Clock Tower Schools will reopen Glen Mills with additional oversight, says DHS

Kenny Cooper & Aubri Juhasz, WHYY News •

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has reached a settlement agreement with the Clock Tower Schools, clearing the way for the entity to operate at the site of the former Glen Mills Schools.

Located in Delaware County, the Glen Mills Schools was once the nation’s oldest all-boys reformatory school before an avalanche of abuse allegations spanning decades led to its closure in 2019.

The Clock Tower Schools, which includes eight individuals with ties to Glen Mills, has been trying to open on the grounds since July 2021. The two entities share a phone number, address, and attorney. The state Department of Human Services denied the Clock Tower Schools application for licensure in April 2022, which prompted the nonprofit to file an appeal.

Now, DHS has shifted its stance on the Clock Tower Schools’ attempt to revive Glen Mills.

About the Expert

Katy Otto joined Juvenile Law Center in 2016. With a background in communications, development and government relations, she is responsible for the organization’s overall messaging strategy and implementation. She is passionate about youth justice, and committed to ensuring that the public learns about the challenges facing youth in the child welfare and justice systems.