Exploring Philadelphia’s Top-Ranked High Schools: A Comprehensive Guide
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School exemplifies academic excellence within Philadelphia. Situated in the Spring Garden neighborhood, it offers a rigorous magnet program for students from grades 5 through 12. With an enrollment nearing 1,200 and a student-teacher ratio of approximately 22:1, the school fosters a highly competitive academic environment. Its motto, “Dare to be excellent,” underscores its pursuit of educational distinction.
Consistently ranked among the top high schools nationally, Masterman achieved the 4th spot in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report list and moved to 8th place in 2025. Selective admissions—acceptance rates around 3%—ensure a student body of high academic achievers, emphasizing standards that propel its reputation.
Central High School
Central High School, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being one of Philadelphia’s oldest public high schools. Located in North Philadelphia, it educates over 2,300 students. Its curriculum is comprehensive, emphasizing college preparedness and diverse academic offerings.
The school reports a graduation rate of 99%, with a college readiness score of approximately 59. It emphasizes college admission success and college-level coursework, making it a flagship institution for rigorous public education in the city.
Carver High School of Engineering and Science
Carver High School of Engineering and Science specializes in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It serves students in North Philadelphia, preparing them for careers in technical fields. The school boasts a graduation rate of 98% and a college readiness score nearing 92%, indicating its success in fostering STEM competencies.
Its curriculum features project-based learning, partnerships with local industries, and advanced coursework such as AP Computer Science and Engineering Design. Such features elevate its profile among science and tech-focused high schools nationwide.
Science Leadership Academy
Science Leadership Academy (SLA) is a magnet school positioned in Center City Philadelphia. The school prioritizes inquiry-driven, project-based learning around science and technology themes. With a student population of roughly 500 and a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, SLA offers a personalized academic experience.
SLA’s graduation rate reaches 97%, and its college readiness score stands at about 83%. The school’s focus on critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration equips students for higher education and careers in STEM fields.
Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)
CAPA is a specialized magnet school in South Philadelphia dedicated to nurturing students in arts disciplines. Enrolling approximately 743 students, it offers programs in creative writing, visual arts, theater, dance, instrumental and vocal music, and media production. The school’s student-teacher ratio is roughly 20:1.
Founded in 1978, CAPA has produced notable alumni such as Boyz II Men and Questlove. Its rigorous arts program combines academic coursework with intensive arts training, preparing students for professional opportunities or further specialized study.
Conestoga High School
Conestoga High School, located in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, is part of the Tredyffrin-Easttown School District. It serves around 2,350 students with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. The school emphasizes college readiness and academic achievement.
With a graduation rate of 99%, Conestoga maintains high standards and offers advanced placement courses, extracurricular opportunities, and themed academies. Its comprehensive curriculum prepares students well for college and beyond.
Radnor High School
Radnor High School in Radnor, Pennsylvania, enrolls over 1,100 students. The school reports a graduation rate of 97% and possesses a college readiness score of 67%. Its emphasis on academic excellence and holistic student development contributes to its reputation.
Radnor High School offers a diverse array of AP courses, arts, athletic programs, and leadership initiatives designed to foster college preparation and life skills.
MAST Community Charter School
MAST Community Charter School is located in Northeast Philadelphia with an enrollment of 483 students and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. The school’s core focus is on science and technology, with an integrated curriculum aimed at fostering innovation and problem-solving skills.
It boasts a 100% graduation rate and an impressive college readiness score of 88%, reflecting its success at preparing students for college and professional pathways in STEM fields.
Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP)
GAMP is a South Philadelphia magnet school with approximately 235 students. Specializing in music and the arts, GAMP maintains a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. With a 100% graduation rate and college readiness score of 84%, it combines arts training with robust academic standards.
Alumni have gone on to notable careers in music and entertainment, illustrating the program’s influence and quality. GAMP integrates arts education into its core curriculum, emphasizing performance, composition, and music theory.
Additional Notable High Schools in the Region
Further high schools recognized for excellence include:
- Downingtown STEM Academy: Achieved national recognition, ranked 22nd in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report. It offers rigorous STEM courses and college prep programs.
