Constitution High School

Constitution High School is a college preparatory high school located in Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is the first and, so far, only history based high school in Pennsylvania. It was founded September 2006 by Dr. Thomas Davidson. About 290 attend grades 9 through 12. It is located in close proximity to Independence Mall in Philadelphia. Constitution High School has a strong relationship with the National Constitution Center, as well as partnerships with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and Philadelphia law firm, Ballard Spahr LLP. It is the only School District of Philadelphia high school whose theme is Law, Democracy, and History. The school program capitalizes upon the unparalleled historical resources of the city to deliver a program that emphasizes the study of all social sciences through the American experience.

Mission

By engaging students with an appreciation for history and an understanding of the democratic principles embodied in the United States Constitution, this college preparatory high school will develop the next generation of engaged citizens and civic leaders in government, public policy, and law.^[1]

History

Constitution High School was founded in 2006 by Dr. Thomas Davidson, as a partnership between the Philadelphia School District, the National Constitution Center, Ballard Spahr LLP, and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Constitution High School is a unique, small, college preparatory, city-wide admission school located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Historic District, and is the only Law, Democracy, and History themed high school in the Philadelphia School District and well as the state of Pennsylvania. Constitution has a classroom that is designed as a courtroom.

Extracurricular Activities

• Chess Club
• Basketball
• National Honor Society
• Chorus
• Debate
• Yearbook
• Video Club
• Drama Club
• Yoga/Wellness
• Weightroom
• Science Fair
• Art Club
• National History Day
• Civil War Project
• Spirit Club (Honor Roll Club, Multicultural Club, Fashion Club)
• Senior Class Advisor
• Tutoring Club
• Gay Straight Alliance
• Student Government
• Mock Trial
• Newspaper
• Peer Mediation
• Fundraising
• PSSA/SAT/AP Test Prep
• World Affairs Support
• Technology Club
• DJ Club
• Spanish Club
• Divine Empowerment Prayer Group

Points of Pride

The prominent modes of student learning, beyond the norm of actively-engaged classrooms, include: interdisciplinary studies, the use of primary historical documents, research writing, active civic engagement, problem solving (as it relates to societal issues), public presentations, and an exceptional role in school governance. Unique features for students include:

• School location in close proximity to Independence Mall
• Summer freshman orientation, located at the National Constitution Center
• History scholars’ instructional visits to school
• Yearly community service requirement
• Mentor relationships with staff
• Regularly appearing historical artifacts exhibits at school
• Enrollment in two social science classes each year
• Wide range of electives
• Major field trips each year, including the opportunity to travel abroad
• Advanced Placement classes and college courses (for college credit)
• Utilization of the resources of the National Constitution Center, as well as other Philadelphia institutions, to promote student learning and engagement
• Extensive extra-curricular programs
• Interdisciplinary Senior Research Project fulfilling social science and English credit requirements

References

Coordinates: 39°57′01″N 75°09′08″W / 39.95041°N 75.15228°W / 39.95041; -75.15228