The First Graduating Class of String Theory Schools Amasses over $11 Million in Scholarships

Philadelphia’s String Theory Schools opened its flagship high school at 1600 Vine Street four years ago, in 2013, when the highest grade level was 8th. That class is now graduating with 189 students and, of those who received scholarships, they have amassed over $11 million in scholarships. Their graduation will take place on June 7 at 4 p.m. at the Irvine Auditorium, 3401 Spruce Street, on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

String Theory Schools is a tuition-free charter school offering a STEAM curriculum – science, technology, engineering, arts and math. With the unique blending of academic and artistic excellence, students are constantly involved in innovative thinking and problem solving with the goal of creating the next generation of creative leaders.

Angela Corosanite, founder of String Theory, is thrilled that the students will receive more than $11 million in the scholarships and not all that surprised. She said, “I’m beaming with pride over their scholarships. But, it’s always been my belief that students who are engaged in disciplined Arts or Science programs will find more success. The secret is finding the programs that address their individual intelligences while building their confidence by believing in each child’s great potential. We have seen that success comes from hard work, dedication and grit and these children have all three.”

The largest charter school in Philadelphia, String Theory operates two schools with a total of 3500 students on four campuses. Three locations make up Philadelphia Performing Arts (K to 12), and one campus is The Charter School for Arts and Sciences (K to 8). Corosanite continues, “We are the model of urban education. We are an all-Apple school in our Vine Street location. There are no textbooks and the opportunities for learning and exploring are endless for our students.” In fact, String Theory Schools was selected as an international education model by Apple that produced two videos about the school. Here’s one: https://www.apple.com/education/real-stories/string-theory-schools/

As the scholarship results were coming in, Counselor Susan Warnock Thomas was pleased at the success of the students. She explained, "Our students and their families were highly motivated, preparing in many cases, over a two-year period. Our staff was also fully supportive. Everyone took this very seriously." She continued, "We primarily used the 'Step Up to College' program, thanks to Philadelphia Futures. It covers all of the steps needed to prepare. This lessened stress because students and families knew what was expected each step of the way."

Early on, Thomas encouraged each student to take the SAT and ACT, as well as look at Test Optional colleges. "Our students take standardized test preparation classes here at school. In addition, they take Dual Enrollment courses at the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Cabrini University and Community College. We worked very hard on college applications and the colleges were wonderful to us. We also applied to every scholarship under the sun, such as the Rhodeside Otis Redding Scholarship through the Philadelphia Foundation, PAL, Arm's Angels, Philadelphia Partnership, Ronald McDonald House of Charities and more.”

Maria Watts-Newman is the mother of Curtis, who was accepted early decision at the University of Pennsylvania and received a four-year Mayor’s scholarship. She is very proud of Curtis and said, “I am profoundly grateful for the guidance given to Curtis during his years at String Theory. His success is largely due to the professionalism and selfless commitment of the leadership, staff, and educators there who believe that all students should reach for the stars.”

Curtis is overjoyed and said, “I could not believe when I got into UPenn as an early decision applicant, and I was so proud to bring that honor to my class, the first graduating class of String Theory. I cannot give enough thanks to my teachers for all that they did to ignite my curiosity, to our Principal Dr. Carr and to Mrs. Thomas, my college counselor, who believed in me more than I did in myself!”

The four campuses are located at: Performing Arts East Campus (K to 1), 2407 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148; Performing Arts West Campus (2 to 4), 2600 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145; Performing Arts Vine Street Campus, (5 to 12), 1600 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102; and, Arts & Sciences Campus, (K to 8), 1197 Haworth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124. For further information, visit www.stringtheoryschools.org or call (267) 428-2224.