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String Theory Schools

GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CREATIVE LEADERS

As a nonprofit education design and management organization, we are committed to bringing the arts to the children of Philadelphia.

Our first school opened in the Fall of 2000 with the goal of offering students an arts-immersive curriculum that would allow them to thrive academically and artistically. After a successful twelve years of growth, String Theory Schools was created to bring the mission of our original charter to more students and their families in Philadelphia. Today, String Theory Schools operates two charter schools that offer students a comprehensive educational program that emphasizes equally academic and artistic excellence. We are passionate about honoring each student as an individual and educating all students so that they reach their highest potentials.

Our mission

To Inspire. To Be Inspired.

25 Years of Serving Philadelphia Families

We have been part of this city for 25 years, growing alongside the families and communities we serve. From kindergarten all the way through college, we are building something Philadelphia can be proud of — and we are just getting started.

A School Where Your Child Is Known and Valued

More than 1,000 families are on our waiting list because word gets around. At String Theory Schools, students are more than a number — they are part of a community that supports them, challenges them, and celebrates their creative and academic pursuits.

Student Stories

In the News

Inquirercom-StringTheoryCollege (PDF)

Exciting news from String Theory Schools!

The Philadelphia Inquirer recently featured Philadelphia Performing Arts in a major story highlighting the launch of String Theory College: "This Philly charter is starting its own college so kids can graduate with high school diplomas and college credits — for free."

A USC professor describes the initiative as "a spectacular thing" with the potential to "teach the rest of the nation something." One senior shares why she's excited: "I like to challenge myself and do things that other people see as hard. And I like that it's free—it helps with college costs."

From kindergarten through college, String Theory Schools provides an unparalleled educational continuum in the heart of Philadelphia. Read the full article to learn more about this transformative opportunity for Philadelphia families.

A close-up view of a black French bulldog wearing a blue and green harness, with a blurred background.

String Theory Schools is proud to announce the launch of our new therapy dog program in partnership with AIR Dogs. This incredible new program is now happening at all three Philadelphia Performing Arts campuses and Arts and Sciences. Watch this news clip to learn more and see one of our newest pups in action.

A young child in a red sweater is playing on a colorful, mushroom-shaped playground equipment surrounded by a grassy area and various other playground structures.

Action News visited our brand new Music Garden at the East Campus today. You can watch the clip to take a tour of the garden and hear from our school community leaders who helped bring this garden to life!

A large pumpkin-headed figure stands among a group of children in colorful costumes, with a sign for Frankford in the background.

A favorite of students and teachers alike, this year's pumpkin patch was another smash! Students had a great time picking out their pumpkins, going for mini tractor rides, and getting a visit from Pumpkin Man himself!

Student Life

College Decision Day

On College Decision Day, our PPA high school seniors proudly displayed their future alma maters by wearing college swag from the schools they have chosen to attend in the fall. The hallways and classrooms were filled with a vibrant array of colors and logos, as students wore shirts, hoodies, and hats representing their selected universities. The atmosphere was electric with excitement, as the soon-to-be graduates celebrated the culmination of their hard work and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. 

The day serves as a powerful symbol of our students' dedication, perseverance, and readiness to embark on the next phase of their educational journey as they look forward to the opportunities that await them in their chosen colleges.

Community Event - Building Bridges: A Ukrainian Arts Performance

Building Bridges: A Ukrainian Arts Performance

Join us for an inspiring evening of cultural celebration as students from the International Awareness Project present a showcase of Ukrainian performing arts. Through music, dance, and artistic expression, our talented students will honor and spotlight the rich traditions of Ukrainian culture while building meaningful connections across our community.

This special performance offers a unique opportunity for families and community members to experience the beauty of Ukrainian heritage brought to life by our dedicated young artists.

Date: Friday, January 23rd
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 1600 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA
Tickets: Purchase online at Vanco Events

Robotics Club Wins at SeaPerch Competition

The Arts and Sciences middle school robotics club won big at the SeaPerch competition this year! The students in this after-school club are passionate about engineering, and for the competition, they designed and built a robot that could move underwater. The robotics club did an exceptional job, taking home 1st Place in the Vehicle Performance category and 2nd Place overall in the competition! 

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