Philly charter school boosts attendance despite reliance on SEPTA for student transportation.

In a significant development that has affected thousands of students in the Philadelphia area, recent cuts to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) have prompted schools, particularly Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School, to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact on student attendance.

This summer, drastic reductions in public transit services were instituted, disrupting the commutes of many students who rely on SEPTA to reach their educational institutions. In response, CEO William Hayes and his team at Boys’ Latin meticulously crafted a strategic plan ahead of the 2025-26 academic year, prioritizing communication with families and a focus on arriving at school on time.

Weeks before the school year commenced, school officials engaged with parents and students to discuss potential changes in commuting patterns. Recognizing the importance of equitable access to transportation, the school expanded yellow bus service routes for students, personally funded by the institution. This approach aimed at ensuring that students could navigate the transit challenges effectively while promoting higher attendance rates.

Initial results appear promising, with average daily attendance recorded at 96% for middle school students and 92% for high school students during the early days following the SEPTA service cuts. These figures reflect significant improvements over the previous year’s attendance figures, which stood at 91% and 88%, respectively. Furthermore, the percentage of students arriving late has declined, with tardiness rates dropping from 10% to 7% among middle schoolers, and from 21% to 9% among high school students.

This response stands in stark contrast to the broader impact of the SEPTA cuts on district schools, where 63% reported increased late arrivals and 54% had more absences compared to the same time last year.

At Boys’ Latin, where over half of the approximately 500 high school students depend on SEPTA, the school has been attentive to the challenging circumstances brought on by the transit cuts. The school has expanded its bus offerings, implementing three dedicated yellow bus routes for middle school students and running additional stops to accommodate the needs of families. Additionally, the school has encouraged carpooling and parent drop-offs as effective alternatives.

In an effort to remain transparent and communicative, the leadership at Boys’ Latin has established protocols for addressing attendance issues related to transportation. Students marked late due to SEPTA-related difficulties will have the opportunity to make up missed work, while their attendance will still be documented.

As the school year progresses, Boys’ Latin continues to adapt its strategies to support families and ensure that student attendance remains high despite external challenges. The collaborative effort underscores the school’s commitment to creating a nurturing educational environment where students feel encouraged to attend regularly, regardless of the transportation hurdles they may face.

As the situation progresses, the Boys’ Latin community remains vigilant, learning daily from the experiences of its students as they navigate the evolving landscape of public transit and educational accessibility in Philadelphia.

For more updates related to school transportation and educational strategies in the region, refer to Media News Source.