In 1998, a dedicated group of parents successfully petitioned the state and Bensalem Township School District, making School Lane Charter School the first charter school in Bucks County and the first suburban K-8 charter school in Pennsylvania.

Upon opening its doors on August 24, 1998, School Lane enrolled a student body of 450 in grades K-6. Seventh grade was added in 1999-2000 and eighth grade in 2000-2001.

In 2005 SLCS earned its first Keystone Award from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for two consecutive years, 2003-2004 & 2004-2005, of making adequate yearly progress (AYP) as then measured by the state assessment.  This was the first of six awards for academic achievement through 2012, which was the last year the awards were given. In subsequent years, SLCS maintained among the highest school performance profile (SPP) scores.

In 2007, with its growing positive reputation and waiting list, SLCS began the process of looking into expanding the size of the school.  Early in 2008, SLCS broke ground for a two story addition to the Bristol Pike campus.  The addition of nine classrooms, four offices and a full size gym was completed in February 2009.  SLCS increased its student population to approximately 600 students. 

In 2010, School Lane began renovations to the former Cornwell's Skating Center located next door at 2350 Bristol Pike. In the fall of 2013, our middle school students began classes in the new facility.

In January 2012, the Bensalem School District approved an amendment to School Lane's operating charter that allowed the school to add grades 9-12. The long-anticipated School Lane Charter High School opened August 2014 with the first ninth grade class temporarily housed at 3330 Tillman Drive in Bensalem.

As a designated IB World School, SLCS has provided students in grades 7-10 with the accredited Middle Years Program since 2014. As new grades were added, SLCS received authorization to expand its IB offerings to Grades 11 & 12, including the internationally recognized Diploma Program. 

Due to its rapid expansion and growing enrollment, School Lane needed to secure a permanent location for the upper school. The development of the International Baccalaureate campus began in 2015, with the purchase of two buildings at 3340 & 3350 Tillman Drive. Massive renovations and upgrades to both buildings were needed to create a custom learning environment for SLCS students to flourish. The buildings were renovated to include a working kitchen, cafeteria, gym space, library and seven additional classrooms.

More than 1,000 students from seven school districts now attend School Lane, enjoying an unparalleled educational experience. The waiting list is extensive at each grade level and School Lane continues to receive daily inquiries and visits by interested parents.

Throughout the school's history, parent involvement has remained the key element for student achievement. By sharing their time, skills and expertise in meaningful manners, the parents of School Lane Charter School add real value to the education and experience of every child at the school.

Key Points in SLCS History

1998    SLCS opens in August with 450 students with the distinction as Bucks County’s first charter school and Pennsylvania’s first suburban charter school

2001    Holds first eighth grade graduation in June

2003    SLCS became one of the state’s first charter schools to receive a charter renewal

2008    Building-wide wireless technology installation was completed

2009    First addition to 2400 Bristol Pike – 9 classrooms and full size gym

2012    Bensalem Township School District approved SLCS charter amendment for grades 9-12

2013    Opens renovated skating rink as middle school wing – 14 classrooms & cafeteria

2014    SLCS becomes an authorized IB World School for the Middle Years Program in June

2014    9th grade begins at temporary location on Tillman Drive in August

2015    Purchase two Tillman Drive properties for permanent middle & high school location in May

2016-17    SLCS opens renovated building at 3340 & 3350 Tillman Drive for the IB Campus Grades 7-12

2017    Received authorization as IB World School for Diploma Program in April

2019    IB awards 3 IB Diplomas to 3 full DP Senior students in July

2018    Holds first graduation of high school seniors in June

2020    IB Middle Years Program (MYP grades 7-10) – SLCS passes its first 5 year review and is authorized for an additional 5 years

2022    IB Diploma Program (DP grades 11-12) – SLCS passes its first 5 year review and is authorized for an additional 5 years

2023   Bensalem Township School District awards SLCS its 5 charter renewal by unanimous vote by the BTSD School Board

2023-2024    School Lane Charter School celebrates 25 years of providing choice in education for local families