A national model of urban education, here in Philadelphia.    

Gesu School is an independent Catholic School, Pre-K to 8th grade, primarily serving low- to moderate-income families. Gesu educates the whole child. We provide academic, spiritual, and character development, so our 450 students can maximize their potential.

While Gesu is co-directed by two religious orders, the Jesuits and the IHM Sisters, our school is collaboration of people of all faiths – families, teachers, mentors, volunteers, and donors. We welcome students from all faith traditions.

Why Gesu School?

A Caring Community
At Gesu, families find dedicated teachers and a caring community. Gesu offers social support, including two full-time counselors and a social worker, a soft skills program to develop qualities like grit, and after-school enrichment. Gesu emphasizes wellness, from physical education to social-emotional learning. We employ a nurse full-time. Our Covid task force includes multiple physicians and monitors safety.

Remedial to Advanced Classes
Gesu meets students where they are, from remedial classes for those needing extra assistance, to advanced writing and math. Every Gesu student enjoys art, music, library, and science weekly. Spanish is offered for Kindergarten through middle school. Gesu’s partnerships offer opportunities for growth and exposure to Philadelphia’s culture and history. Our technology is top-notch. Every Gesu student is one-to-one with an iPad or Chromebook. Every classroom utilizes SMART interactive displays. Explore Gesu’s programs.

Preparation for Future Success 
A Gesu education transforms lives. Gesu graduates are confident, compassionate leaders. We instill values of civic engagement, community service, self-respect, and care for others.

A Gesu education can open doors to resources, opportunities, and top high schools. The Gesu Class of 2021 earned more than $424,000 in scholarship and financial aid offers for high school. Learn more about our students’ success.

Graduate Support Program
Gesu’s Graduate Support Program guides families through the high school admissions process and provides ongoing resources throughout high school, college, and career.

Take a virtual tour of Gesu School.

Admissions Process
Gesu is committed to providing a quality private school education at an affordable price. Admissions is on a rolling basis.

Step 1: Begin the application process online here. You will be directed to complete an online form and will then receive a username to begin an application. You will also receive an email with a checklist of deadlines and to guide you through the online application process.

To complete registration and apply to Gesu School, you will need these documents. Click to view the documents.
Documents can be submitted in one of two ways:

1. Upload and submit required documents online in the secure platform. Documents must be uploaded as JPG files (either photos from a phone or scanned).
OR
2. Drop off at Gesu School. Our main office staff will assist you and make copies of required documents.

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Requirements:
Pre-Kindergarten children must be four years old by September 1.
Kindergarten children must be five years old by September 1.

First Grade Admission Requirements:
Students must be six years old by September 1 and have completed a Kindergarten program.

Step 2:  Gesu School will contact you by mail when an admissions decision is made.

Step 3:  If accepted to Gesu School, you will complete a financial aid application. There is a $35 fee per family to submit the financial aid application. This fee will be applied to your tuition account. The website is: https://studentfinancialaid.blackbaud.school/#!/login Use School ID 12738. To be considered for financial aid, you must complete this application.

Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the 2022-23 school year is $8,500 per student. Gesu School provides generous financial aid, with every student receiving up to $6,100 in scholarships. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify based on income. The average total tuition paid by Gesu families in 2021-22 was $1,000, which breaks down to $24 per week for 42 weeks. 

Children’s Scholarship Fund
Parents are also encouraged to apply for scholarships from Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia. Visit the CSFP website for more information. If you are already a CSFP recipient, the funds can be applied to Gesu School.

Admissions Policies

• Gesu School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origins in the administration of its educational policies, its admission policies, or in any school administered programs.
• Priority in admissions will be given to children of alumni and siblings of current students.
• Priority in admissions will be given to moderate- and low-income families.

Re-registration for Current Gesu Families

• Current families will receive an email from Gesu School regarding the annual re-registration process.
• There is a $150 registration per returning student with a possibility of a $75 discount before the March 1 deadline.

Admissions and Financial Aid Contact:
Barbara Gallagher
Finance Assistant, Gesu School 
barbara.gallagher@gesuschool.org

Mission Statement: Inspired by the Jesuit and IHM traditions of social justice, faith, creative hope, and love, Gesu School helps students to transcend all forms of poverty by providing a comprehensive, innovative education. We empower our students to develop their strengths, overcome challenges, and become positive, engaged members of the community and the world.