Build a New School

Starting a new District school is an opportunity to improve the quality of life for Philadelphia families, students, and communities. It is our responsibility to attract capable, caring, and committed educators, and support their efforts to transform the state of education in our city.

The School District of Philadelphia has created a process that invites innovative educators to propose authentic, empowering, caring and modern school designs for implementation in the District. These new school models are intended to increase access to high quality education for all Philadelphia students.

The Office of New Schools Models (ONSM) is interested in attracting educators with powerful ideas for starting new schools and solid strategies for implementing them. Qualified applicants will be invited to submit proposals for start-up schools, with new staff and new students.

If you would like to learn more about opportunities to partner with us, or one of the District high schools we support, please contact newschoolmodels@philasd.org.