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Needs Improvement

#2710 of 2,846 schools in PA

First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs

School · First Philadelphia Preparatory CS

4300 Tacony St, Philadelphia, PA 19124

Charter

Enrollment

1,818

Student-Teacher

17.5:1

Score

3.2

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,710 of 2,846

In Philadelphia

#259 of 300

public schools

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First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs

3.2/10

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

Stearne Allen M Sch

4.6/10

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

Harding Warren G MS

4.3/10

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

About First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs

First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs is a public school in Philadelphia, PA, part of First Philadelphia Preparatory CS. First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs serves approximately 1,818 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 17.5:1 student-teacher ratio. First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10 and ranks #2,710 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs show 23% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares3.1 pts below PA schools
  • This school 3.2 · Needs Improvement
  • PA avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

38% of students at First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs 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 Progress1.3Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-4.83 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics2.2Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency5.9% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency18.8% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-45.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-37 pts
Overall Proficiency12% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-21.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile6th
College Readiness6.2Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
AP Participation2.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.1Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,571
Chronic Absenteeism37.5%

First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs — Students at First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs score 12% 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 22.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
40.9% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 35.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
54.7% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 44 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
69%
ELA
69%
2010
Math
81%
ELA
70%
2011
Math
74%
ELA
70%
2012
Math
72%
ELA
68%
2013
Math
62%
ELA
61%
2014
Math
12%
ELA
37%
2015
Math
11%
ELA
35%
2016
Math
13%
ELA
38%
2017
Math
13%
ELA
37%
2018
Math
13%
ELA
35%
2019
Math
13%
ELA
35%
2020*
Math
5%
ELA
18%
2021*
Math
5%
ELA
18%
2022
Math
4.9%
ELA
18.7%
2024
Math
6.4%
ELA
21%

* 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: 1.3/10.

How First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs Compares

See how First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.2/10
5th percentile in PA
Academic
2.2/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
1.3/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.1/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.8
Sports
4
1 boys' · 3 girls'
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
104 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
37.5%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
2.8% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics4sports offered
1 boys'·3 girls'·4 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

4300 Tacony St, Philadelphia, PA 19124

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs may also want to explore other schools in the area. Mariana Bracetti Academy CS (rated 4.8/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Maritime Academy CS (rated 2.9/10, 0.8 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Philadelphia, see our Philadelphia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Stearne Allen M Sch Philadelphia 0.4 mi 4.6
Harding Warren G MS Philadelphia 0.5 mi 4.3
Marshall John Sch Philadelphia 0.6 mi 3.2
FRANKFORD FRIENDS SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.6 mi 8.3
Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School Philadelphia 0.9 mi 5.7
Mastery CS-Smedley Campus Philadelphia 0.9 mi 5.2
Mariana Bracetti Academy CS Philadelphia 0.7 mi 4.8
Maritime Academy CS Philadelphia 0.8 mi 2.9
Frankford HS Philadelphia 1.0 mi 3.7
Bridesburg Sch Philadelphia 0.9 mi 4.4
Franklin Towne CHS Philadelphia 0.8 mi 7.2
Sullivan James J Sch Philadelphia 0.9 mi 3.4
THE BRIDGE Philadelphia 1.0 mi
The Philadelphia CS for Arts and Sciences at HR Edmunds Philadelphia 1.3 mi 5.1
Northwood Academy CS Philadelphia 1.1 mi 2.2
ST LUCY DAY SCHOOL FOR CHLDRN W VISUAL IMPAIRMENT Philadelphia 1.1 mi 7.4
Hopkinson Francis Sch Philadelphia 1.2 mi 4.4
Ziegler William H Sch Philadelphia 1.6 mi 3.7
ST GEORGE INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC SCHOOL Philadelphia 1.5 mi 4.7
Deep Roots CS Philadelphia 1.3 mi 5.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 19124 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$46,100

Median Home Value

$155,000

Median Rent

$1,063/mo

Population

70,763

College Educated

15.2%

Homeownership

62.6%

Avg Commute

32.9 min

Poverty Rate

30.5%

Median Age

32.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
MaST Community CS II Philadelphia, PA 3.0
Mastery CS-Hardy Williams Philadelphia, PA 4.0
Esperanza Academy CS Philadelphia, PA 4.1
Esperanza Cyber CS Philadelphia, PA 4.1
Pennsylvania Distance Learning CS Sewickley, PA 4.1
MaST Community CS III Philadelphia, PA 4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs

What grades does First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs serve?

First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs?

First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs has an enrollment of approximately 1,818 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs?

The student-teacher ratio at First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs is 17.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs rank in PA?

First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs ranks #2,710 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs's MySchoolScout rating?

First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 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 First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs?

Based on loaded state assessment records, First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs has 23% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs a charter school?

Yes, First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs a Title I school?

No, First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs?

100.0% of students at First Philadelphia Preparatory Cs 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
71 Very Walkable
Transit Score
68 Good Transit
Bike Score
69 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
1,818
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
104
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Philadelphia County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
37.5%
4-Year Graduation
95%+

District

First Philadelphia Preparatory CS
District Enrollment
1,859
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,571
District Rank
#1 of 1

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