Ad Prima Cs

1922 North 63rd Street

Philadelphia, PA 19151

School District

Ad Prima Cs
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

charter

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 02, 2020

Ad Prima has no tolerance for bullying. The teachers are great. School scores keep going up every year. It's one of the best schools in Philly. Senior leadership has high expectations and supports the teachers. Investments in the technology
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2017

The school is great. A lot of upgrades are being made to make it even better. Looking forward to another great year.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2017

My child has been at Ad Prima for several years. Yes, the founder left and there was a couple of years where the school had to rebuild and get back on track. However, everyone (admininstration, teachers, faculty and staff) are working hard and they are making good decisions that is bringing Ad Prima back to where it once was. The test scores are still good. As a parent, that's not all I am looking at. There is so much more to a good school and they have provided that for my family (answered in previous questions). They offer hot lunch and bus service. There are some after school activities. And they go on educational field trips. Overall my child is very happy and enjoys the school, which is our main goal.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2017

This is a great school! My child has attended for several years and we love it. I read some reviews who feel otherwise, however the experience my family has had is much different. Great administration who has helped the school thrive, wonderful teachers, and kids who show up to learn is what makes this school what it is. They have different reward systems in place to encourage hard work and good behavior. Bullying is not tolerated and the school takes parent concerns seriously. Anytime I needed something it was a simple call or email to a teacher or staff member and they were willing to help right away. There is a lot of homework and from what I have seen they are currently working on getting more after school activities. My child loves going to school here! We had many options when choosing a school and we are still very happy we picked Ad Prima.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2017

This school needs a revamp and quick. The school is failing students and I blame the administration for not giving teachers the support or the encouragement that they need to succed.
Submitted by teacher on July 30, 2017

When it comes to children, they learn by what the adults and professionals around them do, not by what they say. Therefore, with an underqualified site director and administration, ethically, this organization falls way short. There is no support, resources, or technology provided to the teachers. Although there is a person designated for that purpose, her time is spent running all over the building putting out fires, and solving problems that arise when a total lack of planning ahead occurs. This is exactly what happens when a school had a great staff and no leadership. The leadership at this school, sadly, came from the teachers and staff. They were the ones who kept the morale and positivity flowing among each other, and therefore, the children. The most highly knowledgeable, passionate for education and improving the lives of every child they meet, group of professionals (and people) that I have ever met. The one in charge of it all did NOT see, nor acknowledge, the talent she had, and very heartlessly and seemingly effortlessly, let many of us go at the end of my first year there, while others had been there for many. Our "leader" had this to say when a 8 year employee, and one of the best teachers in our building, let her know she would not be returning, for a better-found opportunity... "okay." What kind of "leader" doesn't allow or permit a teacher to speak during any meeting? She rules the school and everyone in it like a dictatorship not ashamed to engage in such unethical, heartless acts. Worst yet did so without knowing us. She never spent time in our classrooms, and on that note, neither did the Site Director. The only Admin who had, was not consulted about this major decision that would affect so many. So sad, such potential, and yet, without the proper leadership, destined to fail. No one will produce effective work when under this type of "you will be fired tomorrow if I feel like it" kind of mentality. Especially when dealing with children who are above average in being highly susceptible to sensing injustice. She preys on the weak, and counts on creating fear to keep anyone from speaking out. Total disgrace.
Submitted by teacher on July 18, 2017

My experience was incredibly disheartening. The current CEO and administration are unqualified and offer no leadership or support. Opinions and concerns of parents and teachers are disregarded making it nearly impossible to collaborate and resolve problems. The school is chronically understaffed, under resourced, and out of compliance with the law. It's so frustrating because teachers and staff are afraid to speak out for fear of losing their jobs. It's a disgrace and unfair to the children that aren't getting the educational experience they deserve.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2017

My child has been at the Frankford location since it was started. The first few years were great, but the new changes in this school has made it drop. The teachers are constantly changing and the Dean of Students practices harassment instead of discipline. He yells at children, takes their personal items that they need, and never returns phone calls to parents.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2017

My son had an excellent teacher when he was in 1st grade but his second grade teacher was not. The school is unrealistic for single parents. The principal does not get back to you to schedule an meeting.
Submitted by other on November 03, 2016

The school has definitely gone down since previous years. The lack of communication between teachers, administrators, and parents is horrific. My daughter's class is highly unorganized. The current administrator runs the school like it's a military school. The desks and chairs are falling apart. When parents make complaints all we receive are excuses. I knew that the school work would be rigorous, but the demands they are placing on the children do not allow for them to have a life outside of the school.
Submitted by other on October 16, 2016

This school has gone way down hill since my son first started. It has more of a regular public schools atmosphere now. Probably because the original founder isn't apart of it anymore. Made way too many changes that weren't for the good of the students or school.
Submitted by other on June 15, 2016

Teacher communicate well. However administration is awful and dishonest. Leadership is constantly changing. Treatment of students is unfair and biased fostering an environment of bullying.
Submitted by other on May 18, 2016

Ad Prima is a wonderful school and I plan to keep my child there until 8th grade. My child has liked all of her teachers so far. They are informative and good with the kids. The class sizes are average (always around 22 kids/class so far) and each child gets enough attention. If your child needs help with a subject, they will have a teacher at the school help them by spending extra time on that subject. The actual classroom material is challenging. There is plenty of homeworking to keep their mind going but it's not too overwhelming.Other benefits: All staff takes parents concerns seriously and address them in a timely manner. They go on education field trips. School lunch and bus service (something they didn't have when she first started) is offered. Everyone that works there seems cheerful and helpful, even down to the really awesome school nurse. My complaints are small: They don't leave enough time for lunch. Kids need a solid meal to focus. If they aren't finished and the bell rings, they have to throw it away. Lastly, there isn't enough recess and/or gym time. Sure, we participate in out of school activities. But 8am-4pm, 5 days a week is a long week with limited time to run around.
Submitted by other on May 18, 2016

May 2016. Very disappointed with the school. Safety and discipline is greatly lacking and biased. Educational method leaves a lot to be desired. I have been lied to by several different staff members. Water fountains never seem to be working. Bathrooms are old and dirty. High staff turnover.
Submitted by other on December 30, 2015

I regret i put my doughter in this school.administrative not professional,they fight among themselves.kg teachers are new ,no experience ,no books,no library,no computer classes.parents told me school was good long time ago but not any more.most of parents think of moving their kids from this school.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2015

My daughter has been at Ad Prima Charter (Frankford) since They first opened & is now in 5th grade. I also have a son who is in the second grade & my youngest son will be attending his first year in kindergarten this current school year. I love this school and it has been a great learning experience for me and my children.They are learning so much. To other parents who want their children to attend this school, please be prepared for excessive homework and monthly book reports and weekly assignments depending on what grade your child is in.
Submitted by other on May 22, 2015

I've been at this school since third grade and the teacher always have a positive attitude and are ready to help student if we need extra work You don't have to worry about bullying
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2014

My daughter currently attends Ad Prima for kindergarten (Frankford) and I love it! The curriculum is vigorous but she is doing a great job. They are really preparing her for the future. The grading system is tough but it helps her strive to continuously do better. The homework is time consuming, we spend 1-2 hours a night getting it done. I know she is learning a great amount and her vocabulary is great! She really enjoys going to this school.
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2014

I love the school. lots of homework, projects and book reports. you have to be a hands on parent. wonderful school and staff. my daughter go's to the 6300 st campus.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2014

I love this school! My son did Kindergarten and 1st grade at Lab Charter and we decided to transfer him to Ad Prima side when the school moved to 63rd and Lansdown and we love it. This school is very structured and thorough with its curriculum. My son is growing and learning very well through this school. There's no doubt in my mind Ad Prima is preparing our son for one of the best High Schools and College for that matter.