Fewer Philly students are getting shot, but risks are higher for those at cyber charters, alternative schools

A recent analysis of school shootings in Philadelphia has revealed a concerning trend: fewer students are being shot, but those who are at a higher risk of becoming victims are those attending cyber charters and alternative schools. According to city data, about a third of all shooting victims in the city this year were aged 22 or under, referred to as "school-aged youth."

Despite a decline in the overall number of incidents, the rate of gun violence victimization for active students has decreased by 70% since the 2021-2022 school year. However, cyber charter students experienced an increase in the rate of victimization from .63 to .81 per 1,000. Researchers found that Monday afternoons, specifically between 3 to 5 p.m., are the most dangerous times for shootings of active students.

Out of the 230 school-aged youth who were shot during the 2025-2026 school year, 78 were enrolled traditional students, while 55% were former students and the remaining were never enrolled. The majority of shootings (four out of five) take place within five ZIP codes in North Philadelphia, including 19121, 19140, 19132, 19134, and 19139.

Students in cyber charters and alternative schools face a significantly higher risk of being shot. Cyber charter students had the highest rate at .81 per 1,000, more than double the rate of traditional students (.30 per 1,000) and alternative school students (3.79 per 1,000). Experts suggest that the lack of access to in-person counselors, school activities, and other social-emotional support may contribute to this elevated risk.