Excitement, disappointment at West Philadelphia school lottery

WEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- More than 1,300 kids applied, but there was only room for 81.

Global Leadership Academy in West Philadelphia held their annual lottery Tuesday night. Some parents left overjoyed, many more left disappointed.

Xuri'lyn Feliciano is one of the newest members of the charter school.

"This is the fourth school, well it's the first try for this school," said Tiana Peartree, who adds her child didn't get into the others she applied to.

The charter school attributes its explosive enrollment to a forward-thinking teaching method.

"People want to have their child here because it's a different kind of education, that's one thing. The other thing is people are dissatisfied with what they're getting in terms of District of Philadelphia and public education, and the fact that they have to go to their neighborhood school, and that they don't have the choice to pick a better school around the city," said Global Leadership Academy CEO Dr. Naomi Johnson-Booker.

"I'm excited, I'm very excited. I wanted him in here with my daughter," said Tylanda Williams of West Philadelphia.

"I was a little shaky when I saw everybody not getting in, so I'm glad," said Tricey Womack of West Philadelphia.

Others were no stranger to the disappointment.

"I tried last year, too, and she didn't get in either," said Brandie Carter of West Philadelphia.

"I'm not sad, but I know she's going to go to school, so I know she will get into a good school," said Verinne Washington of West Philadelphia

We're told the first 10 students on the waitlist typically have a better chance of getting in sometime during the school year.

But the lesson here for parents is don't give up.

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