What is a Charter School? Charter Schools are public schools that function under a contract (charter) from the chartering school district. The charter allows schools to engage in innovative educational programs that meet high performance standards. Pennsylvania’s charter school law was enacted in 1997. Who can enroll? Enrollment is open to all Pennsylvania students with a priority given to Philadelphia residents. If we have more applications for admission than student openings available in a grade then the students are selected by lottery. Is there a dress code? To promote a less competitive atmosphere, First Philadelphia Charter has a dress code that consists of a red, white and blue plaid uniform jumper for the girls with a white button down shirt and Peter Pan collar. The boys wear navy blue slacks, a white button down shirt with a uniform red, white and blue plaid tie and a red V-Neck sweater with the school name. The gym uniform for boys and girls is a navy blue sweat suit with school name or navy blue shorts and a gray T-shirt with the school name. The uniform and accompaniment pieces can be purchased at Flynn and O’Hara Uniforms. Flynn and O’Hara Uniforms is located at: 10905 Dutton Road Philadelphia, PA 19154 p: (215) 637-4600. They are open Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 8:00PM, and on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM from August 1st until the second week of September. Is bus service available? Bus Service is offered free to all students in first grade and above who live more than 1.5 miles from the school. What is the length of an average school day? 8:30 to 3:30 What is the length of the school year? The school year begins in August and ends in June. Is there a school calendar available to parents and students? The school calendar is distributed prior to the beginning of the school year. What is an intersession? Periods of time when the school closes for a week or two and regular classes cease but all students are welcome to take enrichment classes. Are both breakfast and lunch available to students? Breakfast and lunch will be available. Subsidies are available based on financial need.