Charter School Rescues Students, Community

What does a neighborhood do when its surrounding school districts are underperforming, or downright violent and failing? Where can the kids go? In the Pittsburgh area, many students find refuge in a different type of public school: Propel Braddock Hills High. Against the odds, the charter school is achieving great results—a testament to the power of school choice.

Right now, Propel Braddock Hills High has about 250 students, but the waiting list for all nine Propel schools around Pennsylvania is 3,000 and counting. The school nurtures its students, including ones like Brandon Quarles, who come in with little but poor grades and attitude. The teachers and administrators offer innovative programs, pull students up to higher academic standards, and know every kid by name. Watch how Braddock Hills High is transforming the lives of its students—and its community.