A Look Inside The Philadelphia School's Ambitious Renovation
By Jensen Toussaint
On a sunny Tuesday in February, sixth graders at The Philadelphia School (TPS) in Fitler Square were arms-deep in a “choco-nomics” study, where they used science, math and history to learn about the history of chocolate and African trade, explained Megan Townsend, Director of Advancement at The Philadelphia School.
This unconventional lesson was possible thanks to the school’s new industrial teaching kitchen, which debuted this past November as part of an ambitious TPS renovation.
The renovation, which took place from June to November of last year, introduced several new innovative spaces, including an outdoor play area (“The Yard”), the commercial learning kitchen, and “The Commons,” an open floor plan, multi-purpose space.
Breathing Life into Old Walls
While the building has over 100 years of history behind it — from its beginnings as a pie factory — the building in its current iteration as a school has been around since 1976.
With some spaces in the building going virtually untouched in that time, the decision was reached to make some improvements.
“The renovations have breathed new life into our [school], providing our students with an environment for both play and learning,” said Townsend during an interview.
The first phase of renovations, which began during the summer and finished this past November, emphasized community spaces, including the front schoolyard to the building, collectively called “The Yard.”
The Yard now features upgraded play structures, native plants, and an inviting outdoor classroom, all designed to encourage exploration and creativity that are aligned with the school’s ideology.
The Yard connects seamlessly with “The Commons,” a dynamic, versatile space that can adapt to a variety of activities, from school gatherings, events and presentations, to class projects and quiet reflection.
“We wanted places that the kids could explore. What was there before was just a blacktop,” Townsend said of the outdoor area. The kids can now “find ways to play with sticks and rocks and anything else. They're able to take additional risks, find different ways to help support one another.”
Good For Teachers, Too
In addition to the students, the renovations are also very important to the teachers, whom Townsend crowns as the “secret sauce of the school.”
“Many of our educators have been here for 25-plus years and they are pros at what they do. We are committed to creating spaces for our teachers to support our progressive curriculum, allowing for naturally integrated learning, discovery, and experimentation,” she added.
Currently, there are 400–plus students enrolled at The Philadelphia School — a number Townsend believes will likely increase, in part, due to the renovations.
Future phases of the renovation will include transformations to the school’s classrooms, administrative offices, and more.
For Rent
The snazzy new facilities aren’t just for TPS students. Community groups can rent the spaces for their own purposes. The Philadelphia Dragons, a youth sports league, uses the gym “every Saturday and Sunday from 9 o'clock to 5 o'clock,” said Townsend.
The new Commons, Yard, and even the industrial teaching kitchen are available to rent. “Our state of the art kitchen offers commercial equipment to host cooking classes, catering services, and food prep,” the school’s website explains.
The Philadelphia School’s commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment remains at the forefront of the school’s mission, and the renovations represent a significant step in their journey.
Additional reporting by David Aragon