Audenried

In 2008, the new Audenried, with striking yellow steel supports, opened to its first class of freshmen.

Comeback School Misses Mark Joe Barrett 2011

So when the school district announced in January that Audenried would be shut down, parents were surprised.

Comeback School Misses Mark Joe Barrett 2011

Audenried is now slated to reopen in September under charter-school operator Universal Cos., a Philadelphia nonprofit founded by music producer Kenny Gamble.

Comeback School Misses Mark Joe Barrett 2011

Universal intends to provide a health-care clinic, multimedia library and adult education classes at Audenried, while lengthening the school day and adding Saturday classes.

Comeback School Misses Mark Joe Barrett 2011

Scott Lewis for the Wall Street Journal English teacher Hope Moffett, foreground, with some of her current and former students outside Philadelphia's Audenried High School.

Comeback School Misses Mark Joe Barrett 2011

PHILADELPHIA—Long-troubled Audenried High School, once known locally as the Prison on the Hill, today boasts a new, $55 million building, a crop of dedicated young teachers and sharply higher test scores.

Comeback School Misses Mark Joe Barrett 2011

On practice tests for state achievement exams in February, 37% of Audenried juniors were rated advanced or proficient in math; in language arts, 39%.

Comeback School Misses Mark Joe Barrett 2011

Many of Audenried's parents say they feel whipsawed by a battle that pits the current staff, who have worked hard to fix the school, against new reformers with a bigger vision.

Comeback School Misses Mark Joe Barrett 2011

Some parents at Audenried are angry because they didn't have a say in the decision.

Comeback School Misses Mark Joe Barrett 2011

Built in the 1930s, the old Audenried, wedged between Interstate 76 and rundown row houses, was plagued by violence and poor performance.

Comeback School Misses Mark Joe Barrett 2011