Best Elementary Schools
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We ranked the 248 elementary schools in Philadelphia with real test data. The top 25 scored between 7.5 and 9.1 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Pennsylvania education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Philadelphia for 2026 are Penn Alexander Sch (9.1/10), Greenfield Albert M Sch (9.1/10), and Mccall Gen George a Sch (8.9/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 248 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Philadelphia?
Every elementary school in Philadelphia is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Penn Alexander Sch
Philadelphia, PA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Greenfield Albert M Sch
Philadelphia, PA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Mccall Gen George a Sch
Philadelphia, PA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Philadelphia's elementary school landscape spans 192 ranked schools, giving families a wide range of options across the city's distinct neighborhoods. The average composite score sits at 6.2/10, but the top of the field pulls well above that mark — Dobson James School and Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy both earn 8.9/10, the highest ratings in the city at this level. Strong performers aren't limited to a handful of outliers. Thirty percent of ranked elementary schools — 57 in total — score 7 or higher, meaning families have a realistic shot at finding a high-quality school without landing at the very top of the list. Hackett Horatio B School, Penn Alexander School, and Fanny Jackson Coppin School round out the upper tier, each scoring 8.7 or better. Use the table below to sort by overall score, specific subject performance, or other factors that matter most to your family.
Penn Alexander Sch
Greenfield Albert M Sch
Mccall Gen George a Sch
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Philadelphia's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Pennsylvania so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 248 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Pennsylvania education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Pennsylvania. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Philadelphia
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Philadelphia's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Philadelphia
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Philadelphia's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Pennsylvania, with 269 schools spanning 83 school districts, plus 44 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Penn Alexander Sch is the top-rated elementary school in Philadelphia with a composite score of 9.1/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia has 269 elementary schools, including 44 charter schools. Of these, 250 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Philadelphia?
The average composite score for Philadelphia elementary schools is 5.1/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Pennsylvania).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Pennsylvania, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Pennsylvania, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Philadelphia elementary school rankings?
Yes. Philadelphia has 44 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.