Principal Jovan Weaver knows well the trauma that many of his students experience. We hear his struggle to overcome a tumultuous childhood.

The debate that led to Wister’s conversion to a charter school raised questions of politics, access and influence. And it pitted Philadelphia neighbors against one another.

As principal, Jovan tries to find a balance between Mastery's “no excuses” culture and the “love and positivity” mission he envisions based on his own traumatic childhood.

Wister’s 5th grade students see themselves reflected in a faculty that has adopted a civil rights mission. And Jovan makes a major personal decision.

You Shouldn't Be Here: The story of Jovan Weaver and Wister Elementary

By seventh grade, Savannah was already in danger of becoming a casualty of the North Philly streets; she’s endured horrific childho ...

Savannah enters high school eager to defy the odds. She’s determined not to follow the path of her mother, who dropped out of the v ...

Savannah’s attendance record holds her back at school, threatening her chances of graduating. A dedicated group of teachers, mentor ...

Don't Call it the Badlands: The Story of Savannah Zayas