Penn Charter Family Association
The Penn Charter Family Association (PCFA) is an inclusive group that works to support and strengthen our school community. We plan events and activities designed to build connections – both among adults and across entire families. We believe that when families are engaged and supported, students thrive. We invite you to take an active role in shaping our shared experience!
What to know about the PCFA:
- You’re Automatically Included! All PC parents and caregivers are considered a part of the PCFA.
- Sustainable Funding: Our events and activities are funded by the payment of annual PCFA dues of $150 per family. Dues appear as a tuition line item (with an opt-out option) to make it easy for families to contribute.
- Grade-Level Community Building: Each grade has at least one signature event designed to foster and strengthen connections between families.
- Cross-divisional Community Building: The PCFA organizes family favorites like Lower School Fall Festival, concessions on Color Day and winter and spring Faculty & Staff Appreciation Days. Don’t miss Blue/Yellow Night, a parent and caregiver gathering in the lead-up to Color Day.
- Volunteers Needed! Whether you have a few hours a year or want to take on a larger role, there’s a place for you in the PCFA. Volunteer recruitment for leadership roles launches in June for the upcoming school year. In addition, many of our events offer one-time volunteer opportunities that are open to all - no leadership position required! These are promoted in Parent Post, the School's weekly newsletter sent to parents each Friday.
- PCFA Leaders, Chairs and Volunteers: View our list of 2025-2026 PCFA executive leaders and committee chairs.
- Parent/Caregiver Community Co-Chairs: Rinu Jacob P '25, '28 and Ainsley Milner P '33, '35
To Learn More and Get Involved: Contact: Lauren Stabert, director of parent engagement, or PCFA co-chairs Rinu Jacob and Ainsley Milner at PCFA@penncharter.com.
Meet Your 2025-2026 Volunteer Leaders
There will be one-time volunteer opportunities open to all parents and caregivers for most of our events. Keep an eye on the Parent Post throughout the year to sign up.
Color Day is a fun way to help out!
Parents and caregivers at a PCC gathering on Great Day to be a Quaker.
Key PCFA Dates for 2025-2026
July 2025
- Summer Book Club Discussion
- Tuesday, July 29, 6:30 p.m. Timmons House
The PCFA invites all parents and caregivers to join our community book club. We'll be reading Orbital by Samantha Harvey and will gather on the evening of July 29 for a discussion led by Faith Ward, PC's director of libraries. Light refreshments will be provided.
September 2025
- PCFA Lower School Grade Level parent and caregiver meet-ups by grade (dates TBD by Class Chairs)
- Wednesday, September 3, 8:30 a.m., PCFA Volunteer Kick off, Kurz Classrooms, Graham Athletics and Wellness Center *For confirmed 25-26 PCFA Volunteer Leaders
- Friday, September 12, 8:30 a.m., PCFA Executive Committee Meeting, Timmons House
- Tuesday, September 16, 8:00 a.m., Parent Education Series: Dr. Coleman Kicks Off the School Year, PCFA Parent Coffee
October 2025
- Friday, October 17, 3:15 p.m., PCFA Lower School Fall Festival RSVP and Sign Up To Volunteer!
- Friday, October 24, 8:30 a.m., PCFA Executive Committee Meeting, Timmons House
- Saturday, October 25, 7:00 p.m., PCFA Homecoming Upper School Parent and Caregiver Social, Manayunk Brewing Company
- Friday, October 31, PCFA Senior Family Halloween Breakfast, Lyons Room, Graham Athletics and Wellness Center
- Friday, October 31, PCFA Coffee for Lower School Parents and Caregivers, Winokur Library patio (rain location: Friendship Hall)
November 2025
December 2025
- Friday, December 5, 8:30 a.m., PCFA Executive Committee Meeting, Timmons House
- Friday, December 5, 7:00 p.m., PCFA Middle School Parent and Caregiver Social, Timmons House
- Tuesday, December 9, 6:15 p.m., PCFA Upper School Concert Parent and Caregiver Reception, The Kurtz
- Thursday, December 11, 6:15 p.m., PCFA Middle School Concert Parent and Caregiver Reception, The Kurtz
- Wednesday, December 17, PCFA Faculty and Staff Appreciation - holiday treats
- Friday, December 19, 8-11 a.m., PCFA Lower School Concert Parent and Caregiver Coffee, The Kurtz
January 2026
- Wednesday, January 14, 6:30 p.m., Upper School parents and caregivers are invited for a fun and social evening as we learn the art of Mahjong, Timmons House
- Friday, January 16, 8:30 a.m., PCFA Executive Committee Meeting, Timmons House
February 2026
- Wednesday, February 11, 5:15 p.m., PCFA 11th Grade Family Dinner
- Thursday, February 26, 5:15 p.m., PCFA 10th Grade Family Dinner
March 2026
- Thursday, March 5, 6:00 p.m., PCFA Fifth Grade Family Dinner
- Friday, March 6, 8:30 a.m., PCFA Executive Committee Meeting, Timmons House
- Thursday, March 12, 6:00 p.m., PCFA Ninth Grade Family Dinner
April 2026
- Thursday, April 16, Time TBA, PCFA Parent and Caregiver Gathering around Hubben Lecture
- Friday, April 17, 8:30 a.m., PCFA Executive Committee Meeting, Timmons House
May 2026
- PCFA End of Year Picnics, Dates TBD by Lower School
- May 4-May 8, PCFA Teacher Appreciation Week - meals
- Wednesday, May 6, 5:30 p.m., PCFA Sixth Grade Family Dinner
- Wednesday, May 13, 5:30 p.m., PCFA Seventh Grade Family dinner
- Friday, May 15, 8:30 a.m., PCFA Executive Committee Meeting, Timmons House
- Tuesday, May 19, 7:00 p.m., PCFA Blue and Yellow Night Parent and Caregiver Social
- Thursday, May 21, 5:30 p.m., PCFA Eighth Grade Family Dinner
- Thursday, May 21, 8-11 a.m., PCFA Lower School Spring Concert Parent and Caregiver Coffee
- Friday, May 22, 1:00 p.m., PCFA Color Day Concessions
June 2026
- Thursday, June 4, 6:00 p.m., PCFA 12th grade Family Picnic following final MFW
Our Partnership with the Schoolhouse & More Ways to Get Involved at Penn Charter
Keep an eye out for information from Penn Charter about a parent education series and opportunities to engage with school leaders throughout the year. The PCFA will offer gatherings with fellow families around these schoolhouse-led events.
While the PCFA focuses exclusively on community building for PC families, Penn Charter also regularly engages parents and caregivers as volunteers. Depending on your child’s grade/division, you may be invited to support student events and activities, work with the Center for Public Purpose, assist the Admissions and Development offices, and much more. We encourage all families to get involved in school life – both through the PCFA and through these broader volunteer opportunities at school!