Philly school district plans to overhaul 11 schools

Citing low academic performance, the School District of Philadelphia plans major interventions at 11 schools that will involve community engagement meetings and quality reviews.

The 11 schools slated for intervention are John Marshall Elementary; Blankenburg Elementary; John F. Hartranft School;Delaplaine McDaniel Elementary; Edward Heston Elementary; Warren G. Harding Middle School; BartramHigh School; Ben Franklin High School; Overbrook High School; Samuel S. Fels High School; and the Kensington Health Sciences Academy.

The schools were selected based on low performance for at least three years, according to the district. They all rank lower than 15 out of 100 on the district’s School Progress Report.

John Marshall, located in the Frankford neighborhood, ranked last on the progress report among elementary schools for its lowachievement, progress and climate.

“Despite investments made in all schools, some schools are not meeting students’needs and parents’expectations. There are schools that require additional support right now so that children can have the learning opportunities they deserve,” SuperintendentDr. William R. Hite said in a news release.

Schools will not be closed or chartered, but their intervention options include entering the district’s Turnaround Network, merging with a high-performing school or reopening the school with major program or staff changes.

“Each school has unique strengths and challenges, and each school community is special, but the goal for all children and all schools is the same: to ensure children are able to learn and to succeed,” Hite said. “We are excited to begin this work with our parents and schools to make this goal a reality, and we will make the decisions necessary to ensure all children are given their right to a great education.”