Unequal algebra access in Philly is ‘discriminatory’ says key city official as district plans changes

Philadelphia school officials aim to provide all eighth graders with the opportunity to take algebra before entering high school, yet significant disparities persist, according to education advocates and city council members. At a recent City Hall hearing, concerns were raised that the district's current approach to algebra access remains inequitable, with disparities tied to a school's neighborhood median income and students' test scores.

Education Chair Isaiah Thomas criticized the district's method as discriminatory, emphasizing that not offering algebra to all eighth graders denies students from selective admission high schools like Julia R. Masterman a quality education, potentially altering their life trajectories. Some experts caution that not all eighth graders possess the foundational algebraic concepts necessary for success.

A 2023 Chalkbeat analysis revealed that schools in lower-income neighborhoods were less likely to offer the course. This year, the district plans to offer algebra at all 126 district schools enrolling eighth graders by the 2027-28 school year, contingent on students' preparedness, as determined by their Star test scores. The move comes amid a national debate over when to introduce the advanced math course, with Philadelphia's uneven access potentially locking deserving students out of competitive public high schools.

Critics argue that universal access should be offered regardless of students' backgrounds or test scores. The district currently offers algebra as a dedicated class in 42 schools and through its Cross School Learning program in 33 schools, bringing the total to 75 schools, with 51 still lacking access. Additionally, ninth graders struggling in Algebra 1 can enroll in a remedial course called Algebra 1a.