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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.

The image shows a group of people, likely employees or colleagues, gathered together for a "Years of Service" event or celebration, with the text "YEARS OF SERVICE" prominently displayed in the background.
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.

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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)
String Theory's New College Featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer

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.

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Therapy Dog Program Launches at String Theory Schools

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.
Take a Tour of our NEW Music Garden!

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.
The Annual Pumpkin Patch

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

Vocal Majors Perform at the Kimmel Center with Broadway Artist Brandy Gonzalez and the Philadelphia Pops
Vocal Majors Perform at the Kimmel Center with Broadway Artist Brandy Gonzalez and the Philadelphia Pops

This spring, high school vocal majors took the stage at the Kimmel Center alongside Broadway artist Brandy Gonzalez and the celebrated Philadelphia Pops. The experience placed our students at the center of Philadelphia's premier performing arts community with some of the most accomplished artists in the region. Enjoy a clip from the performance below.

Alum Returns to Teach Ballet Classes — Then Heads to Europe to Train with the National Ballet of England
Alum Returns to Teach Ballet Classes — Then Heads to Europe to Train with the National Ballet of England

There is something special about a former student walking back through the door — this time as a teaching artist. Vivian Matkowski, a Philadelphia Performing Arts alum now studying at the University of Utah, where she serves as a captain of her Classical Ballet class, returned to campus recently to teach current ballet students. This summer, Vivian will train in Europe in a program that includes classes with the National Ballet of England. Her visit was a reminder of where a Philadelphia Performing Arts education can lead — and an inspiring moment for the students who got to learn from her.

From Kindergarten to Full Scholarship to Temple in Neuroscience
From Kindergarten to Full Scholarship to Temple in Neuroscience

From kindergarten to college — congratulations to senior Antonio Burris, who has earned a full scholarship to Temple University to study neuroscience! Antonio's 13-year journey at Philadelphia Performing Arts is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and incredible potential. We are so proud of everything he has accomplished and cannot wait to see where his talents take him next!

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