Philip’s Academy has a rich history of providing a rigorous and nurturing educational program to families in low-income and urban communities for almost three decades. The first Philip’s school opened its doors in Newark in 1988 after it became clear that no Newark students could be found who met the rigorous standards required to receive a full scholarship to St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire. The school’s founders were determined that such an opportunity would not pass Newark students by 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 students with the best possible 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 fall 2015, the Philip’s organization received approval to expand into Paterson.

 

Currently, Philip's Academy Paterson serves over 700 students in grades K–8.

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What?

​St. Elizabeth’s has been a key partner of Philip’s Academy Paterson since its founding in 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?

Philip's Academy Paterson graduated its first eighth-grade class in 2025, marking a milestone for the students who entered kindergarten in 2016. Many are now attending selective high schools. St. Elizabeth’s has played an important role in helping make this possible.