As both principal and an alumna of the Philadelphia High School for Girls, KaTiedra Argro plans on restoring the school’s reputation as a premier educational institution where young women cultivate their talents, embrace leadership, and find their voices, writes Dale Mezzacappa for Chalkbeat.
Argro spent last fall visiting elementary and middle schools throughout Philadelphia to recruit students. Her goal was to spark interest in the historic all-girls school, founded 13 years before the Civil War.
“My takeaway was that nobody knows what the Philadelphia High School for Girls was anymore,” said Argro.
Four decades ago, the school’s enrollment was around 2,000 students. Notable graduates include feminist attorney Gloria Allred, singer Jill Scott, and Barbara Harris, the first woman ordained a bishop in the Episcopal Church.
But over the years, the number of students has plunged to 600.
On her recruiting tour, Argro, who became principal last year, gave out T-shirts and magnets and shared a pamphlet and video with students about “all the great things happening” at Girls High.
Her efforts appear to be working, with 275 students indicating plans to attend Girls High next year, according to responses to admissions offers in the high school selection process.
Read more about the educator who is dedicated to placing Girls High back on the map in Chalkbeat.
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