Guest Commentary: “It Was Just A Lot of Stress”

Masterman 8th graders sat last week for the School District's new essay requirement for Philly’s top academic high schools. Then the system crashed. Why, one student wonders, can’t they get it right?

By Natalia Shepelavy

Citizens of The Week: Stephen Piner and Jamir Shaw

The Philly natives’ Dope Shows isn’t just changing the music and performance industry—it’s also building community and helping Philly youth

By Nick Fiorellini

Guest Commentary: “More Than Just Blacktop”

Recess improves students’ mental health. But green schoolyards, says the state director of the Trust For Public Lands, can help even more.

By Owen Franklin

Ideas We Should Steal: Finding Families for Foster Kids

State law requires that caseworkers place children who were removed from their parents with kin—but Philly lags behind Los Angeles and Lackawanna County in getting the job done.

By Steve Volk

Citizen of the Week: Finn Glew

The recent Harriton High School grad started a motor rally to spur conversation about toxic masculinity while raising money to help survivors of sexual abuse

By Jeffrey Fishman

Bridging the Wealth Gap

A local program has taught wealth-building skills to 1,500 students and the adults in their lives. Now, it's growing—with the support of powerful local institutions—to take the poverty-fighting work nationwide

By Jessica Blatt Press

20+ Great Ways to Keep Kids Busy This Summer

Whether you’ve got a budding artist, activist, or future tech wiz on your hands, these Philly summer activities will keep ’em entertained, engaged, and energized. Here, our 2021 guide to warm-weather things to do with kids in Philadelphia

By Emily Goulet

A Better Way To Teach Reading

Two-thirds of Philly third graders are behind in reading. Will a new program the District is launching in September change that? The answer may lie in Bethlehem, PA.

By Jane M. Von Bergen