Resource Logo

Hello, you are using an old browser that's unsafe and no longer supported. Please consider updating your browser to a newer version, or downloading a modern browser.

West Philadelphia High School

The new high school, which replaces the original building (1912) at 48th and Walnut, is a 170,000 SF, three-story building now at the corner of Chestnut and 49th Streets. The school accommodates more than 800 students in grades 9-12. Special features include recycled building materials and day lighting. The building’s design intends to create an academic environment appropriate to support the educational program of a three mini-school curriculum: Creative and Performing Arts, Business Technology, and Urban Studies/Law.

Overall Cost / $43,000,000
Owner / School District of Philadelphia
Architect / Kelly / Maiello
Project Status / Completed in 2011

The first floor includes the main administrative suites, a 480-seat auditorium, health and physical education spaces, a cafeteria that seat 268 persons, as well as a CAPA curriculum classroom suite consisting of instrumental and vocal music classrooms, practice spaces, dance, and art classrooms. The upper two floors contain the academic core of the school: 21 classrooms, five science labs and eight special purpose labs and classrooms. By incorporating alternate entrances, nighttime use of the Auditorium, Instructional Media Center, and Gyms will be available to the neighboring West Philadelphia community.

The project was designed to meet a LEED Silver rating. The school received LEED Gold Certification.

Gallery Images