THE NEIGHBORHOOD ACADEMY IS AN INDEPENDENT COLLEGE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL ACCREDITED BY THE PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS. THE SCHOOL IS PRIVATELY FUNDED THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF COMMITTED INDIVIDUALS, CORPORATIONS, FOUNDATIONS AND FAITH COMMUNITIES. PARENTS CONTRIBUTE A SMALL MONTHLY TUITION FEE THAT IS BASED ON INCOME LEVEL. THIS TUITION REQUIREMENT INVOLVES FAMILIES AND ENCOURAGES THEM TO ASSIGN A VALUE TO EDUCATION. PARENTS ALSO SHARE THE COST OF THEIR CHILD'S EDUCATION BY PARTICIPATING IN MEAL TEAMS AND CARPOOLS. LOW-INCOME STUDENTS OFTEN ARRIVE AT SCHOOL BURDENED BY THE CONSEQUENCES OF POVERTY. ISSUES ARISING FROM UNSTRUCTURED HOME LIVES, CONCERNS ABOUT BASIC DAILY NEEDS, AND LACK OF ACCESS TO AN ENVIRONMENT (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O)