Parker has positioned herself in support of the school closures, but she has largely refrained from the debate.

All Pennsylvania schools must adopt ‘bell-to-bell’ policies by the start of 2027-28 school year. The new policy would be a stricter mandate than what’s in place at some Philly schools.

Republican lawmakers accused the district of training students to be ‘far-left activists.’ Superintendent Tony Watlington said changes to curriculum are underway.

The city’s birth rate has been declining, but competition from cyber charter schools and private schools could be significant factors.

n Philadelphia, a tech training program has overhauled its curriculum to try to give young people a leg up in an increasingly competitive job market.

Philadelphia families covet the city’s magnet schools. But many students still don’t know if they have a chance to get in due to the state test score delay.

Charter leaders say they’re frustrated with the board’s delays sharing information about a new evaluation framework, which can be used to close schools.

The school’s enrollment has rebounded under Principal KaTiedra Argro’s leadership. But at the start of the year, the district didn’t let her hire enough staff to keep up.

Students say they appreciate the tight-knit community in small schools. But some wish they had more course options.

The events’ organizers hope the Philadelphia festivities will help students understand democracy.