Poplar / 6 to 12

In September 2018, we cut the ribbon to our new Poplar campus, located in the burgeoning Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia.

We are both grateful and humbled to welcome our middle and high school students to one space where they will learn and grow together.

Our Poplar campus is a tangible evidence of answered prayers for ample space to support our growing community of learners and our commitment to seeing more and more children flourish in Jesus’ name.

In their new space, middle school students can seamlessly transition into their senior stages of learning while high school students have the opportunity to directly serve as role models, displaying the fruit of their discipleship here at The City School.

Students now have access to a full cafeteria, gymnasium and science lab. Our Poplar campus holds 24 classrooms—which not only provides comfortable learning spaces for our students, but will also help us serve our expected growth of learners to double our present student population

Middle School Overview

Middle school students at The City School are taught to think critically as they enter this formative stage in their academic lives. As they grow into young adults, values like love, forgiveness and respect are taught and modeled every day. Our rigorous curriculum teaches students new subjects while demonstrating the social, moral, and biblical application of each new discipline. This whole-student approach prepares students to succeed in their lifelong pursuit of learning.

High School Overview

High School at The City School is a place where students prepare for college, guided by seasoned faculty. We are committed to an academic program strong in the foundational core courses needed to prepare for college and lifelong learning.

Graduates of The City School are positioned to succeed. 100% of our students are accepted to a college of their choice. Our SAT scores are higher than the average of all Philadelphia charter schools, and some of our students even earn college credit before graduation. Recent graduates are currently attending the University of Pennsylvania, Wheaton College, The University of the Sciences at Philadelphia, Nyack College, Stony Brook University, Virginia State University, and many more.

 

 

 

Faculty

Daniel Jackson

Daniel Jackson

Dean of Students

Email:
djackson@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2024

“I am most excited to be at City Schools where I can now freely pray with the children.”

Rev. Daniel M. Jackson is a motivated individual whose passion for life is empowering, which shows through his love for God and for people. Most recently, Rev. Jackson was an educator in the Philadelphia Charter School District. He served the Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School for 18 years in roles such as the Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Students and was also the Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball Team for 14 years until his early retirement to focus on his pastoral journey. Rev. Daniel M. Jackson currently serves as the Senior Pastor of New Kingdom Baptist Church, where he continues to push the vision of the church which is dedicated to creating a holistic life-changing experience for all. Rev. Jackson has a sincere love for God and the youth. He strives to carry out God’s mission and is very excited about what God is doing in the lives of young people.

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Anna McIntyre

Anna McIntyre

History Teacher

Email:
amcintyre@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2023

Hello,

 

My name is Ms. McIntyre, and I am very excited to be a part of the community at the City School. I graduated from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2022. This will be my second year in Philadelphia and I have really fallen in love with the city despite my curse of the parking ticket. I really love all kinds of music (with that concert going), I enjoy reading (fiction and history), attending coffee shops: the occasional matcha latte, eating and cooking delicious food, and lastly watching movies and updating my letterbox. I was attracted to the City School because of their value of Shalom. Shalom is a lens in which I strive to live my life and I am hopeful that my social studies classroom can be a place for its cultivation. I am excited not only to teach high school students about differing perspectives in history/civics, but even more so to learn from my students. I truly believe social studies and our faith together can really inspire us to make positive change in the world around us.

 

Shalom to all,

Ms. McIntyre

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John Deaton

John Deaton

English Teacher

Email:
jdeaton@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2023

    Degree(s):
  • B.A., UMass Boston
  • MDiv., Memphis Theological Seminary

I was born and raised in North Alabama. I graduated with a double major in Sociology and Vocal Performance from UMass Boston. I have a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary, and finished the coursework for a Master of Science in Education with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis at Temple, but stopped short because I was offered a teaching job that I just couldn’t turn down. I taught at a charter school in North Philadelphia for 6 years. Prior to teaching I served for 12 years in various full-time roles as Youth and Music Director, Christian Education Director and served 8 years as Pastor.

