A School on the Brink: The Fight to Save Sheppard Elementary
When Andrea Kohn started teaching at Sheppard Elementary in 1993, she was warned that the school might not last. “They told me, ‘Don’t get used to Sheppard, because they’re going to close it,’” she recalled. Despite these warnings, Kohn spent her entire career at the school, building a strong community and watching it grow into something remarkable. Now, as the Philadelphia School District considers closing schools, Sheppard is once again in danger — but its supporters are fighting to keep it open.
The district is currently working on a facilities master plan, which will determine which schools will be closed or renovated. With nearly 70,000 empty seats across city public schools, many buildings are underused and in poor condition. Sheppard, for example, only serves 123 students in a building that can hold 439 — just 28% full. The facility is also in “unsatisfactory” condition, lacking basic amenities like air conditioning, playgrounds, and a camera system. It also has a “poor” rating for program alignment, meaning it doesn’t have adequate spaces for prekindergarten, art, music, or physical education.
Despite these challenges, Sheppard has become a vital part of the West Kensington community. Its small size allows teachers to give individual attention to students, many of whom come from difficult backgrounds. The neighborhood faces issues like drug trade, gun violence, and trauma, but Sheppard offers a safe and supportive environment. “We all know every single kid in the school,” said Keely Gray, a first-grade teacher. “There’s a sense of community and family, and every kid feels safe.”
Community Concerns and Challenges
The school’s declining enrollment has been a major issue. When Kohn started teaching, there were three or four sections per grade. Now, there’s just one class per grade. Teachers say this decline was partly caused by the district itself, which built new schools nearby, such as Julia de Burgos and Hunter, taking away Sheppard’s catchment area. “It’s nothing we can control,” said Melissa Achuff, a longtime teacher.
Another challenge is the lack of a feeder preschool. A nearby program shut down a few years ago, making it harder for Sheppard to attract more students. Teachers have requested to add fifth grade and a pre-K program, but those requests haven’t been met. “Give us more students,” Achuff said.
The school also faced a crisis earlier this year when fears about immigration enforcement led some families to keep their children home. However, Sheppard staff worked closely with families to reassure them that ICE agents couldn’t enter schools. “We got those families back,” said Susan Murphy, the school nurse. “We told them, ‘We’ve got your back.’”
A School That Feels Like Home
For many families, Sheppard isn’t just a school — it’s a community anchor. Natasha Delgado, a parent whose daughter is about to start second grade, said she would consider homeschooling if the school were closed. “I don’t want her at a bigger school,” she said. “It’s not the best neighborhood, but we know our kids are safe at Sheppard.”
Erica Santos, another parent, has seen generations of her family attend Sheppard. Her son and daughter both went there, and she worries about what would happen if the school were shut down. “My daughter is doing so good at Sheppard,” she said. “It’s just a great school.”
A Tough Decision Ahead
The district is considering a “neighborhood vulnerability score” as part of its decision-making process, which takes into account factors like poverty and prior school closings. Sheppard’s high vulnerability could help it stay open. But the fight isn’t over.
Teachers and parents are preparing for the next steps. The district plans to release its facilities recommendations this fall, with a final vote by the school board by the end of the year. For Amy Devlin, a Sheppard teacher, the uncertainty is hard to bear. “If you close the doors on Sheppard, it’s like you’re closing the doors on our kids,” she said.
As the community waits for the district’s decision, one thing is clear: Sheppard is more than just a school. It’s a lifeline for families who rely on its support, safety, and sense of belonging. And for now, its supporters are determined to keep it open.