A $300,000 grant to transform Neumann-Goretti High

The Philadelphia School Partnership Tuesday announced a grant of $300,000 to SS. John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School to begin an academic transformation.

The funds will be used to eliminate the traditional tracking of students, to offer broader access to college-prep and advanced classes at the South Philadelphia school.

Officials said the goal was closing the achievement gap and improving the academic success of all students.

Forty-five percent of the 500 students at Neumann Goretti are members of minority groups; 48 percent come from low-income families.

The grant from the partnership's Great Schools Fund is designed to help the school implement a plan it developed with the aid of a planning grant last year.

"The Neumann Goretti leadership team has a bold vision for transforming the school to ensure all students, regardless of race or income, are prepared for success in college or careers, and we are excited to help bring that vision to life," Jessica Pena, director of the Great Schools Fund, said in a statement.

Bruce Robinson, president of the high school, said, "Neumann Goretti's school family is excited to be part of this transformation, which focuses on a curriculum based on writing, problem solving, and creative thinking in all classes."

Neumann Goretti is one of 17 archdiocesan high schools in the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The schools are managed by the Faith in the Future Foundation.

martha.woodall@phillynews.com 215-854-2789 @marwooda