FAQs
For Partners:
Who will the new schools serve?
Open-admission high schools are aimed at meeting the needs of all students, particularly Philadelphia’s historically underserved students.
What are the design parameters?
Innovative new high school designs will be aligned to the 10 Integrated Design Principles for High Performing Secondary School Models:
• Integrates positive youth development to optimize student engagement and effort
• Prioritizes mastery of rigorous standards aligned to college and career readiness
• Continuously improves its operations and model
• Develops and deploys collective strengths of staff
• Manages school operations effectively and efficiently
• Maintains an effective human capital strategy aligned with school model and priorities
• Empowers and supports students through key transitions into and beyond high school
• Remains porous and connected (partnerships, access to community resources, knowledge sharing with other schools)
• Creates a clear mission and coherent culture
• Personalizes student learning to meet student needs
How do I submit an RFQ?
If you would like to submit a letter of intent for the New District Innovation High schools, follow the link to the “Submit RFQ” button to access the District’s Office of Procurement website, Sealed Bid Schedule. Once there, please locate the link for the New Innovation Schools, and click on “Request Bid”. Once you submit a request, a letter of intent will be emailed to you. We also invite you to notify us of your intent to apply by completing the “Notify ONSM” survey form.
Where can I direct my questions?
For more information about the submission process, please contact ______@philasd.org.
When might a new school open?
For Parents:
Where can I find information about the enrollment process?
General enrollment information can be viewed on the District’s Office of Enrollment and Student Placement website
Can I get help applying to these new high school placement options at the Parent and Family Resource Centers?
Applications and explanations of the High School Selection Process and procedures are available at the Parent and Family Resource Centers. Parents will also be given access to the District’s website where they can obtain school profiles.
What is the difference between a special admission, a citywide admission high school, and non-academically selective school?
Special admission schools have more competitive entrance criteria. Students accepted to special admission schools must meet the school’s standardized test score, report card grade, and attendance requirements. Citywide admission schools have lower entrance requirements, but still have admission criteria regarding standardized test scores grades, attendance, and discipline records. Non-academically selective or non-selective schools do not have admission criteria based on academics, attendance, or behavior.
What is competency-based education?
In a competency-based school or model, learning goals are organized as “competencies”- a related set of skills and knowledge that are applied to real-world problems in order to demonstrate proficiency. In competency-based education, students do not advance unless they’ve demonstrated proficiency (the successful application of skills and knowledge to complete a task or solve a problem) in multiple ways.