Esperanza Academy Charter School

Esperanza Academy Charter School has served our community in North Philadelphia with quality results for nearly 25 years. In 2000, the school began as a high school in a converted warehouse and has since grown into a multi-school campus spanning K-12. The school will serve 2,235 students each year once its new elementary school building is opened in the fall of 2025! 

Esperanza Academy is dedicated to providing a quality education that prepares critically thinking, socially capable, spiritually sensitive and culturally aware young adults who can use English, Spanish and technology as tools for success in the 21st century. 

Enrollment is conducted by lottery, with 81% living within 2 miles of the school. Approximately 85% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch. 27% speak English as a Second Language, and 21% have specialized learning needs. 92% of our students identify as Hispanic. 

A proven track record of success. 

At Esperanza Academy, 93% of our students graduate on time in four years, far beyond the City’s graduation rate. 61% of graduates enroll in college. We offer dual enrollment and early college programs with Esperanza College on Esperanza’s main campus, to help our students earn college credit early and pursue their goals. 

Our middle and high schools consistently demonstrate evidence of meeting or exceeding growth across all Keystone subjects. In the past five years alone, Esperanza has had some of the highest growth in English Language Arts and Math across the state of Pennsylvania. U.S. News and World Report has consistently recognized Esperanza Academy among its Best High Schools lists.  

Our extraordinary facilities include art, film, and dance studios, fully equipped science labs, and an auditorium for student performances. During their academic career, our students choose from 13 curricular majors, including journalism, criminal justice, teacher education, engineering, technology, dance, visual arts, film, entrepreneurship, health sciences, among others.  Esperanza Academy offers 15 AP courses, the highest of any charter school in Philadelphia.  

We offer robust student support services and individualized attention, including mentorship, tutoring, guidance counseling, and many after-school clubs and programs, such as sports, National Honor Society, choir, dance ensembles, and more. 

For more information visit EsperanzaAcademyCS.org