Barber Raymond

Penn Charter is the fifth-oldest school in America and the oldest Quaker school in the world. Our core principles-mutual respect, equality, community-are endlessly renewable and fearlessly modern. Penn Charter is a pre-K to 12 coed Friends school. William Penn and the Religious Society of Friends established the school in 1689.

In founding his school, William Penn set out to create an educated citizenry because he knew the future of his new colony depended upon the potential of its people. His vision was unique and progressive. The William Penn Charter School has been in continuous operation for more than 325 years, since its founding in 1689, and proudly traces its origin and name to William Penn.

Quaker principles and practice continue to guide William Penn Charter School, a Friends school founded in 1689. Within a school community that honors difference, we seek that of God in each person. We value scholarship and inquiry. With excellence as our standard, we challenge students in a vigorous program of academics, arts and athletics.

Penn Charter rests on a sprawling, green 47-acre campus in the East Falls section of Philadelphia. The Upper, Middle and Lower school divisions operate in their own buildings, each of which is designed to meet students' academic and developmental needs.

Chigwell Close, the open space between the Lower School and the main building, is an outdoor classroom, a place where students can learn science, write poetry, play, explore or simply enjoy a peaceful interlude.

Penn Charter is a Quaker, coeducational, pre-K through 12 independent school in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pa. Established in 1689 by William Penn and members of the Religious Society of Friends, we are guided by core principles-community, integrity, equality-and a commitment to excellence in academics, arts and athletics.