Simon Gratz High School - Mastery Schools

About Our School

Simon Gratz High School serves students in 9th through 12th grade in the Nicetown/Tioga neighborhood of North Philadelphia. Below, you’ll find information about how we support our students in achieving academic success, empower them to select postsecondary pathways that align with their long-term goals, and ensure they thrive after graduation, all while supporting their holistic development in a safe and secure school environment.

883

Students

9-12

Grades

Career and Technical Education Programs

We empower students through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs created to garner student interest and prepare students for direct entry into the workforce. Programs include Communications Technology, Healthcare Technology, and Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts. 

We offer rigorous, engaging, and relevant coursework, along with career-connected learning opportunities that emphasize real-world applications and experiences. Our approach ensures that students are aware of all of the options available to them, helps them discover their passions, and provides a solid foundation for their future success.

Honors & AP Courses

Honors classes challenge students to develop critical thinking skills and hone their study habits, and AP classes enable students to earn college credit while still in high school.

  • AP Literature
  • AP Language
  • AP US History
  • Honors English I
  • Honors English II
  • Honors Geometry
  • Honors Algebra I
  • Honors Algebra II
  • Honors Biology
  • Honors Chemistry
  • Honors Physics
  • Honors Geometry

To learn more about Mastery’s vision for high school and the range of student supports available, please visit our Academic Program page.

Our students don’t just learn about careers; they experience them firsthand. Robust partnerships with leading employers & community organizations enable students to gain invaluable experience that bridges the gap between high school & the real world. From internships & job shadowing to mentorship & hands-on projects, these partnerships equip students with the skills, insights, & connections they need to thrive in their chosen fields after graduation.

CTE Programming: 

  • Communications Technology
  • Healthcare Technology
  • Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts

Organizations Helping Us Prepare Students: 

  • JEVS
  • HopeWorks
  • We Love Philly
  • Greater Philadelphia Health Action
  • Temple University Hospital
  • Careers Through Culinary Arts Program
  • CVS

Additional Partnerships:

  • City College for Municipal Employment
  • Urban League
  • The Michael’s Organization
  • SEPTA
  • Mental Health Partnerships Peer Specialist
  • YOACAP
  • Trade Program

We provide ample support to students planning to advance to college after graduation.

  • College selection and acceptance support (advising, tours, essay feedback, test prep)
  • Support to apply for scholarships and financial aid
  • Dual enrollment opportunities with the Community College of Philadelphia, College Together, and Temple University enable students to earn college credit while still in high school

Every Mastery school has a dedicated school culture team that is responsible for ensuring a positive and safe school community. Our schools observe common rituals, such as morning circles, community meetings, and school events that celebrate the school community and the joy of learning. We also ensure that school rules and values are consistently supported and enforced. Our teachers adopt standard school-wide classroom behavior systems, ensuring that students are held to consistently high expectations. We intentionally create a community that strikes a balance between structure and student independence, allowing schools to feel both orderly and joyful. To learn more about school culture, visit our Student Life page

We are a proud member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) League.

  • Baseball
  • Boys and Girls Basketball
  • Co-ed Cheerleading
  • Competition Cheerleading
  • Cross Country
  • Football
  • Football 7v7
  • Girls Flag Football
  • Co-ed Indoor Track
  • Softball
  • Spirit Cheerleading
  • Co-ed Outdoor Track + Field
  • Girls Volleyball
  • Co-ed Wrestling

Exciting extracurricular options enable students to explore their passions.

  • Anime Club
  • Barbering Club
  • Beyond the Bars/Music Production
  • Cat Club
  • Cosmetology Club
  • Culinary Club
  • Drones
  • Fashion Show Committee
  • Finance Club
  • Nail Technician Club
  • Student Government Association
  • Theatre
  • Video Game Club
  • Weightlifting
  • Women’s Fitness Club

Mastery’s student uniform consists of a Mastery logo collared shirt, solid-colored pants, Mastery logo sweaters/sweatshirts, closed-toe, flat-soled shoes, and head coverings for religious purposes. Hoodies and t-shirts, regardless of logo, are not permitted. 

Uniforms can be purchased at the school during morning entry, Monday through Friday. Information about summer sales will be shared with enrolled families before the start of the school year. For more information, please contact the main office at 215-227-4408.

Being prepared for school each day is vital to student success. To ensure your student is ready from day one, please review the list of required school supplies.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

The Apply Philly Charter website will be inaccessible from January 21 through February 22 for school year 2026-2027 applicants. If you’d like to consult with one of our enrollment specialists about options for your student during this period and be reminded via email, call, or text when the website reopens so that you can complete an application, please complete the form linked below.

If you applied for the 2026-2027 school year by the January 20, 2026, priority deadline, lottery results will be made available via the Apply Philly Charter portal on February 6. Learn more about the lottery process and the actions you need to take to secure your spot for next year here

Please note: If you are seeking a seat for your child for the current school year (2025-2026), you can still apply online using Apply Philly Charter during the shutdown period (January 21 – February 22). To begin your application, simply log in and click the “Apply for Current Year” button. Applications submitted for the 2026-2027 school year through the current year application in Apply Philly Charter will not be processed, as applications must be submitted for the correct school year to be eligible.

Simon Gratz High School in the news

Serving up success one meal at a time at Simon Gratz High School

Serving up success one meal at a time at Simon Gratz High School

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Philly kids score big thanks to ‘Black Women in Sport Foundation’

Philly kids score big thanks to ‘Black Women in Sport Foundation’

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Generous community members donate 300 turkeys to Mastery families

Generous community members donate 300 turkeys to Mastery families

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Our Principal

Erik Zipay

Erik “Zip” Zipay is the proud principal of Simon Gratz High School. Before taking the role, Principal Zipay spent more than 20 years serving the Simon Gratz community in various roles, including teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, coach, and athletic director. His deep commitment to impact and service in the North Philadelphia community has been a driving force throughout…
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Additional School Leadership

Alicia DiPompeo, Lead Case Manager

Donyel Griffin, Assistant Principal of Instruction

Bryan Hennessy, Assistant Principal of Instruction

Tianna Kilgore, Assistant Principal of School Culture

Veronica Koff, Program Director – Therapeutic Supports

Jelissa Price, Assistant Principal of Specialized Services

Nicole Sabatino, Program Director – Low Incidence

Carrie Stoltzfus, Assistant Principal of Instruction

Katie Wcislo, Assistant Principal of Operations

“As a Simon Gratz High School alum, it has been great to witness my son continue the legacy of learning and thriving in a learning environment that promotes collaboration, academic enhancement, and community partnerships.” – Jelissa Price, Parent

 

Who to Contact

Attendance Zone