Mastery Schools has partnered with ALICE Training® for active shooter response preparation. The training provides Mastery staff with a strategy to recognize instances of danger, identify scenarios for lockdown or evacuation, inform others of present danger, and safely exit situations of extreme duress. With training from the leading active shooter preparation course in the country, Mastery remains committed to the safety of all staff and students. 

Learn more about ALICE’s training program here.

In Philadelphia, gun violence is an epidemic. At Mastery Schools, we believe youth violence is preventable. Research has shown that mental and behavioral health supports can create meaningful positive change by providing students with tools to navigate challenging environments. With this in mind, Mastery Schools created Rebound to provide evidence-based support and interventions to students most heavily impacted by violence and trauma.

Program Participants Receive:

• Intensive Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from a credible messenger.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Utilizing a trauma-informed approach in a small group setting.
• Enrichment and Workforce Opportunities: Access to programs and experiences outside of school.

Since launching in 2022 at Mastery’s Simon Gratz High School, the program has expanded to operate in additional Mastery schools, including Hardy Williams High, Gratz Prep Middle, Pickett Campus, and Anthony Wayne Academy.

Rebound is committed to fostering resilience and hope, empowering students to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential.

Mastery Schools participates in the Safe2Say Something PA reporting system.

Safe2Say Something, run by the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, teaches students, educators, and school staff how to recognize the signs and signals of individuals at risk of hurting themselves or others and empowers them to report concerns anonymously via an easy-to-use system. 

Anonymous tips about violence, suicide, guns, drugs, threatening behavior, bullying, cyberbullying, and other concerning acts can be reported through the Safe2Say Something website or mobile app 24 hours a day, seven days a week. After receiving a tip, the program’s crisis center reviews it and alerts school administration and law enforcement within seconds if intervention is needed. Learn more about the program here.

To enhance the safety of our school environments, we have implemented metal detectors at the entrances of all Philadelphia secondary schools and Mastery High School of Camden starting in school year 2024-2025. Both students and visitors are required to pass through these detectors upon arrival.

We have chosen OPENGATE for this enhancement due to the proven effectiveness and efficiency of their metal detectors. Students will need to remove only their Chromebooks while passing through, keeping their backpacks and other personal items with them.

All school staff are fully trained and students will be introduced to the system through thoughtful demonstrations. We believe this advanced technology will significantly strengthen Mastery’s comprehensive approach to school safety.

To learn more about our weapons detection program at Mastery Schools, please view the video below in English or Spanish. Click the CC button on either video for captions.

ENGLISH

 

SPANISH