Philadelphia County Schools & Education
Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
74.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
74.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 90.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,061
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,336
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
State avg 72/100
State School Rank
#67
of 67 counties (1 = best)
Explore Philadelphia County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
The Scale of Urban Public Education
Philadelphia County manages a massive infrastructure of 304 public schools serving over 180,000 students. The landscape includes 194 elementary, 18 middle, and 70 high schools, along with 22 specialized facilities. It is the most complex educational environment in the state, with 86 different district entities operating within its borders.
Navigating Challenges in Student Outcomes
The county faces significant hurdles, with a graduation rate of 74.8% and a school score of 47.8, both below state and national averages. Spending per pupil is $8,061, which is notably lower than the Pennsylvania average of $10,336 and the national median of $13,000. These metrics highlight the resource gaps present in this densely populated urban center.
Diversity of Choice and Large Campuses
The Philadelphia City School District is the primary provider, educating 114,779 students across 219 schools. Charter schools play a massive role here, accounting for 85 schools or 28% of the total public offering. Massive institutions like Northeast High School serve as many as 3,352 students on a single campus.
100% Urban Learning Experience
Every school in the county is classified as a city locale, offering students an immersive urban experience. The average school size is 595 students, but the range is vast, from small specialized academies to the 2,364 students at Central High. Students here have access to a wider variety of magnet and charter options than anywhere else in the state.
Urban Living Near Diverse School Options
In Philadelphia, the right home search often involves looking for specific neighborhood catchments or proximity to premier charter schools. With 85 charter options and various magnet programs, families have more educational choices than in any other Pennsylvania county. Researching local school performance is an essential step for any city homebuyer.
School Overview
Total Schools
304
in Philadelphia County
Total Enrollment
180,783
students
School Districts
86
districts
Charter Schools
85
28% of total
School Type Breakdown
86 School Districts in Philadelphia County
Philadelphia City SD
Philadelphia Performing Arts CS
First Philadelphia Preparatory CS
MaST Community CS II
Esperanza Academy CS
Mariana Bracetti Academy CS
New Foundations CS
MAST Community CS
Franklin Towne CHS
Mastery CS-Thomas Campus
304 Public Schools in Philadelphia County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast HS | Philadelphia City SD | 9–12 | High | 3,352 |
| Philadelphia Performing Arts CS | Philadelphia Performing Arts CS | KG–12 | Charter | 2,721 |
| Central HS | Philadelphia City SD | 9–12 | High | 2,364 |
| Lincoln HS | Philadelphia City SD | 9–12 | High | 2,207 |
| First Philadelphia Preparatory CS | First Philadelphia Preparatory CS | KG–12 | Charter | 1,822 |
| MaST Community CS II | MaST Community CS II | KG–12 | Charter | 1,777 |
| Northeast Community Propel Academy | Philadelphia City SD | KG–8 | Primary | 1,731 |
| Washington George HS | Philadelphia City SD | 9–12 | High | 1,707 |
| Mayfair Sch | Philadelphia City SD | KG–8 | Primary | 1,682 |
| Esperanza Academy CS | Esperanza Academy CS | KG–12 | Charter | 1,628 |
| Mariana Bracetti Academy CS | Mariana Bracetti Academy CS | KG–12 | Charter | 1,557 |
| New Foundations CS | New Foundations CS | KG–12 | Charter | 1,496 |
| MAST Community CS | MAST Community CS | KG–12 | Charter | 1,473 |
| Baldi C C A MS | Philadelphia City SD | 6–8 | Middle | 1,462 |
| Frank Anne Sch | Philadelphia City SD | PK–5 | Primary | 1,347 |
| Franklin Towne CHS | Franklin Towne CHS | 9–12 | Charter | 1,282 |
| Spruance Gilbert Sch | Philadelphia City SD | PK–8 | Primary | 1,275 |
| Castor Gardens MS | Philadelphia City SD | 6–8 | Middle | 1,260 |
| Mastery CS - Thomas Campus | Mastery CS-Thomas Campus | KG–12 | Charter | 1,258 |
| Solis-Cohen Solomon Sch | Philadelphia City SD | KG–5 | Primary | 1,250 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,061
State avg $10,336
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia County manages a massive infrastructure of 304 public schools serving over 180,000 students. The landscape includes 194 elementary, 18 middle, and 70 high schools, along with 22 specialized facilities. It is the most complex educational environment in the state, with 86 different district entities operating within its borders.
How do schools in Philadelphia County perform academically?
The county faces significant hurdles, with a graduation rate of 74.8% and a school score of 47.8, both below state and national averages. Spending per pupil is $8,061, which is notably lower than the Pennsylvania average of $10,336 and the national median of $13,000. These metrics highlight the resource gaps present in this densely populated urban center.
What are the major school districts in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania?
The Philadelphia City School District is the primary provider, educating 114,779 students across 219 schools. Charter schools play a massive role here, accounting for 85 schools or 28% of the total public offering. Massive institutions like Northeast High School serve as many as 3,352 students on a single campus.
What is the school experience like in Philadelphia County?
Every school in the county is classified as a city locale, offering students an immersive urban experience. The average school size is 595 students, but the range is vast, from small specialized academies to the 2,364 students at Central High. Students here have access to a wider variety of magnet and charter options than anywhere else in the state.
How can I find homes near good schools in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania?
In Philadelphia, the right home search often involves looking for specific neighborhood catchments or proximity to premier charter schools. With 85 charter options and various magnet programs, families have more educational choices than in any other Pennsylvania county. Researching local school performance is an essential step for any city homebuyer.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.