I am married with three adult children, and my wife and I just celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary.
I love going to the beach in the Summer, and warming up by the fire in Winter and Fall. I love music and play guitar and sing with the praise team at our church. I write music and create poetry for fun.
I’m looking forward to seeing God exalted this year at The City School, and seeing students’ love for him deepen.
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Rebekah Myers

Rebekah Myers

Art teacher Grades 6-8

Email:
rmyers@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2023

    Degree(s):
  • B.S.Ed in Art Education - Temple University

I am a graduate of Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and hold a B.S.Ed in Art Education as well as a minor in Art History. In my personal artmaking, I am passionate about painting and love to bring this experience to my students as well. Outside of teaching and furthering my own artistic practice, I enjoy birding and playing guitar. I am excited to join The City School and encourage students to recognize that the act of their creation is a reflection of our Creator.

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Dr. Ebony Hatter

Dr. Ebony Hatter

Poplar Principal

Email:
ehatter@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2023

    Degree(s):
  • PhD., Leadership and Learning
  • M.A., Educational Leadership

Dr. Hatter is an educator, mother, entrepreneur, minister, motivational speaker, and mentor.  Dr. Hatter, holds a Doctorate Degree in Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Leadership, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision, a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies with sequences in both English and Law and Justice, and an Associate’s Degree in Elementary and Secondary Education.

She is a member and a part of the Ecclesiastical Leadership Council at Christian Fellowship Community Church under the pastoral guidance of Elder McDonald E. Ford. As a believer it is her goal to resonate hope to students, staff, and parents, as well as to help foster in them the belief in the possibility of a future marked by abundance and purpose.

Dr. Hatter enjoys spending time with family and graphic and web design. However, cooking and serving others are her passion and both bring her pure JOY!

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Zymir Brunson

Zymir Brunson

Music Teacher - Poplar Campus

Email:
zbrunson@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2022

    Degree(s):
  • B.A., Music - Temple University

Zymir Brunson is a recent graduate of Temple University’s Boyer College of Music,
with a Bachelor’s of Science in Music . He served as Co-Vice president for the
Temple University Progressive NAACP. Along with his duties with the NAACP,
Zymir is a former choir member of Temple Gospel Ministries, where he led as the
Student Music Director. Additionally, he was a former radio host for the university’s
student-run radio station, WHIP. He learned professional theatre after spending four
years at the New Freedom Theatre of Philadelphia. In his many musically related
talents, Zymir has performed across the tristate area and beyond. Outside of his
education and musical enjoyment, he loves cooking and baking. Zymir’s career plans
include becoming a voice teacher, musician, and cook. Through his work and passion
for social change, he hopes to move the needle on important political and economic
issues facing hard-hit communities. Zymir is now the first Vice President of the
Philadelphia NAACP Youth Council.

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Amber Young

Amber Young

Science Teacher

Email:
ayoung@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2022

    Degree(s):
  • Cheyney University, B.S.

Amber is one of our science teachers. She is passionate about science but even more passionate about sharing the love of Christ with everyone she comes in contact with. She is heavily involved in the singing ministry at her church and leads a youth Bible study ministry for young people across the country. In her spare time, Amber enjoys spending time with her family and friends, crafting, singing, and reading. She states “My introduction to The City School was God-ordained and I will forever be grateful.” Amber is excited to have the opportunity to share science with the youth!

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Judith Williams

Judith Williams

Office Assistant

Joined The City School family:
2022

    Degree(s):
  • Art Institute of Philadelphia

My name is Judith Williams. I worked as an Administrative Professional a number of years for the William Penn School District and Elwyn.

I am delighted to be the new office assistant for The City School Spruce Hill, Fairmont, and Poplar Campuses.

I am thankful to God that he has made a way for me in joining the City School Family.

I attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia for Graphic Design. I love and enjoy all things creativity. My most loved hobbies are drawing, painting and Photography and a host of other things that are too long to list. 🙂

I have 4 adult children and 2 grandchildren.

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Cherie Hackett

Cherie Hackett

Office Manager

Email:
chackett@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2021

Cherie joined our team as an Office Assistant and began serving each campus as a support in the office alongside the Office Manager Team. She now exclusively serves the Poplar campus, and joins the City School with a wealth of experience in planning and organization. Cherie stated that she is “excited to join the mission!”

