If not for the residents of Allegheny West, the mission to open the gate to St. James School would have come and gone already.

 

Clearfield Hunting Park signs

 

St. James...
More Than
Just a School!

While the primary focus on Clearfield Street this fall is the opening of a new middle school, there will be plenty of upcoming opportunities for everyone in the community to be involved.

Adult, Family & Senior Program

  • Computer workshops
  • Garden workshops
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Senior fitness classes

Facility Rental

  • Consider us for your next...
  • Birthday party
  • Anniversary celebration
  • Neighborhood meetings

Allegheny West Neighborhood

map of Allegheny West and St. James

 

St. James School is at the heart of this neighborhood.

Residents have responded favorably to our work and the many activities going on today. We are continually inspired by their collective investment in St. James—it has become a neighborhood initiative. As a community working together, St. James School has found great assurance in the opportunity for middle school children to advance to high schools and colleges that will form their future success.

The Allegheny West community's location in upper North Philadelphia puts the neighborhood at the geographic center of the Philadelphia region. The borders are Ridge Avenue on the west, 17th Street on the east, Lehigh Avenue on the South. The neighborhood is just five miles from City Hall and within close proximity to the Main Line, Conshohocken and the Philadelphia International Airport.

Home to over 19,000 residents and numerous businesses, civic groups and schools, Allegheny West is a vibrant community full of potential, which St. James School is helping to nurture and grow. Our 400-square-block neighborhood is characterized by pedestrian-friendly neighborhood parks and green spaces, and blocks characterized by traditional Philadelphia row homes and small apartment buildings.

African Americans currently make up the largest percentage of the neighborhood, while a growing Latino and Asian population is emerging.

While the loss of many industrial businesses left a large gap in the neighborhood's employment and business network, there are several major anchor institutions that provide employment for residents and meet the basic health needs of community members.

Several prominent Philadelphia companies continue to maintain their corporate headquarters in our community, including Penn Fishing Reels and Pep Boys.

THE RESIDENTS OF ALLEGHENY WEST

If not for the residents of this neighborhood, the mission to open St. James School might have come and gone already.

“A lot of parents know that St. James would be great for the neighborhood. We're hoping that these doors will be open next year, and it will be a big help to the community.”
— Rose Cooper, President, RAH
(Ridge, Allegheny and Hunting Park) Civic Association

“St. James will capture kids in 5th grade and care for them through college — prepare our kids for today's global economy.”
— Mark Green, Ward Leader, 38th Ward

“Public schools in our neighborhood aren't good, and I'd rather drive my daughter 40 minutes to her charter school than attend any in the neighborhood.”
— Taliea, mother of a 2nd grader

“St. James School will help to transform our kids so they can be a resource for our neighborhood.”
— Donald Williams, grandfather of eight, 25+ year resident

“I love school, but I have a hard time learning because my class is so big at my current school. I really want to go to St. James School.”
— John, 5th grade St. James School student

“An extended day and year is just what our kids need. It keeps them off the streets and interacting with other kids in a constructive way...and learning all day long.”
— Anne Harris, mother of 5th grade student