Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the school located?

A: Philly ALC currently has two locations. Our main campus is at 756 S. 11th Street in Bella Vista.  Our Roots at Awbury program operates out of the Farm at Awbury in Germantown.

Q:  How can I get to Philly ALC? 

A: Students travel to our 11th Street campus from all over the area. Some arrive by car and make use of the convenient loading zones spots out front. Others walk, bike, or ride SEPTA. The 45 Bus stops right across 11th street and the 64 is just a few blocks away on Washington Avenue. The Lombard/South stop on the Broad Street subway line is just a short walk away. (More info at www.septa.org.) Students who live in Philadelphia more than 1.5 miles away from the school may receive a free Student Fare Card. 

Q: Does the school provide breakfast or lunch?

A: Philly ALC does not provide meals. Most students bring packed lunches or buy lunch off-campus. A fridge, microwave, and electric kettle are available for student use.

Q: What are the school hours?

A: Philly ALC is open 8:30 AM-4PM, Monday through Friday. Programming runs from 9:30-3:30.

Q: How do I know if I qualify for financial aid?

A: Philly ALC operates on a trust-based sliding scale. Families seeking a tuition reduction complete the worksheet on our website. All requests are approved anonymously by our Finance Committee. 

Q: What do you mean when you say your school is neurodiversity friendly?

A: A few things:

1. There are no tests here, no required classes and no desks. Students are free to run and play to their heart’s content, get fresh air when they need it, eat when they are hungry, drink when they are thirsty, and go the bathroom whenever they need to.

2. We make the implicit explicit. Our agreements are out for the world to see. Any visitor to our space need simply to peruse our Community Mastery Board to get the gist of how to operate in our community. 

Q: How are parents and caregivers involved at school? 

A: Philly ALC sees parents and caregivers as partners. All community members are welcome and encouraged to share their passions and their skills by hosting an offering for students, caregivers, or both. Caregivers that sign our enrollment agreement automatically become members of our assembly, a body that includes caregivers, students, and staff, and are invited to help make big picture decisions like tuition rates, budget, and the school calendar.

Q: My child is X years old. What program would they be in?

A: For the most part, Philly ALC is an age-mixed environment where students are not segregated into age cohorts. Age-mixing allows for students to learn from and inspire others. It offers younger students accessible role models and encourages older students to practice the crucial skills of patience and compassion.

Some of our programs do cater to specific age ranges. Roots at Awbury serves students ages 4 to 10. Flying Squad is geared toward those 10-16. Our Sex-Ed offerings feature session focused on older and younger students.