Empowering Young Women Through Education, Leadership & Opportunity
Center City Girls Academy will be a transformative all-girls high school for grades 9–12 in Center City, Philadelphia. Through community support and a shared vision, CCGA aims to provide a personalized, student-centered education that nurtures confidence, character, leadership, and lifelong success.
Support Our Mission to Open Philadelphia’s Next All-Girls High School
About Center City Girls Academy
Following the closure of John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School in 2021 — the first all-girls Catholic high school in the United States — a passionate group of educators, entrepreneurs, college administrators, and nonprofit leaders came together with one mission: to continue its powerful legacy for future generations of young women in Philadelphia. Center City Girls Academy was created to provide a new, innovative all-girls high school experience that combines strong academics with leadership development, creativity, wellness, and real-world opportunities. As CCGA works toward opening its doors for the 2026–2027 school year, we are actively raising funds to secure a permanent home in Center City Philadelphia and build a transformative educational environment where girls can thrive academically, personally, and professionally. With community support, CCGA will empower the next generation of confident leaders, changemakers, and future innovators.
Empowered by Purpose: The CCGA Girl
The CCGA girl is curious, compassionate, creative, and driven to make an impact. She thrives in a nurturing environment that supports her growth academically, emotionally, and personally while encouraging her to explore the world with confidence and purpose. At Center City Girls Academy, students are empowered to think independently, embrace innovation, and develop practical life skills that prepare them for the future. Through leadership opportunities, wellness-focused learning, and connections with professionals across industries such as healthcare, technology, law, art, design, and business, the CCGA girl gains real-world experience and mentorship that helps shape her path to college, career, and lifelong success. She understands the importance of caring for her mind, body, and spirit — and is inspired to become a confident leader, changemaker, and visionary for the future.
In The News
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Philly nonprofit hopes to open a new all-girls high school to replace Hallahan
In response to the recent closure of John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School, a nascent nonprofit is working to open a new private school to replace the more than century-old institution in Center City.
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Hallahan leaders, alum eye Peirce College building in Center City for new all-girls school
A group of alumnae and former leaders of the shuttered John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School are eyeing Peirce's Pine Street building for the potential home of the nonprofit Center City Girls Academy.
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Keeping the Hallahan Spirit Alive: New School Hopes to Continue the Vision.
John W. Hallahan Catholic School for Girls closed in 2021, but a new group is hoping to reopen another school to keep the founder’s spirit alive. NBC10’s Tracy Davidson spoke with Alexis Bennett of the Center City Girls Academy about the plans.
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Hallahan Catholic school buildings added to Philly historic places register following overwhelming support
The Archdiocese announced the high school's closure in November 2020, which prompted a campaign by alumni and families to save it.
