Summary:
The five schools in Philadelphia's 19116 zip code serve approximately 6,301 students across elementary, middle, and high school grades, offering a mix of traditional district schools and charter options in an area marked by high economic disadvantage.
Two schools stand out for opposite reasons. Mathematics Science & Technology Community Charter School is the top academic performer, exceeding state averages in math (50.1% vs. 41.7%) and English Language Arts (56% vs. 48.5%), with a perfect 100% graduation rate and 0% dropout rate. In contrast, Washington George High School is the most challenged, with Keystone Exam proficiency rates well below state averages, a 74.2% graduation rate, and a 2.2% dropout rate—double the state average. The two Philadelphia City School District elementary schools, Loesche William High School and Comly Watson School, are bright spots, achieving math proficiency rates (53.4% and 53.1%) that more than double the district average of 25%, despite serving populations with over 92% free/reduced lunch eligibility.
A key finding is the spending paradox between charter schools. Mathematics Science & Technology Community Charter School spends $23,639 per student and achieves top results, while Philadelphia Academy Charter School spends only $3,783 per student yet still posts a 98.9% graduation rate and test scores at or above state averages. Another notable trend is the "middle school dip" in math proficiency, with Mathematics Science & Technology Community Charter School seeing 3rd-grade math at 81.6% drop to 31.2% by 7th grade. Washington George High School emerges as a critical failure point, with the highest poverty rate, lowest test scores, and lowest graduation rate in the zip code, suggesting that challenges compound by high school despite strong elementary performance in the same district.
Thank you for your feedback!