Fitler School

In 1897, a magnificent Gothic-style building arose in Germantown. This was no ordinary structure. It was the Edwin Fitler Academics Plus School. Fitler School, as it’s often called, stands as the oldest existing building still used by the School District of Philadelphia. Its schist walls, battlement tower, and rounded archways whisper tales of a bygone era. Fitler School isn’t just a historical landmark. It’s a vibrant learning hub. Originally built in 1897-1898 by S. Gourley, Jr. and designed by architect Louis Anshutz, it has served Philadelphia’s students for generations. Fitler School was the first Academics Plus School in Philadelphia. It champions academic excellence, discipline, a dress code, and strong parental involvement. The school caters to students from first through eighth grade. The dedicated staff includes two teachers for each grade from second to eighth, a single first-grade teacher, and a host of support staff. This includes a school-based teacher leader, counselor, health and physical education teacher, a mentally gifted/resource room teacher, and even a PSSA prep teacher. Fitler School embraces innovative teaching methods. Hands-on activities, cooperative learning, individualized exploration, research, advanced technology, and real-life application of knowledge are all part of the Fitler experience. The school also boasts a dedicated Home and School Association. They actively promote parental involvement in school projects. The staff continuously strives to enhance academic achievement. They focus on refining study skills and participate in ongoing staff development programs. These programs cover the Core Curriculum, Comprehensive Literacy Frameworks, and the Mathematics Instructional Model.