Temple University’s Office of Partnership Schools was established in 2002 when the School District of Philadelphia asked Temple to lead and support a group of public schools in the neighborhoods surrounding its Main Campus in North Philadelphia.  The schools began implementing the Temple school reform model in fall 2003.

Led by the College of Education, the Temple Partnership brings resources from across the University to support the schools in a comprehensive reform process. Temple’s objective is to improve instruction and learning by utilizing its intellectual capital as a major research university, its extensive experience in preparing educators and education researchers, and its ability to marshal diverse constituencies in support of the schools. Critical members of this partnership include the School District of Philadelphia, educators in the schools, family and community members, and business and civic leaders. 

Our partnership is University-wide, including, in addition to the College of Education, the Colleges of Science and Technology, Liberal Arts and Health Professions, the Schools of Medicine, Social Administration and Communications and Theater, and the Departments of Athletics, Campus Safety and Facilities.

Four elementary schools compose the Temple University Partnership Schools: Dr. Tanner G. Duckrey School, Paul Laurence Dunbar School, Joseph C. Ferguson School, and Gen. George G. Meade School.  There are approximately 1800 students in kindergarten through grade eight at the four schools.

Click here to learn more about Temple’s responsibilities for the Partnership Schools under its agreement with the School District of Philadelphia.