Philadelphia Public Schools
Philadelphia district officials say they’ve learned lessons from the last round of school closures. Some people aren’t so sure.
Diplomas are key to financial success, but parts of Kensington have historically experienced barriers to graduation. Efforts are underway to support the next generation of students.
The school board approved a $600,000 contract to provide the officers with protective equipment and other gear despite concerns from students and experts.
School leaders will host a virtual and in-person meeting for each school they propose closing.
Many school communities hope leaders will soften the district’s proposal to close 20 schools beginning in 2027.
Nine of the 20 schools the district wants to close are in areas it has identified as vulnerable, based on neighborhood social factors and prior school closures.
The district’s proposal to close 20 schools has drawn opposition from City Council members, parents, alumni, and educators, who see the schools as integral resource hubs and safe spaces in their communities.
It’ll be the third straight day the district has kept school buildings closed following a snowstorm in the region.
If weather requires schools to stay closed after Monday, students will learn remotely.
A key member of the Philadelphia City Council has already expressed opposition to parts of the district’s plan to close, relocate, and co-locate several schools.
The proposal would have a particularly large impact on middle schools, with more than a dozen elementary schools turning into K-8 schools.
School leaders also attribute the success to teacher training and expanded tutoring for middle school students.
As Philadelphia tackles a severe teacher shortage, the program helps students earn college credit to become educators.
The district will open 2 schools as part of the new North Philadelphia Promise Zone, even as officials plan on closing underutilized public schools in the city.
Friends of the Children Philadelphia just wrapped its first year in the city and is looking to expand.
The nearly $90 million building has space for more than 1,000 students.
Roughly 90% of high schoolers who weren’t on track to graduate by the end of 9th grade stayed off track in 10th grade, according to a November district analysis.
Mayor Cherelle Parker has publicly said she wants to use vacant buildings for housing. The school board approved a resolution saying it will look into it.
The city’s district and alternative schools have lost students, while charter and cyber charter enrollment has grown slightly. The number of English language learners has nearly doubled over the past decade.
The four-year agreement includes raises and language recognizing principals’ contributions to the school district.