What is a charter school?
A charter school is a privately managed public school. A charter school is funded with public monies and open to students in the school district in which it is located. Read more about charter schools...

Where is RBCS located?
The Russell Byers Charter School is located in Center City Philadelphia at 1911 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For information, call 215.972.1700, ext. 221.

Is there a tuition cost?
Like all charter schools, the Russell Byers Charter School is free.

How many students are in the school?
The School serves 400 students in 4K (4-year-old kindergarten) through 6th Grade. We offer a two-year kindergarten program that begins with 4 year-olds.

What is the student/teacher ratio?
The student/teacher ratio is 22:1. Most grades have two classes of 20-25. Some grades have three classes.

Who can be a student at RBSC?
Enrollment in the Russell Byers Charter School is open to all children living in Philadelphia County. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available spaces, enrollment will be determined by a lottery.

What is the role of parents?
The Russell Byers Charter School invites and supports parent involvement in the school. Families are encouraged to contribute 30 hours of volunteer time during the school year.

Is there a uniform?
Russell Byers Charter School students are required to wear uniforms.

How long is the school day?
Students are in school Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Are there before- & after-school programs?
Before and After School Care is provided by Foundations and is held in the Russell Byers Charter School building. (The Before School Program begins at 7 a.m. and the After School program runs from 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

May I visit the School?
We welcome visitors. If you would like to visit the school, please call 215.972.1700, ext. 221 to set up an appointment.

How are charter schools funded?
In Pennsylvania, a charter public school receives funding from the child's school district of residence. The school receives the amount the district would spend on each student, minus the average per-student expenditure for fixed administrative costs. In Philadelphia, the regular education per pupil allotment is $7,708 and the special education per pupil allotment is $16,760 for the academic year 2001-2002.