Guest Commentary

A Blueprint For Quality Schools

A local education leader urges school officials and other civic stakeholders to come together around a singular vision for Philly’s students — one that creates opportunity

By Stacy Holland

Working Under the Gun

Gun violence citywide decreased in 2023 — but attacks on public employees continued to rise. Can the City keep its bus drivers — and other workers — safe?

By Mensah M. Dean
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Indrayudh “Indy” Shome

The Citizen’s Educator of the Year is a four language-speaking, music-playing, digital media expert who also loves to share his passion for gardens. He’s inspiring students across the city to make their voices heard

By Courtney DuChene

The [Insert Name Here] High School in Your Neighborhood

What would happen if middle class families in Philly embraced their local high schools the way they have their elementary schools?

By Lauren McCutcheon
Guest Commentary

A Different Kind of Education Promise

The founder of a Black teacher pipeline wonders: Isn’t it time to make a long-term investment in our public school children’s futures?

By Sharif El-Mekki

Time To Move Past the School Voucher Debate

A longtime university president and public schools advocate urges compromise so low-income students can get the education they deserve today — and public schools can thrive

By Elaine Maimon
Guest Commentary

A Better Budget for the School District

The court has promised more and equitable funding for Philadelphia schools. But, a longtime educator notes, all that money won’t matter if the District doesn’t fix how it budgets

By Peshe Kuriloff

Growing Money Smarts

GROW Academy, started by a local financial planner, is helping entrepreneurial teens manage their money and launch the careers they dream about

By Courtney DuChene

“Don’t Take Away My Home”

In an excerpt from a new book about surviving poverty in Kensington, a teenager pleads for his alternative high school to stay open — and wonders why he must.

By Nikhil Goyal
Guest Commentary

Shapiro’s Unique Opportunity on Schools

The governor punted on a chance to be the rare Democrat to fund school vouchers in the state budget he just signed. But, a free market advocate argues, it’s not too late

By Charles Mitchell