Parents sharing the process of searching for a school in Greater Philadelphia. What kind of school are you looking for? Charter, public, private, city, suburban?
An editorial in todays' Inquirer entitled "The Ackerman Migration" sums up my concerns and a common set of sentiments I hear from readers all over the city. 
Now there is yet another reason to ignore test scores when making your school choice. In many cases they might be fabricated. 
I'm quoted today in an article describing the growing popularity of center city as a destination for parents and how it is impacting enrollment and school quality at all types of schools. 
With so many people vying for spots in the same trendy public and charter schools, it is worth considering some schools that might not be on your radar. 
Penn Alexander in West Philadelphia will be instituting a new enrollment policy. No guaranteed seats for catchment students for all grades. 
Well, here's something to make you sick to your stomach. The School District of Philadelphia announced its budget proposal addressing it's projected $629M budget shortfall. The lowlights of the School District's proposal--laying off 3,820 employees (including 400 administrators and 1,260 teachers + nurses, custodians and other ancillary staff, and elimination of full day kindergarten ![How a Community Can Change a School [EVENT]](http://phillyschoolsearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/walk-to-school.jpg)
I know that many of you are interested in getting involved to improve your local school. If so, this event on May 5 may be of interest to many of you 
There are tons of great public elementary schools in the city of Philadelphia, and it’s pretty likely that you can get your kid into one of them. 
Len Lipkin
PSS Community