A message from students who left
Some of those who are now reconnected say their schools could have done better.
Photo: Harvey Finkle
At Olney West and other high schools, students are greeted by metal detectors used by the District to screen for weapons. But some students say they feel treated like criminals.
While the numbers are slowly improving, four in ten of Philadelphia's young people never finish high school. This dropout crisis impacts everyone – taxpayers, parents, employers, and community members. But those affected most immediately are the youth themselves.
To gain their viewpoint on what should be done, the Notebook interviewed more than 20 young people who are in alternative schools, GED preparation classes, and other programs for out-of-school youth.
Students talk about homelessness, family crises, death, pregnancy, abuse,