Improved parental opinions toward Philadelphia's school district, as indicated by recent survey results
In a recent poll conducted by Elevate 215 and Embold Research, Philadelphia school parents have expressed their top priorities for the school district. The poll, which surveyed 606 parents representative of the city's diverse population, indicates a generally improved perception of the district [1].
The survey results highlight a strong focus on teacher quality, school safety, and curriculum and instructional practices, with over 90% of respondents emphasizing these as critical areas for focus [1]. Moreover, 94% of parents believe that improving overall school quality should be the city’s top budget priority [1].
Another significant concern expressed by parents is the desire for a common enrollment system that would include both traditional public schools and charter schools, with 70% supporting this approach to benefit families [1].
The poll, which took place online between April 2 and April 20, reached respondents who are representative of the city's population in terms of race, income level, and neighborhood [1]. The results show that 50% of Philadelphia school parents believe the district is headed in the right direction, while an equal percentage thinks it is headed in the wrong direction [1].
City Councilmember-At-Large Isaiah Thomas, the chair of the legislative body's education committee, urged parents to contact his office with ideas for improving the schools [1]. Thomas stated that the 2025 Parent Poll shows that parents believe the schools are moving in the right direction [1].
The poll comes after a challenging year for the Philadelphia School District, with issues such as aging buildings with faulty heating and cooling systems, mold, and asbestos [1]. Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice filed criminal charges against the school district, alleging that it failed to inspect several schools for asbestos in violation of federal law [1]. However, the school board signed an agreement with the DOJ that would defer prosecution [1].
Despite these challenges, Superintendent Tony Watlington, Sr., who was hired in April 2022 and given a 5-year contract, has touted lower dropout rates, higher graduation rates, improved reading and math scores, and the highest enrollment in 10 years [1]. In the following year, Watlington announced a 5-year strategic plan called Accelerate Philly [1].
Sarah Gearhart, Elevate 215's director of data strategy and analytics, stated that to elevate Philadelphia's schools, it is essential to listen to the voices of families [1]. Gearhart's sentiments echo those of Thomas, who emphasizes the importance of family engagement in improving the educational system.
In summary, the current priorities and concerns for parents regarding the Philadelphia School District center on ensuring high teacher quality, maintaining school safety, enhancing curriculum and instructional practices, improving overall school quality through budget allocations, creating a unified enrollment system for public and charter schools, and addressing issues such as aging buildings and asbestos. These insights emphasize a family-focused, data-driven approach to elevating Philadelphia’s schools by listening to the voices of families directly impacted by the educational system [1].
[1] Elevate 215 and Embold Research, 2025 Parent Poll, [date of publication not specified].
Education and self-development are important areas of concern for Philadelphia school parents, with 70% supporting a common enrollment system that would benefit families [1]. Sarah Gearhart, Elevate 215's director of data strategy and analytics, underscores the necessity of listening to the voices of families to elevate Philadelphia's schools, emphasizing a family-focused, data-driven approach to fostering education and self-development within the district [1].
