Neubauer Fellows Community

Michael Lowe

Deputy Chief of Accountability
School District of Philadelphia
2017 Neubauer Fellow
Sector
District
Education
M.S. Education, Administrative Certification, University of Pennsylvania
B.S. Accounting, Philadelphia University
“I was influenced by many principals throughout my school and education career that showed me the way. I became a Neubauer Fellow to learn from other great principals how to lead for children and improve results.”

In 2025, Michael Lowe was named the Deputy Chief of Accountability for the School District of Philadelphia. Prior to this, Michael served as principal of Cook-Wissahickon School since 2015.

Under Michael’s leadership, the school increased its 2019 School Progress Report (SPR) Overall score to 52, an increase of 23 points. Cook-Wissahickon leveraged a 20-year-old partnership with Progressive Business Publications to offer daily, low-cost, school care
services for students and families. Michael also built several partnerships to bring new programs into the school, focused on technology, arts, and health. These programs have led to increased
enrollment, an improved climate, and strong attendance. The school also implemented a talent development program that has increased the number of 8th graders applying and being accepted to special admissions high schools.

Michael has been an educator since 2003, serving as director of early literacy and teacher prior to his work as principal. In 2022, he earned a Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals. Michael grew up in Philadelphia and attended Northeast High School.

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