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#2081 of 2,846 schools in PA

Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School

High School · Philadelphia City SD

2150 West Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132

Enrollment

769

Student-Teacher

14.5:1

Score

5.1

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,081 of 2,846

In Philadelphia

#120 of 300

public schools

In district

#86 of 218

Philadelphia City SD

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Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School

5.1/10

High School in Philadelphia · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Peirce Thomas M Sch

4.1/10

0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Kipp Philadelphia Cs

3.3/10

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School

Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School is a public high school in Philadelphia, PA, part of Philadelphia City SD. Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School serves approximately 769 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 14.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10 and ranks #2,081 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School show 12% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 26% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.7 pts below district
  • This school 5.1 · Average
  • District avg 5.8
  • PA avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

80% of students at Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.3Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.11 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics1.7Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency0.6% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency15.3% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-41.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-48.7 pts
Overall Proficiency8% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-25.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile3th
College Readiness9.5Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate87%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,897
Chronic Absenteeism80.2%

Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School — Students at Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School score 8% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 12.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
42.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 26.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
64.0% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 26 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2010
Math
32%
ELA
37%
2011
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2012
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2013
Math
17%
ELA
37%
2014
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2015
Math
12%
ELA
27%
2016
Math
2.5%
ELA
12%
2017
Math
7.5%
ELA
22%
2018
Math
2.5%
ELA
17%
2019
Math
2.5%
ELA
17%
2020*
Math
2.5%
2021*
Math
2.5%
2024
Math
0.6%
ELA
15.3%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.3/10.

How Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School Compares

See how Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.1/10
27th percentile in PA
Academic
1.7/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
6.3/10
Average
Environment
1.5/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
7
3 boys' · 4 girls'
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
53 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
80.2%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics7sports offered
3 boys'·4 girls'·7 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses3 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2150 West Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. HS of Engineering & Science (rated 8.0/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is TECH Freire CS (rated 7.5/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, MERCY CAREER & TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Philadelphia, see our Philadelphia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Peirce Thomas M Sch Philadelphia 0.3 mi 4.1
KIPP Philadelphia CS Philadelphia 0.5 mi 3.3
KIPP North Philadelphia CS Philadelphia 0.5 mi 5.2
Dick William Sch Philadelphia 0.7 mi 2.9
Frederick Douglass Mastery CS Philadelphia 0.7 mi 4.6
CRISTO REY PHILADELPHIA HIGH SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.7 mi 6.3
Wright Richard R Sch Philadelphia 0.7 mi 4.9
THANKFUL LEARNING CENTER, INC. Philadelphia 0.7 mi 5.9
Duckrey Tanner Sch Philadelphia 0.8 mi 4.5
HS of Engineering & Science Philadelphia 0.8 mi 8.0
Rhodes E Washington Sch Philadelphia 0.8 mi 5.4
TECH Freire CS Philadelphia 0.8 mi 7.5
MERCY CAREER & TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.9 mi 7.2
Philadelphia Military Academy at Elverson Philadelphia 0.9 mi 3.4
Alliance for Progress CS Philadelphia 1.1 mi 2.6
Mastery CS-Clymer Elementary Philadelphia 0.9 mi 3.7
Kenderton El Sch Philadelphia 1.0 mi 5.7
Meade Gen George C Sch Philadelphia 1.2 mi 4.1
Allen Dr Ethel Sch Philadelphia 0.9 mi 4.6
Gideon Edward Sch Philadelphia 1.0 mi 4.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 19132 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$30,974

Median Home Value

$73,000

Median Rent

$1,055/mo

Population

31,627

College Educated

13%

Homeownership

51.5%

Avg Commute

35.2 min

Poverty Rate

33.1%

Median Age

38.8

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
New Castle SHS New Castle, PA 5.1
Preparatory CS of Mathematics Science Tech and Careers Philadelphia, PA 5.1
ST JOSEPH'S PREPARATORY SCHOOL Philadelphia, PA 5.1
Susquehanna Twp HS Harrisburg, PA 5.1
Mastery CS-Gratz Campus Phialdelphia, PA 5.0
Iroquois JSHS Erie, PA 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School

What grades does Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School serve?

Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School?

Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School has an enrollment of approximately 769 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School is 14.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School rank in PA?

Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School ranks #2,081 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School has 12% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 26% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School a charter school?

No, Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School a Title I school?

No, Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School?

100.0% of students at Dobbins Area Vocational-technical High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
76 Very Walkable
Transit Score
70 Excellent Transit
Bike Score
60 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
769
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
53
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
vocational
Setting
Large City
County
Philadelphia County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
80.2%
4-Year Graduation
87.0%

District

Philadelphia City SD
District Enrollment
117,907
Schools in District
220
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,897
District Rank
#86 of 218

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