Three Philadelphia Public Schools Rank Among PA’s Top 20
Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School grabbed Pennsylvania’s top spot, with two other Philadelphia public schools making it into the state’s top 20 list by Niche.
Central High landed in sixth place, while Science Leadership Academy came in at 19th. Masterman has held onto the number one spot since 1996.
“The School District of Philadelphia is producing college and career-ready students,” said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr, Ed.D. to PHL17.
Niche’s school rankings come from a mix of student and parent reviews, community feedback, and public records. They look at both academic results and the quality of teaching and student life.
Central High, started in 1836, is the second-oldest public high school still running in America. It plays a key role in Philadelphia’s school system, which teaches more than 200,000 students.
Science Leadership Academy, which opened in 2006, takes a hands-on approach to learning. Students work on real-world projects focusing on science, technology, and math.
These wins help push forward “Accelerate Philly,” a major plan launched in 2022. The five-year program aims to boost test scores, get more kids in class, and help more students graduate.
But these schools face big challenges. They deal with money problems and aging buildings, while still working to bounce back from the pandemic.
These three standout schools show that great education can happen even in Philadelphia’s complicated school system, which includes 216 schools.
Niche takes a close look at grades, teachers, student diversity, college prep, and activities after school to give schools fair ratings.
