Castor Gardens MS

Castor Gardens MS serves 1,269 students in grades 6 through 8 in Philadelphia's Northeast section, operating with a student-teacher ratio of 17.9:1 and 71 full-time equivalent teachers. This large middle school is working to strengthen its academic foundation, with current performance showing room for growth in both English Language Arts, where 31% of students demonstrate proficiency, and mathematics, where 17% meet grade-level standards. The school's size allows for diverse programming opportunities, though academic outcomes indicate the need for continued focus on student development and achievement.

With over 1,200 students, Castor Gardens MS represents one of the larger middle school communities in the district, providing educators with both opportunities and challenges in serving such a substantial student body. The school sits in the 19111 ZIP code area, a working-class neighborhood where the median household income reaches $57,853 and median home values average $226,100. About 25% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees, while the poverty rate stands at 15.6%.

This community of over 67,000 residents along Cottman Avenue reflects the diverse, urban character typical of Philadelphia's Northeast neighborhoods, where families seek educational opportunities within an established city setting.

While current test scores at Castor Gardens MS are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.