The City That Kicked Cops Out of Schools and Tried Restorative Practices Instead

The ecosystem of D.C. charter schools that has evolved over the last two decades represents a cornucopia of creative and nontraditional approaches to education, in addition to fairly traditional college-prep schools, and is now producing some of the highest graduation rates, college acceptance rates, and average test scores in public schools in the nation.

Educational nonprofit OneGoal has proven that its model of education helps provide low-income students in Chicago and Houston with the tools needed to pursue a college degree. Now, the nonprofit hopes to improve the college graduation rate in New York City by assisting high school students in understanding the basic techniques to achieve success.

The KNOSK secondary school is working to reduce the number of out-of-school youth in Nigeria by providing students with a quality education for a daily fee much lower than other school options. The school offers various payment plan options and gives the students uniforms, lunch, and sanitary products.

The Phoenix School of Discovery is an alternative school designed for students with learning and social challenges, with roughly half of students on an individualized education plan, or IEP. The school prioritizes hands-on learning, has multiple teachers in each classroom, and offers accommodations like sensory-friendly lighting and a space for “quiet lunch” for students who find the traditional cafeteria over-stimulating.

To help address chronic absenteeism, Project Rebuild works with families to determine the root cause of school absences and connect them to needed resources and services. In the 2022-23 school year, 81 percent of families referred to the nonprofit completed the program, with a total of 61 families participating. Only one percent of families who participate have to be referred again for continued truancy concerns.

Arizona schools are tackling a rising lack of attendance after the pandemic by helping to address the problems keeping students from school instead of immediately suspending them for absences.

In Washington, North Thurston Public Schools increased the graduation rate of students experiencing homelessness from 65% to 84% by hiring student navigators. These staff members consistently support students experiencing homelessness and attend to needs like finding housing, applying for college, or anything else that might arise.

The Campus Babe Initiative helps girls in Nigeria who are not attending school because of teen pregnancy get back in school. The initiative provides financial support, school materials, and information. It also holds informational workshops to help prevent teen pregnancies.

Oglethorpe County High School in Georgia increased their graduation rate to almost 95% by connecting students regularly with counselors starting freshman year to help them meet their goals.

The Bunmi Adedayo Foundation trains public primary school teachers in new methods and boosts their morale to improve their skills and provide students with a higher quality of education.