Summer is the ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities and soak in the sunshine. Many are familiar with the experience of coming home from a nice day out and being covered in blistering skin. That itchy, aching sunburn after a long day at the beach might be unpleasant, but it’s only the start of the problem. Long-term effects of sun damage extend to hyperpigmentation, premature skin aging, and even an increased risk of skin cancer.1 Thankfully, most sun damage is preventable wi

Summer break is a time for children to relax, explore new interests, and enjoy a well-earned vacation from school. But it can also be a time when students lose some of the academic progress they made during the school year - a phenomenon referred to as the “summer slide”1 If you haven’t already, check out our previous article from Aug 2025 on how summer reading can help students maintain and even strengthen their reading progress over the summer. To help keep students engage

After years of unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Philadelphia schools are starting to show encouraging signs of recovery. While challenges remain, recent district data suggests that students are steadily regaining academic momentum and that improvements in attendance and student engagement are helping create stronger learning environments. Math Scores are Improving One of the most promising indicators of recovery is student performance in mathematics

Why environment, family presence, and modern influences matter just as much as school A child’s success in school doesn’t just start in the classroom; it starts at home. Before tests, homework, or grades, a child’s environment affects how they learn, focus, and grow. Things like family support, a stable home, and even social media all play a big role in how well a child does in school. We interviewed Dr. Shalini Shah, a family medicine physician with a strong background in nu

The college application process is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the biggest decisions you will face starting college is choosing your major. A college major is a specialized area of study that you select and will account for almost a third of your college coursework. 1 These classes will help you learn knowledge and skills for a career or field you are interested in pursuing. 2 They will shape your academic experience and future career pa

It is crucial they have access to safe housing, nutritious food, clothing, and healthcare for students to be successful in the classroom. When families have stable support systems, students are able to focus, learn, and thrive in school. We have compiled a list of trusted Philadelphia-based organizations that provide assistance with housing, food, clothing, employment, and other essential needs. Whether you are a student, caregiver, educator, or community member, these resour

The pressure to excel academically often comes at the expense of a student’s quality of life and mental health. Students often have the false belief that sacrificing their health will lead to a better performance on their next assessment. However, research shows that repeated sacrifices can negatively impact success in the long run. 1 To ensure the best quality of life and highest chance of future accomplishments, you should strive for a balanced approach and focus on buildin

Picking a college is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your high school journey. All the hard work and dedication you’ve put in over the past four years of high school comes together in your college application, which is your chance to showcase who you are and find the school that fits you best. It’s an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming. Here are some key things to keep in mind to make the process a little less stressful! Understanding You

Keeping students engaged has always been a challenge—whether in the classroom or during independent study. With digital tools and interactive platforms now shaping how students learn, gamification—using game-like elements to motivate and reward—has proven to be a powerful strategy for both teachers and students. Gamification doesn’t mean turning every lesson into a video game. Instead, it utilizes elements such as points, badges, and levels to make progress visible and reward

Studying with friends, not only can be more fun, but can also be more helpful than studying alone, but only if you do it right. When done...

The school year is officially underway! It’s exciting to see friends again, break out new school supplies, and start fresh in your...

As a new school year begins, it is important to set yourself up for success by building strong study habits early on. Here are five...

What is the PSAT? The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a standardized exam that is given every year during the fall. The...

It is imperative that students learn to use AI tools as partners instead of replacements for learning. Artificial intelligence (AI)...

Summer break means kids get a well-earned break from the fast-paced school year filled with assignments and tests. It’s a chance to...

Do you find yourself getting easily distracted while studying? Is it difficult to put your phone down, or summon the motivation to begin...

Have you ever wondered why some people can read a textbook and the information sticks easily, while others need to write things out or...

Your body communicates through electrical signals. When you touch something hot, an impulse is generated from the tip of your finger all...

Math can be a dreaded subject for many students. Tutoring can play an important role in enhancing a student’s learning experience. RISE...

Reading is not just an enjoyable pastime, it is also a powerful tool for brain development, especially in children. Engaging with books...