Mastery Charter Schools' big test in Philadelphia

The blacktop playground behind Harrity Elementary School in West Philadelphia Wednesday morning was teeming with parents and children waiting for classroom assignments and a chance to meet the teachers.

Bill Crawford stood along the schoolyard fence with his video camera rolling, recording son Zaire's first day as a third grader and the first day the school was run by Mastery Charter Schools.

"It's a new day," Crawford said with a smile. "I know it's going to be better than it was last year. I know my son's going to learn."

The changes Mastery is making at Harrity are not only high stakes for Crawford's son but also represent the biggest test yet for the local nonprofit, which has won kudos from President Obama for boosting students' academic performance and developing their interpersonal skills.

In just over three months, Mastery not only doubled its schools to six, it hired and trained teachers. And in under a month, it refurbished three buildings.

Mastery is one of four charter operators converting seven low-performing district schools into Renaissance schools this school season as part of Superintendent Arlene Ackerman's Imagine 2014 initiative.

In addition to Harrity, which has 850 students from kindergarten through eighth grade at its campus at 5601 Christian St., Mastery is turning two other elementary schools into charters: Mann in West Philadelphia and Smedley in Frankford. Wednesday was the first day for all three. Altogether, they registered 420 more students than attended last year.

All Renaissance schools will receive regular charter school payments from the district: $8,708 per student, and $18,883 for those in special education.

Mastery, which has operated a charter high school since 2001, has received national recognition for its success in turning around three formerly troubled district middle schools.

Mastery aims to prepare students for college with a strict behavior code and a rigorous curriculum that includes taking personal responsibility and developing interpersonal skills.

The model includes a longer school day and a longer school year. Tutoring and Saturday sessions are required for those who struggle. All students must show "mastery" by earning a grade of at least 76 percent before advancing.

George Tilghman, chairman of the Harrity advisory council that selected Mastery, said parents were impressed by the group's program and track record.