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Joseph McClain

Joseph McClain

Gym + Health Teacher, Girls' Basketball Coach

Email:
jmcclain@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2021

Mr. Joseph McClain expands his role as Girl’s Basketball Coach to include Gym and Health Teacher at the Poplar Campus. He is a former professional basketball player and Assistant Coach at West Catholic Preparatory High School in Philadelphia. Joseph encourages others with these words, “Don’t compare your life to others. There is no comparison between the sun and the moon, they shine when it’s their time.”

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Vicki Taylor

Vicki Taylor

Academic Support Coordinator

Email:
vtaylor@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
1984

    Degree(s):
  • B.A., Messiah College
  • B.S., Messiah College
  • M.Ed., Widener University

“What we say about having a family atmosphere at The City School is true. As a parent, I understand the careful, hopeful, prayerful considerations that go into choosing a school for your child. I assure you this is an excellent school—it’s where I chose to send my daughter. This is a place where students are known and loved as individuals and challenged to grow as learners.”

In addition to having served as a Teacher, Principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and now Academic Coordinator at the Poplar Campus, Vicki continues to teach algebra classes and loves sharing her joy of theatre with students. She “falls in love with books” and says her favorite is always something newly discovered, most recently Melanie Shankle’s Nobody’s Cuter than You: A Memoir about the Beauty of Friendship. Vicki lives in University City with her husband Paul.

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Joan Hamel

Joan Hamel

Curriculum Coordinator

Email:
jhamel@cityschool.org

    Degree(s):
  • B.A., Kings College

“I cherish my students and want them to succeed. I love working with middle school students through their awkward, challenging teen years where they really begin to discover themselves and their purpose in the world. These are formative years, and I am honored to be a part of their story at such an influential fork in their paths.”

Joan lives in Erdenheim with her husband, Tom, and enjoys traveling into the city often. Her hobbies include gardening, bike riding, and going for long walks in her beautiful neighborhood. Her favorite book is To End All Wars, the true story of Allied prisoners in a Japanese death camp during World War II—their lives were transformed when one person began to love the way Jesus loves.

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Felicia Mercer

Felicia Mercer

Science and Math Teacher

Email:
fmercer@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2012

    Degree(s):
  • B.A., Temple University

“I believe with all my heart this is what the Lord has ordained me to do. This is evident in the joy I get from doing this work. I love that our teachers invest so deeply in their students and that we celebrate their diversity, humor, and uniqueness. We want what is best for each individual child.”

Felicia came into our community as a City School mom, volunteer, and substitute teacher before joining us full-time in 2013. She enjoys dancing, people watching, and taking scenic walks around the city.

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Noel Terrell

Noel Terrell

Music Teacher

Email:
nterrell@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2016

“Music is more than notes and harmony–it’s a way of unleashing your emotions. Music moves people. It brings us together. It glorifies God. My dream is to share the power of music with my students.”

Noel has served as a Musical Director and keyboardist for diverse musical acts like Pharrell Williams, Meek Mill, and Jill Scott. He also toured Europe with British hip-hop/r&b duo Floetry and currently performs with his contemporary Christian band, The Browne Boyz. Noel is happily married and has two sons, Roman and Lincoln.

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Kenyatta Rush

Kenyatta Rush

Athletics Director

Email:
krush@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2011

    Degree(s):
  • B.A., Temple University
  • M.Div., Biblical Seminary

“I see athletics as a way of honoring God. Good sportsmanship, teamwork, practice and patience, discipline, perseverance, and a desire to do your best are all virtues learned through competitive sports. I teach my students and athletes that competing with integrity, as ambassadors of Jesus, is more important than taking home a trophy.”

Kenyatta was a scholarship football player at Temple University when he met his Savior. Since then, he’s pursued diverse fields of ministry, working in social care with seniors, as a missionary in Africa, and as a minister to prisoners here in Philadelphia. Kenyatta lives in South Philly with his wife—our Choir Director, Ruth Naomi Floyd—and two children.

