Community Partnership School

Dear Friend,                                           

Each year in Philadelphia, nearly one out of every two children is born into poverty. At Community Partnership School (CPS), our surrounding neighborhood ranks the second poorest in the city, and household incomes are in the lowest 15% nationally. More than 85% of students at the local public elementary school read below their grade level. Fewer than 5% of the adults in our community have a college degree.

It is staggering to think about what this reality could mean for the future of our city if the trend continues.

At Community Partnership School, we have pioneered an innovative, independent elementary school model that enables low-wealth and low-income children from our North Central Philadelphia neighborhood to achieve lifelong success and to strengthen their community. As a result of individualized instruction that is appropriately challenging and affirming, our students develop curiosity, courage, and compassion. These three qualities are more than life skills; they are defining personality traits that broaden our students’ outlook on who they can become and empower them to be difference makers.

How do we know that Community Partnership School is changing the trajectory of children in our community? 100% of our graduates are enrolled in high-quality middle schools. Through our Alumni Program, we are working with each graduate to support their growth and ongoing success as they move towards high school and, eventually, on to college. We strive to create a community within the school in which our students and families grow and learn together. By cultivating this close-knit community and implementing extensive support systems, we ensure each student’s success.

Families play an important role in the education of our children. We empower our families to be active advocates for their children – an important component of our students’ success. As one parent recently shared with us: “CPS has affected our lives in ways we never would have imagined—people there know and care about our children and that opens doors. CPS sticks with you and helps you fill the educational gap. It allows us to be part of something wonderful.”

Generous investment from individual stakeholders—like you!—enables us to provide our students with the education and tools to overcome obstacles and make a difference in their lives. Your contribution to our Annual Fund is critical as it will directly benefit the students and families of Community Partnership School, whose tuition payments are only able to cover 5% of our annual budget.

Sustaining and broadening our impact in the community and beyond depends on your support.

Each year the response to our Annual Fund appeal broadens, further affirming our mission and reinforcing our name.  The families and students we enroll have the drive and commitment that it takes to succeed at Community Partnership School; together we support them with the financial assistance necessary to make it work.

Please make your donation today so that Community Partnership School can continue to provide high-quality, innovative education to our students in North Central Philadelphia.

Sincerely,

Eric C. Jones, Head of School 

Jocelyn Hillman, Board Chair