Game-Changers for Center City PCS

Students at Center City PCS’ The Makerspace

By Russ Williams, President and CEO

Center City Public Charter Schools

Center City has come a long way. A decade ago, we were at or near the bottom of the multicampus LEA list. Today, we are near the top. That progress is the result of a deliberate, holistic approach that prioritizes strong relationships, student wellbeing, and evidence-based instruction.

I want to highlight two strategic investments that are driving this transformation: High-Impact Tutoring and our Out-of-School Time programming, especially our Makerspace.

The Makerspace

High-Impact Tutoring has been a critical boost for our students performing below grade level. By providing consistent, data-driven interventions aligned with classroom learning, we’re seeing measurable academic growth. Our teachers and tutors collaborate closely to ensure that each student gets targeted support. When students receive high-quality, structured tutoring, they gain both skills and confidence that carry through the school year.

Our Makerspace shows how innovation can fuel both engagement and achievement. This hands-on, project-based learning environment connects academic concepts to applications outside of the classroom. It’s both fun and effective. Students are more likely to come to school and stay engaged when they’re excited about what they’re learning. Like the Congress Heights model that uses field trips to boost attendance, our Makerspace has helped reduce chronic absenteeism while deepening students’ understanding of core academic skills.

Center City’s story proves that when we invest in evidence-based practices, innovation, and relationships, our students rise. We’ve gone from the bottom to near the top because we made schools places where students want to be and where they can thrive.