The First Step Towards Transforming Your Child’s Education
Request more information about St. Helena-Incarnation. GET STARTEDAcademic Excellence, Safe and Loving Classrooms
High academic achievement. A safe, structured environment. A welcoming, loving community. Serving families in Philadelphia’s Olney neighborhood since 1913, St. Helena-Incarnation Catholic School welcomes students of all faiths in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade, providing financial aid for all.
One of 14 Independence Mission Schools (IMS), St. Helena-Incarnation delivers a rigorous, values-driven curriculum that educates the whole child: academically, spiritually, emotionally and physically.
Financial Aid for All
Based on a sliding scale, tuition at St. Helena-Incarnation is determined primarily by family income, ensuring accessibility and affordability. Subsidized by philanthropic donors, state tax credits, financial aid for all that apply and numerous scholarship opportunities, the average St. Helena-Incarnation family contributes just $2,100 per child per year, spread equally over 10 months. Many pay even less.
Why St. Helena-Incarnation?
Robust Math and English Language Arts curricula fuels accelerated learning and high academic achievement.
Multilingual student body is supported by English as a Second Language (ESL) programming and bilingual staff members.
Enrichment classes and programming include art, music, coding/technology, physical education, Spanish, sports clubs, piano classes and content creation.
Outside-the-classroom learning experiences include field trips to destinations such as the Franklin Institute, the Constitution Center and Lincoln Financial Field.
High teacher retention and parent engagement and a school-wide commitment to turning faith into action is the foundation of our community.
Before and after care programming available as well as bussing services for students in grades 1-6. SEPTA trans passes available to qualifying students in grades 7-8.
“We always thought private school was out of the question. Too expensive. St. Helena-Incarnation showed us it’s not.
It’s entirely within reach.”
Part of Something Bigger
Nearly 15 years ago, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was about to close 14 neighborhood Catholic schools. Independence Mission Schools formed to keep them open.
Ever since, we have thrived.
Across the network, our students outpace their public school peers in math and reading. In many of our schools, multiple languages are spoken – from English and Spanish to Vietnamese and Haitian Creole. And perhaps most importantly, we welcome children of all faiths: Over 70% of our students are non-Catholic.
St. Malachy
At 12th and Thompson, just south of Temple University.
St. Barnabas
At 64th and Buist in Elmwood.
SS. Cyril & Philomena
In Lansdowne, Delaware County, just over City Line.
St. Frances Cabrini
On N. 65 St in Overbrook.
St. Helena-Incarnation
In the Olney neighborhood of North Philadelphia.
Holy Cross
In Mount Airy, on E. Mt. Airy Ave.
St. Martin de Porres
In North Philadelphia, at 23rd and Lehigh.
St. Martin of Tours
In the Oxford Circle neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia.
Our Mother of Sorrows/St. Ignatius of Loyola
In West Philadelphia, just off Haverford Ave.
St. Raymond of Penafort
In the Oak Lane neighborhood of North Philadelphia.
St. Rose of Lima
On N. Wanamaker St., just off Lansdowne Ave. in Overbrook.
The DePaul Catholic School
In Germantown, at Germantown Ave. and Logan St.
St. Thomas Aquinas
At 18th and Morris in South Philadelphia.
St. Veronica
In North Philadelphia, at 6th and Sedgley.
Let’s Get Started
Complete the form below and a member of the St. Helena-Incarnation staff will be in touch shortly.
We can’t wait to meet you and your family!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Helena-Incarnation a part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia?
No. Prior to the formation of Independence Missions Schools, St. Helena-Incarnation and its 13 sister schools were a part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. When the Archdiocese of Philadelphia determined it would close the 14 schools, Independence Mission Schools was formed not only to keep them open but grow them.
How much is tuition?
Tuition at all Independence Mission Schools is customized. It is based on a sliding scale that takes into account family income and other data points. Thanks to our generous community of donors, Pennsylvania tax credit programs, financial aid awards and scholarship opportunities, families contribute, on average, just $2,100 towards tuition per child, per year, spread evenly over 10 months. Because of our equitable, sliding tuition scale, this amount varies per family. What a family contributes towards their child’s tuition ultimately depends on a variety of data points including household income, social security income and more.
Does my family or child have to be Catholic to attend?
Absolutely not! In fact, over 75% of our students are non-Catholic. We preach and practice love, respect and kindness to everyone, of all faiths.
Is financial aid available?
Yes! All families receive financial aid based on need. Each year, our students collectively receive over $10M in scholarships and financial aid!
What high schools do St. Helena-Incarnation graduates attend?
St. Helena-Incarnation graduates attend some of the best high schools in the Philadelphia region ranging from St. Joe’s Prep and Roman to Christo Rey PHL and Central. Our high school readiness program prepares students for the next step – and beyond.
I have other questions. How can I get in touch?
You can use the form above and we’ll get in touch or you can call our office at 215-549-2947.