Research First Philadelphia Charter School for Literacy charter Schools in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“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.”

“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...”

“Not all it's cracked up to be. Don't let the pretty exterior fool you.”

“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!!!”

“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!!!”

“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”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“I have been a part of First Philly for almost 2 years now and love them! My daughter is excelling there. She came from a Catholic school and her transition to First Philly made me realize that the education she received in the Catholic School system was inferior to what she is getting now. The emotional support from the staff and guidance counselor can't be beat. They helped her through the change of schools and she is so happy there now. I love this school!”

“I have been a part of the First Philly family since they opened their doors & although I must say honestly that they are not racing to the top of the charts in many areas. My children (3)are doing exceptionally well. All my children read above grade level. My older 2 are above grade level in math, & my youngest has developed a strong science core at First Philly. I love many of the teachers here & even though I don't fully agree on many things they do at here, compared to the alternative my kids are better off here. I agree w/ the other mom I just wish parents had a more active role IN the school.”

“I have children at this school and although they academically excel, I have several major problems with the school. Parental involvement is lacking as the administration does not allow parents to help out in the school. There are no lunch moms, there are no parent helpers in the classroom and there are never any requests for such. Parents are simply not permitted in the school. Parents have no rights here - you are told like it or leave it. I am at a cross roads because I want stability for my children, however my neighborhood school has such violence and racial turmoil. My kids are doing well but I worry as they have an odd grading system in place and the children do not receive a high grade even if they ace all the tests. I understand the base on which the system is set upon, but it is difficult for a child to ace every test and still not receive the highest score on report cards. Parents are not permitted to speak with teachers unless they go through office staff, and even then the head or assistant head of school must be present for meeting. Again, my children are doing well, talk to other parents before you sign up. You may have better options elsewhere.”

“I still love this school. My daughter has done so well at this school and she loves going to school. She's in the 3rd grade reading at a 5th grade level. I just wanted to let the parent who gave her review in april 2007 to know that just because you pay for a private school doesn't mean you'll get a quality education. I have 2 other children and tried private and catholic school and was note satisfied they just wanted the money. I just want to say this is a great school”

“This school used to be awesome everyone really cared about the kids but lately they seem more concerned with all of the other activities going on, community classes for adults etc. They do make school fun for the kids with trips etc. but are severely lacking in academics! When a problem arises, the Head of School does not hold her teachers accountable, I got no response when I went to her with a problem. They need to make educating our children their #1 priority and from the dismal test scores and rating from this site, it's evident that they are no longer doing their job. I gave this school a great rating in 05' I can no longer endorse that. I am actually pulling my child and placing her in a private school. Disappointing!”

“First Philly is a great school. I tried private, Catholic and public schools for my children. Therefore, I have something to compare it to. I love the well rounded education my child is getting. The extracurricular activities (there are lots) are also loaded with opportunities to learn. Bravo First Philly!”

“first philadelphia is a wonderful school. the staff really cares about the kids and do a variety of things to keep them interested in learning.”

“Great school. Great education. Caring staff. Wonderful place to send a younger child!”

“The academics are top notch. There just seems to be a major disconnect/communication problem between the administration and the parents. Too much homework. They expect alot from the students, and for those students not at that level of responsibility, it is very difficult. Very good school for a quiet child, not so good for an active one.”

“This is a great school. The teachers and administration treat everyone like family. There are many after school activities. They make standardized testing fun for the kids, by teaching them yoga ang ways to relax.”

“I believe that this school is awesome. My daughter has attenede here for the entire past school year and the staff (from the principal to the aides) are very helpful. The extended school year is great (from beg of August thru end of June) There are a bunch of different programs to keep the kids occupied. Love it and so does my daughter.”

“Great School. Caring faculty and the cultrual ammenities are amazing. A great alternative to Philly public schools.”

“This school is the only reason my wife and i did not move from the city, we were ready to move to bucks co. but when our son got accepted to this school and we see on a first hand basis the education they receive, this school is most definitley first hand . Thank you first philly .”