Philly charter faces upheaval and turnover as renewal process is put on hold.

Northwood Academy Charter School, located in Philadelphia’s Frankford neighborhood, once enjoyed a reputation as a stable educational institution where faculty and administrators dedicated years of service. However, in recent years, the school has experienced significant upheaval. Reports indicate a troubling turnover of staff and administrators, coupled with a decline in academic performance as evidenced by standardized test scores. Parents and staff have voiced concerns over safety and low morale within the school community.

As Northwood’s five-year charter approaches expiration, the renewal process has been placed on hold due to an ongoing investigation by the district’s Inspector General’s office. While the specifics of the inquiry remain undisclosed, it has spurred a wave of apprehension among parents and educators alike.

Interviews with over a dozen parents and current and former staff members reveal a pervasive sense of instability. Many parents chose to remain anonymous, fearing potential backlash after raising concerns about the school’s management. Allegations have emerged regarding the treatment of staff who have criticized the administration, with some reporting threats of legal action following public dissent.

Northwood, which serves roughly 800 students in grades K-8, is governed as an independently managed charter school with funding authorized by the Philadelphia school board. Despite assurances from the school board that personnel changes are aimed at enhancing performance, concerns persist. Critics argue that consistent turnover disrupts the educational environment and affects students’ ability to foster meaningful relationships with educators.

The board recently appointed Steven Yanni as the new CEO, following a series of administrative changes marked by discontent from staff and parents. Many individuals associated with Northwood have expressed deepening frustration over the current direction of the school, citing a lack of communication and responsiveness from the leadership.

The institution transitioned to external human resources management in 2018 with the hiring of Total HR Solutions, which has been met with mixed reviews. Observers have noted a shift in the school’s culture, with complaints regarding nepotism and a lack of diversity among staff, despite the predominantly Black and Latino student population.

Academic performance data reflects this troubling trend. In the 2018-19 school year, 64% of students met state standards in reading, while only 30% achieved this in math. Fast forward to the 2024-25 academic year, and figures have plummeted to 31% in reading and 11% in math, marking a notable decline.

Yanni, who began his tenure in early October 2023, aims to address these challenges by implementing new behavioral support systems and academic interventions designed to cater to students’ diverse learning needs. He underscores his commitment to revitalizing Northwood Academy, highlighting its status as a full-capacity school with a waitlist for future enrollments.

As Northwood navigates this tumultuous period, questions regarding governance, staff morale, and academic integrity continue to loom large in discussions among parents and educators, underscoring the complexities of managing a successful educational institution in today’s environment.