Admissions
We're thrilled you are exploring Penn Charter, where tradition, purpose, innovation and possibility come together.
If you're ready to thrive in a community that challenges and supports you, we invite you to discover Penn Charter, a pre-K to 12 independent Friends school in Philadelphia.
At Penn Charter, we celebrate individuality while embracing our shared values. We seek students who engage deeply with their education—those who approach learning with intellect, persistence, commitment, and a sense of wonder. We look forward to getting to know you and sharing more about Penn Charter.
We're excited you're interested in Penn Charter!
More than 1,000 students call Penn Charter home—how do you know if it's right for your family? Let us share a few of our favorite highlights. This picture is of Color Day, one of our beloved traditions.
Welcome to our Academic Village
Penn Charter's beautiful, bustling campus welcomes families to a warm community. Students experience a robust school day in state-of-the-art facilities for academics, arts, athletics and service learning.
Our Upper School students share what Penn Charter means to them, reflecting on the experiences that have shaped them and the community that has become their home.
The new Lower School enriches both learning and community.
The new Richard A. Balderston OPC '69 Lower School offers an environment purposefully crafted to deepen and enrich every child's learning experience.
Student ambassadors give campus tours.
Tours at Penn Charter are led by our kind, talented, and friendly students.
Enter through the red doors at Penn Charter.
Students enter the main building and others on campus through red doors. Red doors are an American symbol of refuge and welcome for weary travelers. Our red doors provide a welcoming Quaker spirit to all.
Quaker Education
For over 300 years, we’ve woven Quaker values like community, integrity, peace, service and respect into everything we do. These values shape how our students learn, grow, connect and make a difference.
The thing I love most about Penn Charter are the resources that we are given. From the math, science and writing centers, to the endless athletic support in the Graham, Penn Charter gives us access to become the best student in and out of the classroom.
Katie S. '27
Dive into Our Academic Programs
Fast Facts
1,000+
student enrollment
37%
Students of Color
5:1
student-teacher ratio
86%
teachers with advanced degrees
80+
advanced courses, Certificate Programs and Independent Studies
50+
student-led clubs and affinity groups
42%
Students participating in both athletics and the performing arts with 80 sports teams in Middle and Upper School & 17 student ensembles in performing arts
100+
zip codes represented
Each year, Penn Charter draws families from more than 100 zip codes in metropolitan Philadelphia.
Meet the Admissions Team
The Penn Charter Admissions Office has worked to make the admissions process efficient and easy-to-follow. Even so, there are times when you will need to ask questions. We welcome your e-mails.
Naté Hall
Titles:
Director of Enrollment Management
Email:
John Zurcher
Titles:
Director of Financial Aid and Associate Director of Admissions
Email:
Sydney Brouse Rizer
Titles:
Admissions Officer
Email:
Rachel Codkind
Class of:
2011
Titles:
Associate Director of Middle and Upper School Admissions
Email:
Shelley Evans
Titles:
Administrative Assistant for Middle & Upper School Admissions
Email:
Deborah McIlvaine
Titles:
Lower School Admissions Administrative Assistant
Email:
Kaila Mu'min
Titles:
Associate Director of Lower School Admissions
Email:
Geoffrey Trotter
Titles:
Admissions Officer; Social Studies Teacher
Email:
CJ Yespelkis
Titles:
Admissions Officer, Director of Football, Math Teacher
Email: