WPACES is a K-5 charter school serving over 700 students and families in West Philadelphia. Ovet 90% of our students are from low-income families and 99% of our students are African American. We work hard to build a school community that feels like a family. We empower the parents of our students as partners in developing our students into future leaders. We incorporate the arts and technology into learning experiences to appeal to multiple intelligences and bring joy to our students.

The School’s Mission Statement is that “All Children Can Learn”. At WPACES we are dedicated to stimulating excitement about learning in a technology & arts infused safe and respectful environment. We are committed to using the arts and technology to produce educated youth who are prepared to take on the new and more global challenges of our society. We are also committed to helping children find their area of intelligence and use it to maximize their learning. It is also our mission to foster true partnerships with parents and the community.

When students leave this school they will have a firm foundation in the skills necessary to be successful in the middle school curriculum. Students will have the background in the arts and technology to formulate creative, expressive designs, interpretations and appreciation for other students work as well as their own imagination and work. Students will also have a strong sense of accomplishment as they experience success, learning opportunities, celebration of what they can do, the ability to take risks as a learner and have the ability to develop trusting relationships with peers and other adults. Students at WPACES are trained to be critical thinkers and strive to always be productive members of a community of learners inviting dialogue, exchange and collaboration.

A philosophical tenet is that the community must be a part of the school. Our school has an ongoing commitment to inter-generational programming through a partnership with paraprofessionals at Temple University. They play a key role in the daily academic enrichment activities of the school.