday that we have to pay a dollar for to "fundraise." Now, my favorite teacher got promoted to dean of our "sister" school Taconey academy and then they screwed her over.. she's presently teaching at another charter school in west philly. She loves it there. I rated this school average and that's exactly what it is.

I guess any school is what you make it. My child is moving to the 3rd grade and is doing wonderfully! We have had no problems in the area of discipline and I find the principal to be VERY friendly! She greets the children by name as they come in. My child is on a reading level 3 grades beyond her own and the school is working hard to keep her motivated. I have recommended this school to several parents and will continue to do so.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is going into 2nd grade. The staff, teachers, & administrators have always been helpful, pleasant, and "EASY" to get in touch with. My son is very happy and loves going to school. He is reading a grade level above his & is challenged. There is good communication about behavior as well as expectations. The children are held responsible for their actions& there are standards, which I feel is a good thing. The principal has always been pleasant and smiles to greet parents. There are not alot of opportunities for parents to be in the classroom, however too much involvement can be a distraction. But I am always comfortable contacting his teachers and asking questions about his daily routine etc.
—Submitted by a parent

Parents be very careful when sending your child to this school! I ignored the reviews from previous parents based on the very strict discipline, needless to say your child may be sent to the dean for frivolous things such as laughing, playing or even crying! and my child is a second grader..lastly the principal isn't friendly she doesn't even greet the parents in the morning with a hello! she just stares while drinking a cup of coffee! and just for the record they willingly accept minorities just to keep their quotas up..but rest a sure,,they really don't want any there especially the latinos..seeing is believing!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughters attend First Philly Charter one is in 7th grade and the other is in 6th grade and I couldn't be any more pleased with their progress through their years here at First Philly. I never have a problem with getting a hold of their teachers, I always get a quick response whenever I have an issue with something. I am very pleased with everything that they have accomplished in their years at First Philly. I would definitely recommend parents to send there children to First Philly Charter School....Thank you to the teachers and staff whom help me and my daughters on a daily basis.....
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just started Kindergarten at FPCSFL and they have been excellent. My child has been learning so much. She comes home everyday with something new. They have a great reading program and are trying their best to educate our children and doing a good job at it.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has really improved my child's test scores in the PSSA!
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended this school for only a couple of months. My child advanced skill's, were ignored, which brought on mischief, (The typical 5 yr old behavior when bordem steps in). The teachers was aware of my child's advanced skills but never did anything about it. My quick experience with this school leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It's not what I expected. They didn't care about my child who needed to be challenged. I don't think they have programs for advanced children. If you are considering this school, make sure your child is on their best behavior. They are so quick to suspend and expell even the younger children. If your child makes a wong decision he/she will not get a fair chance. They don't even consider their age with the disapline action.
—Submitted by a parent

The curriculum at First Philly is great, hands down; the extra-curricular activities for the children-wonderful; faculty and staff know the children by name-yes it's true. If you've had your child in the neighborhood public school you will have an appreciation for First Philly. However if your child has any difficulties with behavior issues (diagnoses or otherwise) you will have a problem with this school. There is no room for error when it comes to discipline at this school. If your child is caught doing the slightest thing he/she will be disciplined. The other thing to consider is the grading system. It is very subjective and based upon the teacher's opinion. The children are never celebrated, awarded or congratulated for their good work. No honor roll, mentally gifted. This is unfortunate because you never realize how smart your child is until they attend another school or program. 2 much focus on discipline.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is a great school for reading and math they have great friendly students and a nice big size school

I have 2 children in First Philly. We have been there since the beginning. I don't see how parents are complaining about no contact with teachers and staff. I have been given the personal cell phone numbers from at least 3 teachers who took their own time to speak about our children. They have always reached out to us. Our concerns are always addressed. I don't feel as if parents should be in the classroom. That would hinder developement and education. I have gone after school and any teachers my children had were accessable and would speak with me personally. The office and staff know all the children and the parents by name and greet you as a friend. They take a personal interest in the kids. My children have grown intellectually and academically. They love First Philly and so do we.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been going to First Philly since Kindergarten, and we ask him every year does he want to continue to go there and his answer is yes every year . He loves to go to school , as long as he is happy my wife and i are happy....As far as some of the negative comments go from other posted reviews, if your kids have disipline problems at school maybe it being tought at home.. Have you hugged your chid today...
—Submitted by a parent

Not all it's cracked up to be. Don't let the pretty exterior fool you.
—Submitted by a parent

My twins have attended this school for the last 6 years, and they excell schoolastcally!!! The social life of the students is also rich for the children because of the diversity. I love 1st Philly!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been a part of the first philly family since day one. He is excelling at such a rapid pace. he is truly becoming a well rounded, educated young man. My daughter now attends the school and the staff, teachers and administration have been more than helpful in the develpoment of my two children. These are only a few reasons of why the wait list is so long!!! And to those who complain about being allowed in the classrooms.There are plenty opportunities to help with your child- during school events, trips, family fun day etc. Besides our children need to learn to be there own individuals after all we wouldn't want them at work with us. Keep up the excellent work 1st philly!!!
—Submitted by a parent

this is a grate school for kids that have trouble with reading. I am one of them kids and i love it there and i the new building it the grates thing a kid could wish for
—Submitted by a student

There is no perfect school. In my eyes this school is awesome. My child feels like he belongs there and loves to go everyday. Not too many parents can say that these days.
—Submitted by a parent

first philadelphia is not at all cracked up as some people make it out to be there are a whole lot of issues that needto be addressed there such as special ed,expeeling children for no good resons my list can go on my children will not be threr next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Just an FYI--the school did not 'fail the terra nova'--test scores actually went up, just not quite enough to make the official NCLB percentage for that one year.
—Submitted by a teacher