In the School District of Philadelphia, Clusters are based on the high school an entering student will attend for grades 9 through 12. Clusters help us develop close, ongoing multi-year relationships among students, teachers, and parents. They make it easier for parents and school staff to share responsibility for students' achievement over the years.
Clusters focus on teaching, learning, and family supports.
Because they are organized according to the same pattern a child follows in his or her school life, adults can help students make critical adjustments and transitions from elementary to middle and then high school. High performance standards with appropriate assessments and accountability are clearly stated so that teaching and learning can be coordinated between schools and children and parents will understand what is expected from one year to the next.