The home you choose will have a huge impact on your child’s education options. Parents in
Philadelphia have a huge range of school options, which fall into the following categories:
- Public Schools: These are run by the Philadelphia School District. The neighborhood you choose will have its own elementary, middle, and high schools designed to serve local students. Public schools can vary wildly, so careful evaluation and choosing the right location for your home is a must.
- Public Charter Schools: These “preferred schools” seek to offer the best general education possibilities combined with a safe and nurturing environment. Although charter schools are public, there is an application process and often a lottery to determine which students can attend. While your child can attend a charter school from any location in Philly, some areas offer better transportation options than others.
- Magnet Schools: These public schools are also controlled by the Philadelphia School District, but do not accept students based on geography. Magnet schools in Philly specialize in one specific area, from music and performing arts to engineering or technology. Magnet schools are free, but they do have specific admissions criteria that must be met and specific rules regarding student behavior, performance, and attendance.
- Private Schools: The city has a diverse group of private schools that are either religious or secular in nature. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia operates 60+ Catholic schools in the city, but other religious and private prep schools abound as well.
The Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP) school is a public school located in South Philadelphia. While the school is public, it’s a magnet school and has specific admission requirements. The admissions process includes an audition and a review of academic, behavioral, and attendance records. GAMP has a heavy focus on music theory, appreciation, and performance, combined with an aggressive academic program, making it a good choice for students with an interest in the performing arts and college prep. AP music theory classes are available at the GAMP school in Philadelphia.
GAMP is convenient to homes in the south part of Philadelphia and an ideal school for parents seeking a safe school haven within the city. While the school is focused on offering performing arts students a chance to excel, the strict adherence to behavioral policies and sense of community are emphasised as well. As a public magnet school GAMP is free for students, making it a budget friendly option, too.
GAMP offers classes for students in fifth grade and up, and all students are required to participate in Choir and Music Theory. Instrumental and band programs are included as well.
The school actively participates in the community, offering annual talent and specialty programs and performances throughout the year. The GAMP School choir has performed for a diverse group of audiences, from Presidents Clinton and Obama to the Philadelphia Phillies and music legend Paul Simon.
What Parents Are Saying
Parents tend to be enthusiastic about the school culture. academic excellence and sense of community. Most point out the school's outstanding music program as a top reason for attending.
"Fabulous music program, top notch academics, and amazing teachers - what more could a parent ask for?"
"GAMP has been a second family to me and my children for the past several years. The teachers and staff dedicate countless hours, week after week, to ensure that their pupils are receiving a valuable education and a respect for society. This is a school that CARES about the future generation(s) of our city!"
"My daughter graduated GAMP this year (2011). GAMP was the best experience she had. Their standards are very high and the support for students is impressive. She is now a freshman at Temple University and sees how her training at GAMP prepared her for college academic challenges."
"My daughter attended Gamp for 4 years and did outstanding socially and academically. Gamp has these children performing at the Mann, doing historical walking tours, concerts all on public dollars and donations here in Philadelphia."
