ELEVATE IN ACTION | New Insights. Lasting Impact. Greater Capacity.
In This Issue
A first-of-its-kind survey reveals what school leaders say they need to strengthen schools and improve student outcomes.
Algebra Program Continues Beyond Elevate 215 Investment
A summer program launched with Elevate 215 support is now sustained by participating schools, preparing more students for success in high school math.
Former Philadelphia Principal Elevates Our Support for Schools
A veteran school leader joins our team, expanding our capacity to support schools across Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Principals Share What They Need to Move Schools Forward
A first-of-its-kind citywide survey released by Elevate 215 on behalf of the Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition provides new insights into the experiences, priorities, and supports district and charter school principals say are needed to strengthen educator effectiveness, improve principal retention, and accelerate student success.
Some of the key findings
- 84% of principals are satisfied in their current role, although experiences vary across principal groups.
- Most principals said they need stronger support to recruit and retain effective and diverse educators, citing limited applicant pools and insufficient candidate preparation as key barriers.
- Two-thirds of principals have considered leaving the profession, with increased school funding, higher salaries, and reduced workloads emerging as the strongest incentives to stay.
Read the news coverage: Philadelphia Inquirer; KYW Newsradio
As Dr. Penny Nixon, Superintendent of Schools for Universal Education Companies, and Co-Chair of the Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition Steering Committee, shared, “These survey results provide our education ecosystem with a much clearer picture of principals’ experiences and an important foundation for identifying practical ways to better meet their needs.”
Dr. Michael Farrell, Chief Academic Officer for the School District of Philadelphia and Co-Chair of the Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition Steering Committee, added, “Their perspectives reinforce the deep commitment that principals have to their schools, even as they face significant challenges. Now it’s up to all of us—school systems, civic leaders, and education partners—to work together to create the conditions that allow principals to thrive.”
Read the press release and full survey report →
A Lasting Investment in Student Math Success
Over the summer, 57 rising eighth-grade students from five Philadelphia charter schools spent five weeks strengthening their algebra skills and building confidence before entering Algebra I—an effective strategy for setting students up for academic growth.
As Boys Latin CEO Dr. William Hayes shared in a recent Philadelphia Tribune article, “We were looking for an opportunity to accelerate student learning. We knew Algebra I was a gateway course to higher-level math and future STEM careers.” He added that the program is designed not only to strengthen students’ math skills, but also to help them realize “they can do difficult things they once thought were impossible.”
Originally funded through an Elevate 215 grant that at the end of Fiscal Year 2025, the Algebra I Summer Bridge Program is now fully sustained by the participating schools—a powerful example of how strategic investments can continue creating opportunities for students long after grant funding ends.
Read the Philadelphia Tribune story →
Supporting the Next Chapter of School Investments
We’re excited to announce Derrick Cartwright as Senior Program Officer at Elevate 215. In this role, Derrick will serve as a trusted thought partner to school leaders, conducting school visits, reviewing school data and progress toward grant goals, and providing strategic guidance to help strengthen instructional systems, leadership, and student outcomes.
Derrick brings nearly a decade of experience working in Philadelphia schools. He grew up in the Philadelphia region, then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh and completed his Teach For America service in Cincinnati. He returned to Philadelphia to teach high school Algebra, then advanced into school leadership, serving as Assistant Principal of Instruction. He later became Principal of Mastery Charter Shoemaker, where he led more than 700 students in grades 7–12. Throughout his career, Derrick has partnered with educators, families, and community organizations to improve the student experience by expanding after-school opportunities, increasing access to tutoring, improving attendance, and strengthening school-community partnerships.
Join us in welcoming Derrick to the Elevate 215 team as we expand our capacity to support school leaders and increase our impact for students across Philadelphia.
Be part of the Philly K-12 School Fair
The 2026 K–12 Philly School Fair is coming to the Pennsylvania Convention Center on September 19, bringing together more than 150 schools of all types and grade levels. Whether you’re a family exploring school options, a school or community organization, a potential sponsor, or someone looking to volunteer, there are many ways to be part of this citywide event.
Families
- Register for your free tickets starting at bit.ly/phlschoolfair.
Sponsors
- Explore a variety of sponsorship opportunities at bit.ly/fairsponsorship.
Philadelphia Schools and Community-Based Organizations
- Philly schools and CBOs can register to table at the Fair at bit.ly/phlschoolfair-schools.
Individuals and Groups
- Sign up to volunteer at bit.ly/phlschoolfair-volunteer.