Location
Grade Levels
- 9-12
Learning Models
- Competency Based Learning
- Learner Agency
- Personalized Learning
- Project-Based Learning
- Real World Learning
Governance
Grades Served: 9-12
Students Served: 388
About
Operates public high schools in Philadelphia and Allentown and has four network affiliate schools. The personalized learning model (below) features problem-based learning, real work experiences, and competency-based assessments.
Building 21 is a network of innovative public high schools that reimagines education through personalized, competency-based learning. With campuses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, Building 21 serves students in grades 9 through 12, providing a transformative approach to education that prepares them for college, careers, and lifelong learning.
The curriculum at Building 21 focuses on competency-based progression, where students advance based on mastery of skills and knowledge rather than time spent in a classroom. Learning is personalized to meet each student’s unique needs, interests, and goals, fostering agency and ownership over their education.
Building 21 emphasizes real-world learning, offering opportunities for internships, project-based work, and community engagement. Students participate in interdisciplinary projects that connect academic concepts to real-life applications, preparing them for the challenges of the modern workforce.
The school is dedicated to equity and access, ensuring all students, regardless of background, have the tools and support to succeed. Advisory groups and mentorship programs provide personalized guidance, helping students navigate their academic and personal development.
Building 21 also partners with districts and schools nationwide to implement its innovative educational model, aiming to create scalable solutions for transforming education.