Philly delegation finds something to like in Denver schools

A delegation from the Philadelphia government and public schools traveled to Denver this week to see how that city gets traditional public schools, charters and other schools to work together.

Mayor Michael Nutter spent one day in Denver reviewing the operations of city schools. He says there was a give and take with their school officials.

“They are focused on–similar to what we’ve been talking about here–a system of great schools,” Nutter said. “They have what anyone would call regular public schools, charter schools; they have something called innovation schools, looking at it as one complete system making sure there is seamless transition and transparency throughout that process.”

Nutter said there is definitely one thing he wants to bring to Philadelphia.

“A universal application,” he said. “They used to have 63 ways you could apply to schools, they made it one one-form application,” Nutter said. “It’s a more central application process and that’s something we should take a look at.”

Other Philadelphia officials stayed longer in Denver. Nutter says they will compare notes once everyone returns.