Philip’s Academy has a rich history of providing a rigorous and nurturing educational program to families from low income and urban areas for almost 3 decades. The first Philip’s school opened its doors in Newark in 1988, after sadly no students could be found to meet the rigorous standards to receive a full scholarship to St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire. It was decided that such an opportunity would not pass by Newark students again, and St. Philip’s Academy was established to provide students with the academic skills necessary to thrive at independent secondary schools across the nation, thereby preparing them for a lifetime of personal achievement.

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In the fall of 2013, St. Philip’s Academy made history when it became the first independent school in New Jersey to convert to a Charter School under a new state law. Converting from St. Philip's Academy to Philip’s Academy Charter School enables the organization to extend its successful educational model to more students. The challenge is to continually “raise the bar” to provide the students with the best educational experience. Leadership qualities and a sense of community responsibility are developed in small classes and taught by caring and innovative teachers. Two years after the conversion, in the fall of 2015, the Philip’s organization received approval to move ahead with expansion into Paterson.

 

Currently PACS Paterson serves 685 students in grades K-8.

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What?

​St. Elizabeth's has been a key partner with Philip's Academy Charter School (PACS) of Paterson since its 2015 founding, providing financial support through its Dickinson Fund as well as active participation on its board and hands-on volunteer projects.

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Why?

PACS Paterson graduated its first eighth grade class in 2025, marking the milestone achievement of its 2016 founding kindergarteners.  Many are attending select high schools. St. Elizabeth's has played a huge role in making this possible!