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Below Average

#2521 of 2,846 schools in PA

Franklin Benjamin HS

High School · Philadelphia City SD

550 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Enrollment

543

Student-Teacher

13.6:1

Score

4.0

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,521 of 2,846

In Philadelphia

#206 of 300

public schools

In district

#153 of 218

Philadelphia City SD

Academic growth

9.1 / 10

Excellent

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Franklin Benjamin HS

4.0/10

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

Science Leadership Academy

8.8/10

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

Franklin Lc

5.4/10

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

About Franklin Benjamin HS

Franklin Benjamin HS is a public high school in Philadelphia, PA, part of Philadelphia City SD. Franklin Benjamin HS serves approximately 543 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 13.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Franklin Benjamin HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.0 out of 10 and ranks #2,521 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Franklin Benjamin HS show 12% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 21% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.8 pts below district
  • This school 4.0 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.8
  • PA avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at Franklin Benjamin HS 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.

53% of students at Franklin Benjamin HS 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 Progress9.1Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.62 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics2.1Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency4.8% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency17.6% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-37.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-46.4 pts
Overall Proficiency11% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-22.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile5th
College Readiness2.2Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate57%
AP Participation3.1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.9Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,897
Chronic Absenteeism52.5%

Franklin Benjamin HS — Students at Franklin Benjamin HS score 11% 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 11.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
42.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 20.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
64.0% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 28 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2010
Math
27%
ELA
22%
2011
Math
17%
ELA
17%
2012
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2013
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2014
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2015
Math
17%
ELA
22%
2016
Math
7.5%
ELA
17%
2017
Math
7.5%
ELA
17%
2018
Math
7.5%
ELA
22%
2019
Math
7.5%
ELA
22%
2020*
Math
7.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
7.5%
ELA
25%
2024
Math
4.8%
ELA
17.6%

* 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: 9.1/10.

How Franklin Benjamin HS Compares

See how Franklin Benjamin HS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.0/10
12th percentile in PA
Academic
2.1/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
9.1/10
Excellent
Environment
2.9/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
5
3 boys' · 2 girls'
Advanced STEM
2/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
40 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
52.5%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics5sports offered
3 boys'·2 girls'·5 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses2 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

550 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Franklin Benjamin HS may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Science Leadership Academy (rated 8.8/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Parkway Center City Middle College (rated 8.2/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Masterman Julia R Sec Sch (rated 8.0/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Philadelphia, see our Philadelphia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 0.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Science Leadership Academy Philadelphia 0.1 mi 8.8
Franklin LC Philadelphia 0.1 mi 5.4
Math Civics and Sciences CS Philadelphia 0.2 mi 3.8
Parkway Center City Middle College Philadelphia 0.1 mi 8.2
The SD of Philadelphia Virtual Academy Philadelphia 0.2 mi 4.2
Masterman Julia R Sec Sch Philadelphia 0.2 mi 8.0
People for People CS Philadelphia 0.3 mi 2.1
OUR HOUSE MONTESSORI Philadelphia 0.3 mi
Waring Laura W Sch Philadelphia 0.3 mi 4.5
Spring Garden Sch Philadelphia 0.3 mi 3.2
Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures CS Philadelphia 0.5 mi 7.8
Philadelphia Electrical & Technology CHS Philadelphia 0.6 mi 3.7
ST JOSEPH'S PREPARATORY SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.6 mi 5.1
ST JOSEPH'S PREPARATORY SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.6 mi 5.2
YouthBuild Phila CS Philadelphia 0.7 mi 4.5
GESU SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.7 mi 5.8
Russell Byers CS Philadelphia 0.7 mi 2.1
Bache-Martin Sch Philadelphia 0.7 mi 7.5
GIRARD COLLEGE Philadelphia 0.8 mi 8.1
CLEMENTINE MONTESSORI Philadelphia 0.8 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 19130 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$110,436

Median Home Value

$483,500

Median Rent

$1,836/mo

Population

30,424

College Educated

78.5%

Homeownership

38.7%

Avg Commute

30.1 min

Poverty Rate

9.2%

Median Age

33.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Roxborough HS Philadelphia, PA 4.0
South Williamsport Area JSHS South Williamsport, PA 4.1
Southern Huntingdon Co HS/MS Three Springs, PA 4.1
Washington HS Washington, PA 4.1
King Martin Luther HS Philadelphia, PA 3.9
Minersville Area JSHS Minersville, PA 3.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Franklin Benjamin HS

What grades does Franklin Benjamin HS serve?

Franklin Benjamin HS serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Franklin Benjamin HS?

Franklin Benjamin HS has an enrollment of approximately 543 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Franklin Benjamin HS?

The student-teacher ratio at Franklin Benjamin HS is 13.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Franklin Benjamin HS rank in PA?

Franklin Benjamin HS ranks #2,521 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Franklin Benjamin HS's MySchoolScout rating?

Franklin Benjamin HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.0 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 Franklin Benjamin HS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Franklin Benjamin HS has 12% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 21% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Franklin Benjamin HS a charter school?

No, Franklin Benjamin HS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Franklin Benjamin HS a Title I school?

No, Franklin Benjamin HS is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Franklin Benjamin HS?

100.0% of students at Franklin Benjamin HS 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
95 Walker's Paradise
Transit Score
86 Excellent Transit
Bike Score
90 Biker’s Paradise

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
543
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
40
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Philadelphia County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
52.5%
4-Year Graduation
57.0%

District

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

How we rate schools

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