Outdoor Classroom/Community Gathering Area
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Located in Newark’s Central Ward, Philip’s Academy Charter School serves primarily African-American students (92%) and Hispanic students (8%). The students come from disadvantaged communities, primarily Newark, East Orange, and Irvington, in which more than 45% of children under age 18 fall below the federal poverty line – about $22,050 for a family of four. For the 2014-15 school year, the students from disadvantaged communities comprise more than 75% of the total enrollment. Many of the children and families exist in chaotic and stressful worlds where making ends meet is the daily priority, and the school community provides a place where students and their families feel safe, supported, nurtured and encouraged to achieve their goals. PaperSeed provided funds to establish an outdoor classroom and community gathering area.