5 things to watch for Philadelphia’s 2026-27 school year
Philadelphia schools will open their doors to students next week as educators and families brace for what could be a tumultuous year. The upcoming school year will be the last for nine district schools as Superintendent Tony Watlington moves forward with his plan to close schools beginning in…
Philadelphia's 2026-27 school year is set to be a year of significant change and challenges. As the district prepares to close nine schools and implement a $2 billion facilities plan, educators and families are bracing for what could be a tumultuous year. The district's focus is on improving student attendance and boosting academic performance, particularly in reading scores.
However, recent test scores indicate progress may be difficult. The district has pledged to help families affected by the closures, but the availability and allocation of resources remain uncertain. Meanwhile, political battles over school closures are escalating, with members of the City Council demanding more control over education issues.
These tensions could continue to shape the school year. The district's curriculum overhaul is also underway, with math scores improving but reading scores declining. This year, the district aims to get reading scores up, but the lack of school-level data makes it challenging to assess student progress. Lastly, the district is set to overhaul its charter school evaluations, with new standards and potential closures for schools not meeting the requirements. This development adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging school year.
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