Mission Statement

Philadelphia English Language Institute is committed to the social and economic wellbeing of our students, our community, and our staff.

We continually strive to: 

1. adapt and be cognizant of students’ language needs.

2. responsibly offer high-quality language learning courses.

3. maintain a high academic level of teaching staff.

4. offer immigration guidance and cultural assistance to student communities.

5. help our students become better citizens to enrich our community.

6. remain an integral part of our city and state.

 Founding and Early Years (2007–2015)

The Philadelphia English Language Institute (PELI) was established in 2007 by Rodrigo Brinski and Fernando da Costa. Originally operating under the name "Wizard," it was the first international branch of the Brazilian language school franchise to open outside Brazil. Situated in Northeast Philadelphia, the school primarily served the Brazilian and broader immigrant communities in the area, offering English as a Second Language (ESL) courses tailored to their needs.​

Transition and Growth (2015–Present)

In 2015, ownership transitioned to Arian Pereira and Leonardo Ribeiro, who brought a renewed vision to the institute. They rebranded the school as the Philadelphia English Language Institute and expanded its services to include a wider range of English programs, such as intensive English courses for international students and specialized classes focusing on pronunciation, American culture, and grammar. Additionally, they introduced translation and interpreting services to better support the diverse needs of the community.​

Community Engagement and Cultural Integration

PELI has consistently emphasized cultural integration and community engagement. The institute organizes various events and celebrations, such as food parties and cultural festivals, to foster a sense of community among students from over 50 different nationalities. These activities not only enhance the learning experience but also help students build lasting relationships and networks within the Philadelphia area.

Accreditation and Recognition

In recognition of its commitment to quality education, PELI received accreditation from the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) for the period December 2022 through December 2027. This accreditation underscores the institute's adherence to high standards in English language instruction and its dedication to continuous improvement.​