Case Statement
WOLCS History
2023-2024 was a significant time in WOLCS’ history. It marked the school’s 25 years of existence and the start of a multi-year campaign to raise funding to sup-port its long-term goals.
In 1997, shortly after Pennsylvania’s Charter School Law was enacted, the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC), filed an application to establish West Oak Lane Charter School with a special focus on science and technology as part of a community-based revitalization strategy. Our first charter was granted in Febru-ary 1998, and in September 1998, we opened our doors with 548 students in grades K-4. The 5th grade was added in September 1999. Our charter was re-newed in March 2002, and grades 6, 7, and 8 were added in 2003, 2004, and 2005. In October 2011, WOLCS completed a $16 million, 64,000 square foot ex-pansion, which includes a gymnasium, computer lab, atrium, and conference center.
WOLCS employs more than 100 full-time staff, and its teachers are represented by the Alliance of Charter School Employees, a local of the American Federation of Teachers of Pennsylvania.
Since its start, WOLCS has been successful in getting its charter renewed every 5 years. Charter renewal is the lifeblood of a charter school, and every 5 years, WOLCS must prove that its “house is in order” academically, financially, and opera-tionally. Getting successfully through this extensive review process means that WOLCS has surpassed several milestones. Now, WOLCS is preparing for the next 25 years, educating the next generation of innovators, and we need your support to continue our mission.
Main Entrance at WOLCS
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“Every child you pass in the hall has a story that needs to be heard.
Maybe you are the one meant to hear it”.
WOLCS Student
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Background
West Oak Lane Charter School (WOLCS) is proud to present this Case Statement for Support. Since its founding 25 years ago, WOLCS has succeeded in educating thousands of students, making it one of the longest-serving charter schools in Pennsylvania!
WOLCS Mission
West Oak Lane Charter School provides students with a student-centered, learning environment emphasizing literacy, math and the sciences as well as targeted intervention and enrichment programs so all graduates are prepared for and accepted to high performing high schools.
WOLCS Vision
To be a leader in the Philadelphia educational system whose graduates are prepared to succeed in the most academically rigorous high schools.
WOLCS Core Values
We provide a superior education, which is our most important priority.
We embrace all students, regardless of learning potential.
We promote commitment, dedication and integrity in everything that we do.
We provide an inclusive, supportive, safe, and challenging environment for students, teachers and staff.
We are lifelong learners and leaders, capable of thinking independently, critically and creatively.
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“My children attend West Oak Lane Charter. They continuously receive advanced scores on state tests each year. The school culture is warm and inviting. Unlike many Philadelphia schools, WOLCS has a bright and clean environment with plenty of up to date technology”.
WOLCS Parent
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Quick Facts
- We collectively have over 200 years of experience within the administrative and academic leadership teams
- Roughly 1/3 of WOLCS’ students live in the surrounding neighborhood of West Oak Lane, and the remainder come from the broader Northwest Philadelphia area, and across the city.
- 99% of WOLCS’ 1,025 students are African American.
- 100% of WOLCS students are designated as economically disadvantaged, and a majority of the students qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch.
- Our class sizes are purposefully small, with a typical student-teacher ratio of 27:1.
WOLCS Academic Record
- WOLCS provides a superior education for its students and a foundation for life-long academic achievement. Here are some facts on our academic record:
Since 2007, 44% of WOLCS’ 1099 graduates have matriculated to Special Admissions High Schools in Philadelphia and 27% of WOLCS graduates have matriculated to charter high schools, which often have stronger academic histories than neighborhood high schools. - 70% of the 2007-2022 graduates were “WOLCS Lifers”: students who started their academic careers at WOLCS and completed the entire nine grades at the school.
- Show positive growth in Mathematics, English Language Arts, and Science proficiency levels in each year of the current charter term.
- Use tutoring and enrichment programs (e.g., Rocket Math, 100 Book Challenge, and the Science and Robotics After School Clubs, etc.) to boost student achievement in core subjects.
- Measure each area and enrichment program to understand what’s working or what needs to be improved.
- Provide more support for teachers to improve their capacities to instruct and lead.
How You Can Help
| General Support of WOLCS |
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After School Clubs:
Scholars’ Club* Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Club Homework Help Club
Robotics Club
Modern Girls Club
Chess Club
Legacy of Hope -
Mentorship Program
Reading Olympics
Art Club
Total Support Goal: $100,000 |
Highlight on the Scholars’ Club
The WOLCS Scholars’ Club is a prestigious program that offers enhanced academic and social opportunities for our most talented 4th – 8th grade students. Scholars’ Club is selective, based on a student’s achievements on the PSSA Reading and Math assessments, outstanding academic record, good citizenship and behavior, and a passion for learning as witnessed by teachers.  The Club exposes students to new experiences, fostering a college-bound mindset through:
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| Academic Preparation and Intervention Programs |
A significant number of WOLCS students need more preparation as they progress into higher grades. Our Academic Preparation and Intervention Programs will help improve a student’s ability to learn and achieve individual success.
Total Support Goal: $50,000
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| Teacher Professional Development |
In order to lift student achievement, we want to improve our teachers’ capacities to differentiate their lessons, getting students to examine their own work, and showing teachers how to anticipate and respond to students’ interests and learning needs.
Total Support Goal: $25,000
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| Teacher Incentive Pool |
Hiring and retaining great teachers has become very challenging, and we want to attract the very best talent for our students. The Teacher Incentive Pool is al-ready in place, and your support of the Pool will help us reach our goal.
Total Support Goal: $25,000
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| Personalized Learning Initiative |
Over the next 3 years, we want to give each student the opportunities to have technology at their finger-tips. The personalized learning initiative will mean taking our curriculum to an entirely new level.
Total Support Goal: $100,000
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Support of WOLCS Annual Gala
Each year, WOLCS holds its Annual Gala to support afterschool programs. Sponsorship Levels are follows:
Donor are recognized on the Community Champions Wall in the school’s atrium for all to see. |
| HOST Sponsorship Level | $25,000 |
| SIGNATURE Sponsorship Level | $15,000 |
| PARTNER Sponsorship Level | $10,000 |
| FRIEND Sponsorship Level | $5,000 |
| ANNIVERSARY Sponsorship Level | $1,500 |
| SUPPORTER Sponsorship Level | $1,000 |
| CONTRIBUTOR Sponsorship Level | $500 |
Ways to Give
- Direct contribution to West Oak Charter School: WOLCS is a 501c (3) charitable organization, which means your contribution is tax deductible.
- The School’s Foundation—Corporate Giving: Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC): The EITC program allows businesses in Pennsylvania to directly invest in the education of our youth by supporting scholar-ships and after-school programs.
- Make a matching gift. Does your company match employee contributions? Double the impact of your giving by taking advantage of this policy.
- Host a fundraising event on WOLCS’ behalf. Contact us if you’d be willing to sponsor or host a third-party benefit, with the proceeds going to the school.
“Giving is not just about making a donation. It’s about making a difference.”
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