TECH Freire Charter School
General Information
About TECH Freire Charter School
TECH Freire Charter School, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a tuition‑free, public charter high school serving grades 9 through 12. Established to provide a cutting‑edge, technology‑integrated college‑preparatory education, the school emphasizes computer science, entrepreneurship, and project‑based learning. TECH Freire’s curriculum is infused with maker‑space experiences—students engage with 3D printers, virtual reality, laser cutters and hands‑on engineering tools—while simultaneously mastering foundational academic disciplines. The model blends real‑world professional preparation with liberal arts content, creating an environment where students build sophisticated technological and critical‑thinking skills alongside leadership, teamwork, and problem‑solving capacities.
Open to students across Philadelphia through city‑wide enrollment, the school advances a mission grounded in freedom, critical reflection, and nonviolence while fostering community and innovation. With a small teacher‑to‑student ratio and individualized supports, the school strives to ensure that graduates are prepared not just for college admission, but for success in higher education and emerging careers in the tech‑driven economy. Reports show that the 2025 graduating class achieved a college acceptance rate of 89 % and earned over $9.4 million in college scholarships and aid.
Contact Information
Address: 2221 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19132
Phone Number: (267) 507‑1111
Email Address: admissions@techfreire.org (as indicated on the school website)
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2016 |
| Motto | “The power to build your future.” |
| Type | Public Charter High School |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Student–Teacher Ratio | Approximately 12:1 |
| School Colors | Cardinal and White (inferred from Freire network) |
| Mascot | Dragons (per alumni references) |
| Accreditation | Pennsylvania Department of Education (charter) |
TECH Freire Charter School Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position / Note |
|---|---|
| National Online High School | Not applicable |
| Pennsylvania Charter High Schools | Recognized among top Philly public high schools in 2025 |
| STEM Program Excellence | Noted for maker‑spaces and tech integration |
| College‑Readiness | 89% of 2025 graduates accepted to ≥100 colleges; earned $9.4M+ scholarships |
| State Assessment Performance | Below statewide averages in some measured areas |
TECH Freire Charter School Academics
TECH Freire Charter School Faculties / Departments
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics (Algebra I–II, Geometry, Pre‑Calculus, Statistics)
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Practical Physics)
- Social Studies / History (World History, U.S. History, Civics)
- Computer Science and Engineering (Intro to Engineering Design, Robotics)
- World Languages (Spanish I–III)
- Technology Integration / Maker‑Spaces (VR, 3D printing, CAD)
- Entrepreneurship and Professional Prep
- Student Support Services and Special Education
TECH Freire Charter School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Tech‑Integrated Core Courses (English I‑IV, Algebra I–II, Geometry, Pre‑Calculus)
- Maker‑Space Electives (Engineering, 3D Modeling, VR Design)
- STEM Enrichment Pathways
- Entrepreneurship & Business Studies
- College Prep Seminar / Senior Research Project
- Dual Enrollment Opportunities (where available)
- Technology‑Lab Support Modules
- Career Readiness & “Freire Forward” Experiential Program
Online Learning
While primarily an in‑person high school, TECH Freire employs digital tools and blended learning models integrated into all courses. The makerspace and tech‑integration components rely heavily on students using hardware and software platforms in‑school. Virtual modules and online assignments supplement in‑class learning, particularly during asynchronous time. The school also provides online supports for homework, remediation, and enrichment.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score / Note |
|---|---|
| SAT | ~910 average per Niche for some years |
| ACT | ~16 average per Niche data |
| State Math Proficiency | ~7–8% per Niche (noted as an area of challenge) |
| State Reading Proficiency | ~32% per Niche data |
Retention and Graduation Rates
TECH Freire reports a graduation rate of approximately 87% as indicated by Niche data. The school also reports strong college acceptance outcomes for its graduating classes, with 89% of the Class of 2025 earning admission to one or more colleges. These figures demonstrate a focused commitment to student transition into post‑secondary education, even as academic proficiency in certain standardized metrics remains a work in progress.
TECH Freire Charter School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As an open‑admission charter school serving grades 9–12 across Philadelphia, TECH Freire does not publish a specific GPA range for admission. Students may apply city‑wide and are admitted via lottery without testing or GPA requirements. For students aiming for advanced or tech‑pathway courses, strong prior academic performance and willingness to engage with rigorous-maker activities are beneficial.
