New Lower School

With $135 million in gifts from generous parents and caregivers, faculty and staff, OPCs and many other friends, our community’s commitment to a vibrant Penn Charter has taken us far. How far? We have now reached another milestone. We are making way for our new Richard A. Balderston OPC '69 Lower School. That’s How Far!

About the New Lower School

Penn Charter's new lower school will reshape learning for our youngest learners and unite pre-K to 12 students in a vibrant academic community. The school will be designed to reflect PC's curriculum and what research tells us about the way children learn and grow. Through the school's ample learning and playing spaces, students will be provided with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a complex world.

Live Construction Camera

groundbreaking ceremony photos

Learn more about how you can support the new lower school by contacting Chris Rahill, interim director of development.

Highlights of the New Lower School

80,000-square feet of interior space for pre-K to 5 students
Outdoor learning and community spaces
All first floor classrooms will have classroom access to outdoor playgrounds
Outdoor classrooms on second-floor rooftops
A library with more than 2,500 square feet of working space along with a glass classroom, an outside patio, and a reading nook
A "Friendship Hall" outside the library to offer a flexible space for student activities, displays of student work, parent/caregiver gatherings, and more
A health suite with ample space for student care and a dedicated bathroom
A "Discovery Room" for students to engage in active indoor play and projects
An "Activities Room" that includes a stage for performances and more, a large drop down screen and projector for assembly activities, and technology for classroom activities
An Idea Lab
And more!

A Fond Farewell

Aerial View (May 2024)

Renderings

Summer and Fall 2023

Construction Information

Construction hours will be 7 am to 3:30 pm.
Construction traffic will be kept to a minimum during drop-off and pick-up hours.
In adherence with school policies, contractors will have required clearances.
Contractors are expected to follow all campus guidelines and policies.

Questions?

Should you have any questions or concerns, please email us at newlowerschool@penncharter.com. Note: All information on this page is subject to change.