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Joe Sinagra

Joe Sinagra

Arts Teacher

Email:
jsinagra@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2005

“I’m passionate about my job because I love people—they’re the crown of creation. I am blessed to get to know students as individuals and learn what makes them unique bearers of God’s image. I walk with my students as they develop their skills, and I am challenged to learn from them just as they learn from me.”

Joe lives in South Philly with his wife and six children (five of whom attend The City School—at all four campuses!). He loves making—painting, drawing, photography, costume design, and cooking. He is also an elder at Grace and Peace Community Church where he strives to love people as Jesus has loved him.

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Rich Lindberg

Rich Lindberg

English Teacher

Email:
rlindberg@cityschool.org

    Degree(s):
  • B.A., Temple University
  • M.Ed., West Chester University

“My goal is to help students become intelligent and engaged people in this world. Through books, I am hoping they will understand how to live on this planet, how to interact with others, and how “to be.” I am hoping that they will leave my class being a better writer, a thinking person, and a strong Christian.”

Rich lives in Roxborough with his wife and loves living in “an honest-to-goodness world-class city.” His favorite book is Frederick Buechner’s Godric, a semifictionalized account of the life of medieval saint Godric of Finchale, who inspires Rich to be a more humble and self-sacrificing person. He is also an avid cyclist and bikes to work almost every day, even in the dead of winter.

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Ken Hunsberger

Ken Hunsberger

Math Teacher

Email:
khunsberger@cityschool.org

    Degree(s):
  • B.A., Eastern University
  • M.A., West Chester University

“Over the years I have come to believe that an education is not complete if it is not Christ-centered. As a Christian school, we can offer more than excellent academics—we can introduce students to the one who created everything we learn.”

Ken lives in Chester County and enjoys his early morning commute on the train. Ken is an avid reader and has lately been on an Agatha Christie kick. He also enjoys crossword puzzles, crypto-quotes, and Sudoku, and he tends a bountiful vegetable garden at home.

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Katelin Conde-Rodriguez

Katelin Conde-Rodriguez

College Guidance Counselor

Email:
kconde-rodriguez@cityschool.org

Joined The City School family:
2013

    Degree(s):
  • B.S. University of Wisconsin-Madison

“The City School embodies so many of the values I hold dear, not least of these is shalom, the wholeness and completeness God desires for his people. I began my work with the City School three years ago as an intern from Mission Year, an urban ministry program dedicated to pursuing justice, peace, and reconciliation in the city. It became apparent to me early on that this was a special place where we not only pursue shalom by providing accessible and excellent education, but also raise students up to bring shalom to their city.”

Katelin lives in South Philly, “near a little enclave of City School folks.” When she’s not reading something that challenges her perspective, she enjoys watching nerdy tv shows, baking and cooking new recipes, and spending the day at the beach. And while Katelin’s heart belongs to Philly, her football loyalties are still in the Midwest—Go Pack Go!

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Student Information

Poplar Campus Summer Hours

  • Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Fridays – Closed

More Information

Click to view the Poplar Summer Information Page

Click to view the Poplar Summer Information Page

Visit our the Summer Information Site for the Poplar Campus for information regarding summer projects, medical forms, uniform information and more!

CLICK TO VISIT THE SUMMER INFORMATION SITE FOR POPLAR

Uniform Guide by TheCitySchool


Online Learning Resources 

We would love for you to take this time to explore learning that makes the most sense for your family. We have done the research to offer some of the best online resources that aligns with your child’s ongoing City School education. Click on the links, use what works and skip what doesn’t!

Reading/Writing (PK-12)
Khan Academy KidsPrek through 2nd
Khan AcademyWhat is Khan Academy? They offer exercises, quizzes, and tests so students can practice and master skills, as well as instructional videos to help students learn or review material.

      • ~ Khan Academy has a library of standards-aligned lessons covering kindergarten through early college math, grammar, science, history, AP® courses, SAT® preparation, and more.
      • ~ Students can practice skills with exercises, quizzes, and mastery challenges and get immediate feedback and support.
      • ~ Khan Academy is available in 40 languages. 
      • ~Students without laptops can access the Khan Academy website or use the Khan Academy app on smartphones.

