UCHS Program

WPTP has recently launched a new program at University City High (UCHS,) a local public high school two blocks away from Penn’s campus. The UCHS program deviates from the typical WPTP model in that all UCHS tutors are required to work with their students in the school twice per week. This allows for a more comprehensive tutoring experience at the high school level and enables Penn tutors to form substantive relationships with their tutees. Additionally the UCHS program differs from other WPTP schools in that most of the tutoring occurs in the classroom with the guidance of a teacher. At UCHS, WPTP works extremely closely with the Site Coordinator at the school to ensure that the program runs smoothly and the tutees’ needs are met. There are currently 19 Penn tutors working at UCHS this semester!

Given the structural uniqueness of the UCHS program, guidelines for Penn tutors placed at this site are more focused for UCHS-specific needs. While WPTP tutors are expected to follow a loose dress code when tutoring at any site, the dress code for UCHS tutors is stricter: Penn tutors will be unable to tutor if they arrive at the school wearing jeans or any tight, ripped, or revealing clothing. This is an effort on the part of the UCHS administration to guarantee a level of professionalism in their classrooms. Additionally, due to the small size of the UCHS program with 19 Penn tutors, consistency in attendance is necessary to maintain a spot at UCHS. Tutors that cannot work with their tutees on a regular basis at UCHS will be unable to continue.

Information About UCHS

UCHS is a Promise Academy managed by the School District of Philadelphia under the leadership of Principal Timothy Stults.  UCHS enrolls about 600 students in grades 9-12 and boasts a small academy model.  Of these students, 89% are economically disadvantaged according to the school district.  In the 2009-2010 school year, only 4% and 8% scored proficient or above on the math and reading PSSA tests.  In both cases, scores were more than 30 percentage points lower than the district average.  UCHS is home to a new Student Success Center assisted by the Netter Center at the University of Pennsylvania that coordinates volunteers and tutors and provides a wide range of academic support and test preparation. 

Address: 3601 Filbert St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Phone: (215)387-5100

School Website: http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/u/university-city-promise

For more questions about UCHS, please contact Executive Board Member Allyson Even at even@sas.upenn.edu.