Philadelphia Delayed Charter School Evaluation Framework
Parents and families should expect a shift in how city charter schools are measured as the new timeline remains in flux.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Philadelphia Board of Education has delayed the release of its new charter school evaluation framework, Project RiSE, citing ongoing legal complications. The delay affects families looking for updated academic and operational standards for city charter schools.
Why it matters
The framework is intended to standardize how charter schools are assessed for academic and operational performance, a process that is currently stalled due to active litigation. This uncertainty impacts families trying to evaluate the quality of local school options.
The Philadelphia Board of Education missed its original June 2026 goal for sharing Project RiSE details. The district now expects preliminary implementation of the new standards during the 2027-28 school year.
The players
Philadelphia Board of Education
The local governing body responsible for overseeing the school district, setting academic policies, and managing charter school authorizations.
Charter School Office
The administrative department within the district that evaluates charter schools against academic and operational requirements.
The details
The Charter School Office uses an evaluation framework to audit the academic and operational performance of schools. A working group of charter leaders and advocates was formed to provide feedback on this new process, but current litigation regarding nonrenewals and existing standards has halted progress.
Timeline
June 2026: Original date intended for sharing framework details.
September 24, 2026: Date of the scheduled board meeting regarding the update.
2027-28 school year: Expected preliminary implementation of the new framework.
The Home Front
This pause in oversight development reflects the broader tension between school districts and independent charter operators regarding accountability standards. The shift follows a pattern of local litigation that frequently impacts the regulatory environment for city school families.
Families with students in charter schools should continue monitoring the district's official meeting notices for updates on when new performance data might be released. For current information on specific school standing, review the existing school report cards provided by the district.
The takeaway
The implementation of Project RiSE remains stalled due to pending legal challenges between charter schools and the district. Families should track the next board meeting cycle for clarity on when new evaluation standards will be finalized.
Further reading
Find more updates on local learning environments in our Secondary Education section.
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