MBA is one of Pennsylvania’s largest charter schools with an approved enrollment of 1155 students. The school was founded in 1999 by a coalition of educators and community residents who were committed to creating a results-driven middle and high school serving students in West Kensington -- one of Philadelphia’s most dangerous and economically challenged neighborhoods. The task was an extraordinary one which was complicated by the need to serve older students who had already spent many frustrating years in the public school system. The founding board was undaunted by the odds and in March of 2000 the trustees were granted a four year charter to establish a school serving students in 6th through 12th grades. Beginning with the 6th and 7th grades, the school staff worked diligently to create a first class academic program that could meet the ambitious mission of “ensuring that all of our students have the knowledge, skills and beliefs to assume leadership roles in any field they choose. Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School believes that all students have the capacity to meet and exceed high academic standards regardless of socioeconomic status, race or gender.”