- Harriton High School: Located in the Philadelphia suburbs, ranked 10th regionally, with comprehensive AP offerings and extracurricular opportunities.
- Conrad Schools of Science: Based in Wilmington, Delaware, ranked 11th, emphasizing science, technology, and college readiness.
- Unionville High School: Located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and ranked 12th regionally, offering diverse academic and arts programs.
These schools exemplify high standards, a variety of specialized programs, and successful student outcomes aligned with local educational priorities.
Key Features Comparison of Top-Ranked Philadelphia High Schools
| School | Location | Enrollment | Student-Teacher Ratio | Graduation Rate | College Readiness Score | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masterman | Spring Garden | ~1,200 | 21.84:1 | High (ranking in top 10 nationally) | High (top 10 nationally) | Academic/Advanced Studies |
| Central High | North Philadelphia | >2,300 | Unknown | 99% | ~59 | General Public |
| Carver | North Philadelphia | Unknown | Unknown | 98% | 92% | STEM |
| SLA | Center City | ~500 | 18:1 | 97% | 83% | Science & Technology |
| CAPA | South Philadelphia | ~743 | 19.60:1 | 100% | 84% | Arts & Performing Arts |
| Conestoga | Berwyn | ~2,347 | 16:1 | 99% | ~59 | General & Advanced Studies |
| Radnor | Radnor | ~1,100 | Unknown | 97% | 67% | General & College Prep |
| MAST | Northeast Philly | 483 | 14:1 | 100% | 88% | STEM & Technology |
| GAMP | South Philadelphia | 235 | 18:1 | 100% | 84% | Music & Arts |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most highly ranked high school in Philadelphia?
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School holds the top position nationally among Philadelphia high schools, with consistent high rankings due to its rigorous academic programs and selective admissions process.
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School holds the top position nationally among Philadelphia high schools, with consistent high rankings due to its rigorous academic programs and selective admissions process.
Which Philadelphia high schools are specialized in arts or STEM?
Philadelphia hosts several specialized high schools, including the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) for arts, and Carver High School and MAST Community Charter School for STEM education.
Philadelphia hosts several specialized high schools, including the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) for arts, and Carver High School and MAST Community Charter School for STEM education.
How do admissions differ among top-ranked Philly high schools?
Admission to schools like Masterman and other magnet schools is highly selective, with acceptance rates around 3%. Some schools prioritize academic achievement, auditions, or standardized testing, depending on their focus.
Admission to schools like Masterman and other magnet schools is highly selective, with acceptance rates around 3%. Some schools prioritize academic achievement, auditions, or standardized testing, depending on their focus.
What are the key performance indicators for these high schools?
Key indicators include graduation rates, college readiness scores, student-teacher ratios, extracurricular offerings, and success of alumni. These metrics help evaluate overall academic quality and student preparedness.
Key indicators include graduation rates, college readiness scores, student-teacher ratios, extracurricular offerings, and success of alumni. These metrics help evaluate overall academic quality and student preparedness.
Overview of Top-Ranked High Schools in Philadelphia
| School | Location | Enrollment | Graduation Rate | College Readiness Score | Special Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masterman | Spring Garden | ~1,200 | High (top 10 nationwide) | High | Academic & Advanced Studies |
| Central | North Philadelphia | >2,300 | 99% | ~59 | General Public |
| Carver | North Philadelphia | Unknown | 98% | 92% | STEM |
| SLA | Center City | ~500 | 97% | 83% | Science & Tech |
| CAPA | South Philadelphia | ~743 | 100% | 84% | Arts & Performing Arts |
| Conestoga | Berwyn | ~2,350 | 99% | ~59 | General & College Prep |
| Radnor | Radnor | ~1,100 | 97% | 67% | College Prep |
| MAST | Northeast Philadelphia | 483 | 100% | 88% | STEM & Tech |
| GAMP | South Philadelphia | 235 | 100% | 84% | Music & Arts |
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