 

Parent Resources

Daily Schedule with links

Resource Page
ReadWorksFREE reading content, curriculum, and tools to power teaching and learning from Kindergarten to 12th grade.
Teachers, parents, and students never have to pay to access ReadWorks digitally or otherwise. All adults, no matter who they are, may create a digital class and assign reading content and curriculum to students for free. We have always believed that students deserve barrier-free access to the highest-quality reading materials and instruction, and that belief has only grown stronger during this crisis.

Reading/Writing (K-5)
Reading Eggs – Students should already have a TCS login they can continue to use at home
Storyline – Read-a-loud books and stories

Math (K-12)
Khan AcademyWhat is Khan Academy? We offer exercises, quizzes, and tests so students can practice and master skills, as well as instructional videos to help students learn or review material.
IXL Math practice skills for K-12

Math (K-5)
Prodigy Prodigy is a leveled math program.  Students are tested, leveled, and then progress at their own pace.   Third through fifth grade students at Spruce Hill have been using this for the past two years (as part of computer class) and have logins that they should already be using at home.
Math Blaster The goal at Math Blaster is clear: “Your success depends on your ability to use your brain and logic skills.” With an exciting theme featuring aliens and outer space, Math Blaster lets your students become intergalactic heroes based on their math operation and critical thinking skills. Registration is required, but the game itself is free. Be sure to check out the Teacher Section to find Math Blaster for the Classroom.

Computers (6-12)
Typing ClubFree account has a ton of capability. Watch typing lessons, practice, and store progress. Premium account (paid) not necessary to get full benefit of these typing lessons.
Code.orgBeginning coding program (Grades 6-8 already have login)

Science (K-12)
National Geographic KidsGames, videos, science projects, etc…
NASA Explore NASA’s online activities, e-books, podcasts and other content. The universe is waiting.

Fun Learning
Kahoot  – Fun and super competitive trivia game that you can play in small or large groups. Choose from already created games or create your own games. Needs setup by an adult.
GoNoodleWebsite to get kids up and moving
The Learning StationEnergizing kinesthetic brain breaks to use in between learning times.

 


Emotional, Spiritual, and Physical Well Being

From Jessica Scott, City School Student Care Director:

     Hello, I wanted to connect with you all to offer my support and care during this time. You’ll see my phone number listed below. Feel free to reach out via email, phone or text. You can reach out to ask questions, vent, voice frustrations, anything that would be helpful to take some of the burden off.
     This season can produce a lot of stress, anxiety and frustration. This is all normal, but we do not need to bear it alone. We are the body of Christ, we bear each other’s burdens.
     Trying to teach our children at home can produce a lot of stress. You are doing an excellent job; I firmly believe we are all doing the best we can with the skills and resources we have.
     Below is a list of resources for self care, how to talk to about COVID-19, how to deal with homework frustration, as well as practical resources of where to receive meals, support and assistance.

Praying for all of you, and truly hoping to hear from you,

Jessica Scott, MEd
Student Care Director
jscott@cityschool.org
(215) 693-6386, ext. 312

Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/03/coronavirus-how-parents-should-talk-to-children-about-covid-19-and-other-tips-to-help-kids.html

Dealing with Homework Frustrationhttps://www.wikihow.mom/Deal-with-Homework-Frustration-As-a-Parent

Parenting During Crisishttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/202003/12-ways-effectively-parent-during-crisis-part-1

CDC Resources for Self Care, Managing Stress and Helping Children Cope:

https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/selfcare.asp

https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Free Meal Options: https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-14-city-and-district-provide-meals-activity-space-during-school-closures

Counseling and Mental Health Resources:

https://www.opencounseling.com/pennsylvania/philadelphia

https://generocity.org/philly/2018/06/27/mental-health-guide-where-to-get-therapy-on-a-sliding-scale-in-philadelphia/

Open Rec Centers: https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-16-50-recreation-centers-and-six-older-adult-centers-to-remain-open/

 

Poplar Campus
910 North 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-731-1930