Schooled

Jovan tries to find a balance between the high expectations, “no excuses” culture for which Mastery Charter is known and the “love and positivity” mission he envisions based on his own traumatic childhood. Along the way he faces tough decisions, such as in the fifth grade — where the largely black student population has teachers who are worlds apart when it comes to life experience, race and, ulti...

Wister’s 5th grade students see themselves reflected in a faculty that has adopted a civil rights mission. Bahir Hayes and other teachers grapple with what it means and what it takes to make a successful school. And as the school enters the second year of its conversion, Jovan makes a major life decision.

You Shouldn't Be Here: The story of Jovan Weaver and Wister Elementary

By seventh grade, Savannah was already in danger of becoming a casualty of the North Philly streets; she’s endured horrific childhood abuse, eventually becoming pregnant by age 14. But Savannah — motivated by her newborn daughter — sets out to escape the cycle of poverty. Listen above or read the story here .

Savannah’s attendance record holds her back at school, threatening her chances of graduating. A dedicated group of teachers, mentors, and peers help her see the good in her community, while tensions with her mother reach an apex. Listen above or read the story  here .

Savannah enters high school eager to defy the odds. She’s determined not to follow the path of her mother, who dropped out of the very same North Philadelphia high school after becoming pregnant at age 16. To succeed, Savannah must juggle the responsibility of being a mother, student, and part-time family breadwinner. Listen above or read the story here .

Don't Call it the Badlands: The Story of Savannah Zayas