The City School provides an academically excellent Christian education.
By training the minds and discipling the hearts of our students, we prepare students for excellence in their life-long pursuit of learning.
Our dedicated staff teach and model the Christian worldview as the context for life.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 546 students
- Yearly Tuition: $11,080
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12) ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Year Founded
1978
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
546 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
96%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
60 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
3 courses
Advanced Courses
Calculus, Honors American Literature, Honors Modern Literature, Honors Spanish IV – independent study, We partner w/ local colleges to provide a Dual enrollment program and robust advanced placement course offerings
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
School uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$11,080
Tuition Notes
We offer over $1 million per year in financial aid to make our education accessible for families in the city.
% on Financial Aid
75%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$4,500
Acceptance Rate
90%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Kimberly Jones
Admissions Associate
Jean Marie Staico
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
13 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
National Honor Society, Photography, SAT Prep, Strategic Gaming Club, Student Ambassadors, Student Government, Yearbook, Yes there are more
Arts and Music Programs:
Advanced Art, Choir, Dance, Drama, Handbells/Chimes (Lower School)
National Honor Society, Photography, SAT Prep, Strategic Gaming Club, Student Ambassadors, Student Government, Yearbook, Yes there are more
Arts and Music Programs:
Advanced Art, Choir, Dance, Drama, Handbells/Chimes (Lower School)
School Notes
- The City School is a multi-campus Pre-k(4)-12 private, Christian,college preparatory school in the city of Philadelphia, PA
- The City School`s mission is to train students`minds,disciple their hearts and bring light to the city-onechild at a time. For over 40 years, our commitment to this mission has guided us as we prepare students to thrive in school, in college, at home and in life.
- Training Minds: Our rigorous college-preparatory program prepares students for success in their lifelong pursuit of learning. We instill a genuine love of learning in our students.
- Discipling Hearts: We care for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each student.Values like love, forgiveness and grace are taught and modeled every day. The name of Jesus is glorified, and students are taught to see all truth in light of the Christian worldview.
- Bringing Light to the City: Our students engage in their communities to enhance the neighborhoods they love by using their gifts and talents for the greater good. We view the city from a perspective of hope and renewal, celebrating its beauty and actively working to heal its brokenness.
- One Child at a Time: We value each student as an individual, uniquely created in the image of God. Small class sizes ensure each student is given the one-on-one attention they need to succeed.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Yuhang, gifted pianist and recent graduate -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12) cost?
The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12)'s tuition is approximately $11,080 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12)?
The acceptance rate of The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12) is 90%, which is higher than the national average of 81%.
Who are famous alumni from The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12)?
The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12) famous alumni include: Yuhang, gifted pianist and recent graduate.
What sports does The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12) offer?
The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12) offers 10 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Indoor Soccer, Track and Field, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Winter Track.
What is The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12)'s ranking?
The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12) ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Highest percentage of students of color and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12)?
The application deadline for The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12) is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12) located?
The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12) is located in the North Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 45 other private schools located in North Philadelphia.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12) also viewed these schools: Friends Select School, Girard College, Friends Central School, William Penn Charter School and Cornerstone Christian Academy.
The nearest high school to The City School - Poplar Campus (6-12) is Quadrat Academy (0.4 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is St. Peter The Apostle School (0.2 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Friends Select School
(Friends)
Grades: PK-12 | 600 students 1.3 miles 17th St & Benjamin Franklin
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 561-5900
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 561-5900
1.3
PK-12
600
Grades: 1-12 | 319 students 1.3 miles 2101 S College Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19121
(215) 787-2621
Philadelphia, PA 19121
(215) 787-2621
1.3
1-12
319
Grades: NS-12 6.2 miles 1101 City Avenue
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 649-7440
Wynnewood, PA 19096
(610) 649-7440
6.2
NS-12
n/a
Grades: PK-12 | 947 students 4.3 miles 3000 W School House Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 844-3460
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 844-3460
4.3
PK-12
947
Cornerstone Christian Academy
(Christian)
Grades: K-8 | 191 students 4.8 miles 1939 S. 58th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 724-6858
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 724-6858
4.8
K-8
191
School Reviews
5 11/5/2020
The City School is a school that cares. It cares about each and every family and each distinct child within a family. I have been on a first name basis with each of my children's teachers & principals over the last five years and have the permission to dialogue with and about particulars related to their educational & disciplinary processes. The City School also cares about making its tuition affordable to every family that wants to invest in its education. I have been blessed with financial aid that makes it possible for me to afford the education and I know there has been much unseen fundraising & grant writing that has made this all possible. The City School especially cares about its students' spiritual, social and emotional health & is intentionally staffed & programmatically aligned accordingly. Just tonight at dinner my first graded declared, "Oh, tomorrow is Friday...I can't wait for chapel. I love chapel!" Routines of weekly Friday chapel, Morning Meetings, uses of 'I messages' & staff counselor options for pulling students out of class or leading guided coping strategies to a whole class of students are all a part of the intentional care the City School has for its students. I have been very thankful to have this school in this city be there for my children.
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