Exploring Philadelphia’s Top-Ranked High Schools: A Comprehensive Guide
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School is Philadelphia’s leading public high school. Located in the Spring Garden neighborhood, this magnet school educates students from grades 5 through 12. Known for its academically rigorous environment, Masterman regularly ranks at the top in state and national assessments. In 2024, it achieved a national ranking of 4th and was the top public high school in Pennsylvania. Admissions are highly selective, with approximately 3% of applicants accepted, emphasizing its competitive reputation. The school has an enrollment of 465 students, a 100% graduation rate, and a college readiness score of 96.5. Its high AP participation rate (99%) reflects strong engagement in advanced coursework. The student-teacher ratio is 22:1, allowing for personalized instruction and mentorship. Its focus on academic excellence makes it a premier choice for ambitious students.
Central High School
Central High School is one of the oldest public high schools in the U.S., founded in 1836. Situated centrally in Philadelphia, it serves grades 9 through 12 with an enrollment of 2,364 students. Central maintains an impressive 99% graduation rate. Its college readiness score is 58.8, indicating a robust college preparatory focus. The school promotes advanced academic opportunities, with an AP participation rate of 88%. The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 ensures effective classroom engagement. Central’s long-standing history and academic standards make it a significant educational institution within the city.
Carver High School of Engineering and Science
Carver High School of Engineering and Science specializes in STEM education, emphasizing engineering, science, and technology. Located in North Philadelphia, it enrolls 801 students in grades 9-12. The school has a 98% graduation rate. Its college readiness score is 39.9, suggesting room for growth but maintaining a focus on science disciplines. AP participation is at 62%, encouraging selected students to undertake advanced coursework. With a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, Carver offers a balanced learning environment tailored for STEM talent development.
Academy at Palumbo
Academy at Palumbo offers a broad academic curriculum, serving grades 9-12 with 1,179 students enrolled. The school reports a 96% graduation rate and a college readiness score of 43.4. Its AP participation rate (52%) indicates moderate intensity in college preparatory courses. The school’s student-teacher ratio is 18:1, supporting individual attention and active student engagement in diverse academic programs. Palumbo emphasizes both college preparedness and comprehensive education across disciplines.
Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP)
Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP) is a specialized high school focusing on instrumental music and arts education. Located in South Philadelphia, it educates 249 students from grades 9-12. GAMP boasts a 100% graduation rate and a college readiness score of 25.4, emphasizing arts alongside academics. Its AP participation rate is 80%, reflecting a strong commitment to advanced coursework. The student-teacher ratio is 18:1, fostering close mentorship and personalized instruction in both arts and academics.
Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)
CAPA is a magnet school based in South Philadelphia dedicated to arts education in areas like visual arts, music, dance, theater, media design, and creative writing. Serving grades 9-12 with 743 students, it maintains a 97% graduation rate. Its college readiness score is modest at 21.4, but the school emphasizes arts excellence and advanced coursework, with an AP participation rate of 69%. The student-teacher ratio of 19.6:1 supports a focused, arts-integrated academic environment, nurturing future artists and performers.
Science Leadership Academy
Science Leadership Academy integrates science, technology, engineering, and project-based learning. Located in Center City, it educates 500 students in grades 9-12. The academy reports a 97% graduation rate and a high college readiness score of 83, indicating strong preparation for college. Its AP participation rate is 69%, reflecting opportunities for rigorous coursework. The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 ensures tailored instruction, fostering innovation and hands-on learning approaches.
MAST Community Charter School
MAST Community Charter School is a charter institution in Northeast Philadelphia emphasizing science and technology. Servicing grades 9-12, it enrolls 483 students. The school boasts a 100% graduation rate and a college readiness score of 88, signifying excellent college preparation. AP participation stands at 52%. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, MAST provides personalized support conducive to academic achievement and critical thinking.
Radnor High School
Radnor High School is located in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania. Serving 1,126 students from grades 9-12, Radnor maintains a 97% graduation rate. Its college readiness score is 66.8, signaling solid preparation. The AP participation rate is 66%, with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Radnor offers a well-rounded academic program, balanced with extracurricular opportunities in a suburban setting.
Great Valley High School
Great Valley High School in Malvern caters to grades 9-12, with 1,403 students. It reports a 98% graduation rate and a college readiness score of 55.7. AP involvement is at 52%, supporting advanced coursework for many students. The student-teacher ratio is 15:1, fostering personalized instruction. The school integrates academic excellence with extracurricular and athletic programs, ensuring a comprehensive high school experience.
Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Cab Calloway School of the Arts located in Wilmington, Delaware, specializes in arts education for grades 9-12. Enrolling 483 students, it features a college readiness score of 72.5. Notably, the school has a 100% AP participation rate, emphasizing its dedication to advanced academic programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, it provides supportive training in arts alongside rigorous academics, producing well-rounded graduates in arts disciplines.
Harriton High School
Harriton High School is situated in Rosemont, Pennsylvania. Serving 1,261 students from grades 9-12, it maintains perfect graduation rates. The college readiness score of 59.5 indicates consistent college prep focus. Its AP participation rate is 66%, with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Harriton combines strong academic standards with diverse extracurricular activities, fostering comprehensive student development.
Conrad Schools of Science
Conrad Schools of Science is a Wilmington-based school emphasizing rigorous science education in grades 9-12. It enrolls 665 students, with a 66.8 college readiness score. AP participation is perfect at 100%, highlighting a commitment to advanced coursework. The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 enhances personalized academic support. The school prepares students for careers in science and technology fields through its focused curriculum.
Unionville High School
Unionville High School in Kennett Square educates 1,306 students in grades 9-12. Its graduation rate is 99%, and it has a college readiness score of 55.4. AP participation is moderate at 52%. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, it balances academic rigor with personalized support. The school emphasizes arts, academic excellence, and extracurricular commitments, shaping well-rounded graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked high schools in Philadelphia?
The highest-ranked high school in Philadelphia is Julia R. Masterman Secondary School, followed by Central High School. Other notable schools include Carver High School of Engineering and Science, and the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA).
Which Philadelphia high schools focus on arts education?
Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP), and Cab Calloway School of the Arts are notable for their specialized arts programs in visual arts, music, dance, and theater.
What schools emphasize STEM and science programs?
Carver High School of Engineering and Science, MAST Community Charter School, and Conrad Schools of Science are dedicated to STEM education, focusing on engineering, science, and technology.
How do these schools support college readiness?
Most schools provide advanced placement courses, with participation rates often exceeding 50%. Schools like Masterman and MAST maintain high college readiness scores, emphasizing rigorous coursework, personalized guidance, and college preparatory programs.
Key Features Comparison Chart
| School | Grades | Enrollment | Graduation Rate | College Readiness Score | AP Participation Rate | Student-Teacher Ratio | Special Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julia R. Masterman | 5-12 | 465 | 100% | 96.5 | 99% | 22:1 | Advanced Academics |
| Central High | 9-12 | 2,364 | 99% | 58.8 | 88% | 20:1 | Long History & College Prep |
| Carver STEM | 9-12 | 801 | 98% | 39.9 | 62% | 17:1 | STEM & Engineering |
| GAMP | 9-12 | 249 | 100% | 25.4 | 80% | 18:1 | Music & Arts |
| CAPA | 9-12 | 743 | 97% | 21.4 | 69% | 19.6:1 | Creative & Performing 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.
