Two Philadelphia Charter School Operators Get Expansion Grants
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- An influential nonprofit group is giving nearly $3 million to two Philadelphia charter school operators.
The Philadelphia School Partnership is giving $2.1 million to First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School to establish a second elementary school and a high school.
Another $855,000 will go to Mastery Charter Schools, to add 375 seats at Gratz High School and the Hardy Williams Academy.
"In both cases, the schools have a strong track record of positive academic gains for students, and are led by experienced and committed leaders that are focused on outcomes for kids," says Jessica Pena, director of PSP's Great Schools Fund.
Over the last three years, PSP has given $20 million to expand charters, $11 million to district schools, and $3 million to private schools.