TECH Freire Charter School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| General Admission (via lottery) | Open enrollment, no set rate |
| Advanced / Maker‑Pathway Programs | Competitive but no published rate |
TECH Freire Charter School Application Requirements
The admissions process for TECH Freire Charter School begins with city‑wide application and lottery for grade 9 entry. Prospective students and families complete an application during the designated window, provide proof of residency and required documentation, and may participate in an information session. While there are no testing or GPA requirements, the school places emphasis on interest in technology, entrepreneurship, and willingness to engage in project‑based learning. The admissions team encourages families to visit, engage with faculty, and understand the school’s culture of innovation and support.
Application Process
- Submit the Philadelphia Charter School application during open window.
- Participating students attend information session or tour (recommended).
- School conducts lottery for available seats.
- Admitted students complete enrollment paperwork, proof of residency, and registration forms.
- Orientation and course selection take place prior to school start.
TECH Freire Charter School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Date (typical) |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | January of each year |
| Application Deadline | Late January / early February |
| Lottery Conducted | February |
| Enrollment and Course Selection | Spring (March–April) |
Essay Prompt
Not applicable for general lottery admission. Some advanced‑pathway or maker electives may require interest statements or portfolios of work as part of program placement.
TECH Freire Charter School Scholarships
As a public charter school, TECH Freire does not charge tuition; therefore, scholarships in traditional sense do not apply. However, the school actively supports students in securing external scholarships for college, as evidenced by $9.4 million in college scholarships earned by the Class of 2025.
TECH Freire Charter School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Free (public charter school) |
| Activity Fee | Minimal / District covered |
| Technology Fee | Included in program |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Gender – Male | ~45% (219 male out of 489) |
| Gender – Female | ~55% (270 female out of 489) |
| Black/African American | ~90% (441 of 489) |
| Hispanic | ~6% (27 of 489) |
| White | <1% (1 of 489) |
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Approximately 99% of students at TECH Freire are eligible for free lunch, underscoring a high‑need population and strong commitment to equitable access. The school reports robust support systems for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), including tiered intervention and inclusive services.
Student Body
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~500 students |
| Average Class Size | ~12:1 ratio |
| International Students | Minimal (primarily local) |
TECH Freire Charter School Diversity
TECH Freire’s student community is predominantly African‑American, with a smaller representation of Hispanic and multiracial students in a highly urban Philadelphia context. The school emphasizes equity, project‑based learning and technology access for historically underserved populations, addressing educational and socioeconomic barriers while cultivating college and career readiness. The tech‑integrated environment offers students hands‑on opportunities previously less available in under‑resourced settings, fostering empowerment and practical skill development. Diversity at TECH Freire is not just about demographic representation—it is embedded in the mission, curriculum and support structures, with the aim of closing achievement gaps, expanding access to tech careers, and building leadership capacity in historically underrepresented groups.
Average Earnings
While high school students are not typically employed full‑time, graduates of TECH Freire benefit from rigorous preparation, technology exposure and college access which position them for higher‑earning career trajectories. The fact that the 2025 cohort earned over $9.4 million in college scholarship and aid reflects strong potential for future earnings. Employers increasingly value graduates with both foundational academics and tech‑savvy competencies; thus, TECH Freire alumni are likely to enter STEM fields, business or entrepreneurship pathways with higher earning potential than peers from less technology‑rich high school experiences.
TECH Freire Charter School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty at TECH Freire are certified educators with expertise in traditional academics and technology‑integrated instruction. The school maintains a low student‑teacher ratio (~12:1) to enable personalized attention. Teachers focus on project‑based, collaborative learning in maker‑spaces and classroom settings, aiming to develop both content mastery and innovation skills.
Faculty Profiles
Teachers and staff at TECH Freire often participate in professional development around maker‑education, entrepreneurship education and integrating VR, CAD and other tools into curriculum. The school network recognizes achievements in both academic innovation and community engagement. The achievement of college scholarship totals and early matriculation rates reflects the faculty’s commitment to student success.
TECH Freire Charter School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
TECH Freire is a day school with no on‑campus housing. Campus life centers around innovation labs, maker‑spaces, project‑based courses and clubs such as entrepreneurship, coding, robotics and design. Students have access to two fully‑equipped maker‑spaces with tools like laser cutters, 3D printers and VR equipment integrated into coursework and electives. Extracurricular offerings, leadership programs and professional preparation initiatives form key components of student life, culminating in senior research or entrepreneurship projects and experiential learning.
Transportation
The campus is located at 2221 N. Broad Street in Philadelphia, adjacent to the Broad Street Line subway, making public transit access convenient for students city‑wide. Students commute via public transit, school buses or family drop‑off. On‑campus mobility is managed within a conversion of a former automobile showroom building, boasting maker‑space facilities and central urban access.