Exploring Philadelphia’s Top-Ranked High Schools: A Comprehensive Guide
Philadelphia is home to a diverse array of high schools, each with unique strengths and educational focuses. This guide highlights the city’s most academically distinguished institutions, providing insight into their rankings, performance metrics, and distinctive features. No matter whether you’re a parent, student, or educator, understanding these schools helps in making informed decisions about secondary education in Philadelphia.
Leading Public High Schools in Philadelphia
Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School
Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School stands out as the top public high school in Pennsylvania. Located in the Spring Garden neighborhood, it achieved an impressive national ranking of 8th in 2025. The school boasts a 100% graduation rate and a 99% college attendance rate. Its student-teacher ratio is 21:1, with educators averaging 13 years of experience. Academic proficiency is notably high: 98% in math, 99% in science, and 100% in language arts.
Central High School
Central High School, situated in North Philadelphia, ranks 6th statewide and 33rd nationally. The school maintains a 99% graduation rate and a 92% college attendance rate. With a student-teacher ratio of 20:1 and approximately 13 years of teacher experience, it demonstrates strong academic performance with 90% in math, 88% in science, and 98% in language arts.
Carver High School of Engineering and Science
This school, also located in North Philadelphia, claims the 3rd position in Pennsylvania and ranks 200th nationally. It has a 99% graduation rate and an 92% college attendance rate. The school’s student-teacher ratio is 16:1, with experienced faculty averaging 13 years. Despite lower proficiency in math at 48%, science stands at 66%, and language arts at 82%, the school emphasizes STEM and engineering disciplines effectively.
Specialized and Arts-Focused Schools
Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)
CAPA caters to students from grades 9 to 12, emphasizing arts alongside core academics. Located in Center City, it has a 96% graduation rate and a 95% college attendance rate. It offers a comprehensive curriculum including honors and AP courses, with a teacher-student ratio of 22:1. This school is renowned for its focus on creative arts, fostering talent in visual arts, music, dance, and theater.
Wissahickon High School
Recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, Wissahickon High School is situated in Lower Gwynedd Township. It reports a 97% graduation rate and an 71% college attendance rate. With a small student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and an average of 13 years of experience, Wissahickon excels academically. Proficiency levels are high: 88% in math, 80% in science, and 98% in language arts.
Distinctive District Schools with Strong Academic Performances
Lower Merion High School
Located in Ardmore, Lower Merion High School serves both township and borough communities. It reports a 97% graduation rate and a 71% college attendance rate. The school’s student-teacher ratio of 20:1 correlates with solid academic performance: 88% proficiency in math, 80% in science, and 98% in language arts. It combines rigorous academics with robust extracurricular offerings.
Bodine High School for International Affairs
Situated in Northern Liberties, Bodine High School emphasizes international relations and languages. It has a 91% graduation rate and an 84% college attendance rate. The school maintains a smaller student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and demonstrates strengths in languages and international studies, with proficiency levels of 53% in math, 63% in science, and 92% in language arts.
Additional Notable Schools
Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP)
Located in South Philadelphia, GAMP combines rigorous academics with music education. It reports a 100% graduation rate and an 84% college attendance rate. The school maintains an 18:1 student-teacher ratio with teachers averaging 13 years of experience. Its proficiency in science and language arts is notable: 80% and 85%, respectively, highlighting its comprehensive arts integration.
MAST Community Charter School
Situated in Northeast Philadelphia, MAST is a charter school with a 100% graduation rate and an 88% college attendance rate. Despite a lower proficiency in math at 52%, it excels in science (61%) and language arts (78%). The school’s smaller class sizes (14:1 ratio) foster focused learning environments.
Key Factors in Selecting a High School in Philadelphia
- Academic Performance: School proficiency levels across core subjects often reflect instructional quality.
- Graduation and College Attendance Rates: Indicators of student success and post-secondary preparedness.
- Specialized Programs: Arts, STEM, international studies—these offerings cater to diverse student interests.
- Class Sizes and Student-Teacher Ratios: Smaller ratios typically correlate with personalized instruction and support.
- Location and Community Environment: Schools are embedded within distinct neighborhoods, impacting community engagement.
FAQs about Philadelphia’s High Schools
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Philadelphia?
Leading public high schools include Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School, Central High School, Carver High School of Engineering and Science, Lower Merion High School, and Wissahickon High School.
Which schools excel in arts education?
The Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) and Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP) are renowned for their arts programs alongside academic rigor.
How do proficiency levels vary among Philadelphia high schools?
Proficiency levels differ; highest are seen in core subjects like language arts and science, often exceeding 80-85%. Math proficiency varies, with some schools scoring below 50%, particularly in STEM-focused schools emphasizing specialty areas.
What factors should be considered when choosing a school?
Consider academic performance, graduation rates, college attendance, specialized programs, class sizes, community environment, and extracurricular opportunities to select the best fit.
Key Features Comparison Chart
| School Name | Location | Rank in PA | National Rank | Graduation Rate | College Attendance | Student-Teacher Ratio | Core Subject Proficiency | Special Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julia R. Masterman | Spring Garden | 1st | 8th | 100% | 99% | 21:1 | Math 98%, Science 99%, Language Arts 100% | Academic Excellence |
| Central High School | North Philly | 6th | 33rd | 99% | 92% | 20:1 | Math 90%, Science 88%, Language Arts 98% | Historical Significance |
| GAMP | South Philadelphia | 5th | 200th | 100% | 84% | 18:1 | Science 80%, Language Arts 85% | Music & Arts |
| Wissahickon | Lower Gwynedd | 4th | Blue Ribbon | 97% | 71% | 12:1 | Math 88%, Science 80%, Language Arts 98% | Excellence & Community |
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA 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.
