Next Thing Media’s Separate/Unequal initiative has turned its lens to Philadelphia, laying bare the stark disparities between the city’s schools.

Separate/Unequal captures students' urgent realities at schools like Strawberry Mansion, as they struggle with issues ranging from safety concerns to limited academic and extracurricular opportunities, just a short distance from prestigious magnet schools like Julia R. Masterman. Despite a legacy shaped by Brown v. Board of Education, Philadelphia has perpetuated a two-tier system, dividing students by privilege and geography.

While some city leaders double down on rebranding campaigns, Separate/Unequal offers an unvarnished look at how these policies impact real kids every day—and calls for equitable reforms ensuring education in Philadelphia is a right, not a prize.

Below are featured photos, and here is a link to our article for the Inquirer titled “The district race for special admission schools resembles a high school Hunger Games.”