BUILDING 21

Building 21 is a Title I public high school that is part of the Philadelphia City SD school district, located in Philadelphia, PA with about 357 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 12 teachers, Building 21 has a student/teacher ratio of about 29:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Building 21, located at 6501 Limekiln Pike in Philadelphia, is a distinctive public high school that operates on a model of competency-based education. Unlike traditional schools that rely on credit hours and seat time, Building 21 focuses on students mastering specific skills and concepts at their own pace. This personalized approach is designed to meet students where they are academically, allowing them to advance through their coursework once they have demonstrated a clear understanding of the material.

The school is known for its learner-centered culture, which emphasizes agency, community, and real-world application. By integrating project-based learning into its curriculum, Building 21 encourages students to connect their studies to their interests and future career goals. This environment is structured to support diverse learning styles and foster a supportive, collaborative community between educators and students, aiming to better prepare graduates for the complexities of college and the modern workforce.

For more information, contact Building 21 at (215) 684-2030 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.