Original Research by School Decision on First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs
First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School is a kindergarten through twelfth grade charter school serving a student population of roughly midsize proportions. The enrollment is heavily concentrated in elementary grades, with notably smaller cohorts in the high school years.
The student body is racially and ethnically diverse. Black students make up a substantial share of enrollment, while Hispanic students comprise a significant portion as well. A meaningful proportion of students identify as multiracial. White and Asian students each represent smaller shares. Data on free-or-reduced-price lunch eligibility and English learner status were not available.
State testing data, graduation rates, and proficiency measures were not provided, making it impossible to characterize academic performance or outcomes at this school. Without those figures, the picture of student achievement remains incomplete.
What looms largest for families considering this school is its uncertain future. The Philadelphia Board of Education voted in October 2022 and again in January 2023 to deny renewal of First Philadelphia Preparatory's charter. The board cited concerns about conflict of interest regarding the school's legal representation and management practices. The charter office had initially recommended a conditional renewal, but according to its evaluation, the school approached academic standards for grades K through 8 while failing to meet academic standards for grades 9 through 12. The non-renewal vote triggers an extended appeals process, during which the school remains open. However, the outcome of that process could ultimately lead to closure, a major lasting consideration for any family enrolling or relocating into the neighborhood based on this school's presence.
Under the county-comparison metrics available, First Philadelphia Preparatory falls below the midpoint among Philadelphia County's districts on chronic absenteeism, and sits in the middle range on the lower half for per-pupil current spending. Neither of these positions represents either a particular weakness or strength against its neighbors.
Prospective families will want to contact the school directly and stay closely informed about the status of the charter renewal appeal process, particularly if long-term enrollment stability is a priority.
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