CSFP and School Representatives Gather for Annual Principals Meeting

Oct 7, 2016

“The first thing [prospective parents] ask about are scholarships. It’s important not just to bring new students in, but also to retain students whose families may be having a hard time. They can stay because of Children’s Scholarship Fund.” Leigh Kelly, Holmesburg Christian Academy

On Wednesday, October 5, CSFP and representatives from our partner schools gathered to discuss the many facets of our partnerships, from program requirements and CSFP school evaluations, to strategies for increasing enrollment and maintaining student retention while leveraging CSFP’s financial impact on students and families. CSFP works with 160 schools in the area to deliver quality K-8th grade education to Philadelphia children who would otherwise be unable to afford private education. The annual meeting is a chance for our diverse schools to connect with CSFP staff and learn from one another. As CSFP pilots some program changes and additions, like our new priority application deadline, Parent Ambassador program, and our expanded Citywide School Fair, this year, the gathering was of particular importance.

Principals, Admissions Officers, and other school administrators attended to share their experiences with CSFP’s program, many of whom have maintained relationships with our program since we began distributing local scholarships in 2001. Leigh Kelly, Administrator from Holmesburg Christian Academy, has been working with CSFP for years. She stated that the financial support from CSFP has had a tremendous impact on their school: Holmesburg currently has 52 children on scholarships from CSFP, out of a total student population of 215.

Representatives from schools new to CSFP’s program, or hoping to join our roster of approved schools, came to learn more about our program and the population we serve. Edward Gallagher, Head of Middle School at AIM Academy, which serves over 300 students with language-based learning differences, said that his school’s partnership with CSFP enables the school to serve more students in need of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Because CSFP distributes scholarships by random lottery, our 5,500 students come from all over the city and require many different learning models. That’s why our parents choose the schools to which they send their children. CSFP is always open to exploring new quality school options for our families.

CSFP would like to thank our schools for their partnership, and Girard College for hosting this important event.

Read more about CSFP’s 160 partner schools here, and see photos from the event on our Facebook.