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Below Average

#2530 of 2,842 schools in PA

Universal Alcorn Cs

Elementary School · Universal Alcorn CS

3200 Dickinson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146

Charter

Enrollment

422

Student-Teacher

20.1:1

Score

4.4

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Philadelphia

#260 of 300

public schools

Pennsylvania elementary schools

#1,457 of 1,625

About Universal Alcorn Cs

Universal Alcorn CS is a charter school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offering education from kindergarten through eighth grade. With an enrollment of 422 students and a student-teacher ratio of 20.1:1, the school aims to provide personalized attention within its diverse urban setting. The school has 21 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to support their students.

Academically, Universal Alcorn CS currently ranks in the 4th percentile among Pennsylvania schools with a MySchoolScout Rating of 2.7 out of 10 and an academic score of 2.5 out of 10. In ELA/Reading, 38% of students are proficient or above, while only 14% meet proficiency in math. These scores indicate areas where the school is focusing on student development and growth.

Despite these challenges, Universal Alcorn CS is situated in a bustling city environment that offers numerous opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. The neighborhood surrounding the school has its unique character and community, though specific details are not available. Overall, Universal Alcorn CS serves as an integral part of Philadelphia’s educational landscape.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Universal Alcorn Cs is 20.1:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Universal Alcorn Cs is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.7Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.52 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.2Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency13.1%
Reading/ELA Proficiency37.9%
Math vs. State Avg-38.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-17.9 pts
Overall Proficiency26%
Expected (poverty-adj.)33%
vs. Expected-7.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile23th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment1.4Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,067

Universal Alcorn Cs — Students at Universal Alcorn Cs score 26% 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

100.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 14.4%
School
State
40.7%
ELA Proficiency 37.6%
School
State
53.3%

Based on 18 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
25%
ELA
43%
2021*
Math
8%
ELA
33%
2024
Math
13.7%
ELA
37.4%

* 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: 5.7/10.

How Universal Alcorn Cs Compares

See how Universal Alcorn Cs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.4/10
11th percentile in PA
Academic
4.2/10
4.2/10
Growth
5.7/10
Above average
Environment
1.4/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
21 teachers

Location

3200 Dickinson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Universal Alcorn Cs may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy (rated 8.9/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Penn Alexander Sch (rated 8.7/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Powel Samuel Sch (rated 8.6/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Philadelphia, see our Philadelphia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Universal Audenried CS Philadelphia 0.1 mi 5.5
Preparatory CS of Mathematics Science Tech and Careers Philadelphia 0.7 mi 5.6
Universal Vare CS Philadelphia 0.9 mi 3.8
JUBILEE SCHOOL Philadelphia 1.1 mi 8.4
McDaniel Delaplaine Sch Philadelphia 0.9 mi 6.9
Comegys Benjamin B Sch Philadelphia 1.1 mi 6.6
THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL Philadelphia 1.2 mi 7.5
Gamp Philadelphia 1.2 mi 6.4
Penn Alexander Sch Philadelphia 1.4 mi 8.7
ST FRANCIS DE SALES SCHOOL Philadelphia 1.3 mi 6.1
Richard Allen Preparatory CS Philadelphia 1.2 mi 6.6
Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy Philadelphia 1.2 mi 8.9
PHILADELPHIA FREE SCHOOL Philadelphia 1.3 mi 5.3
Powel Samuel Sch Philadelphia 1.6 mi 8.6
Science Leadership Academy MS Philadelphia 1.6 mi 6.7
Robeson HS for Human Services Philadelphia 1.6 mi 5.5
Girard Stephen Sch Philadelphia 1.3 mi 7.9
THE ISLAMIC EDUCATION SCHOOL -TIES Philadelphia 1.6 mi 8.4
Childs George W Sch Philadelphia 1.3 mi 7.1
Mitchell El Sch Philadelphia 1.4 mi 6.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 19146 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$99,702

Median Home Value

$452,200

Median Rent

$1,708/mo

Population

40,845

College Educated

64.9%

Homeownership

52.5%

Avg Commute

28.6 min

Poverty Rate

13.5%

Median Age

33.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding Universal Alcorn Cs has a median household income of $99,702. It is a well-educated community where 65% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $452,200, with a median rent of $1,708/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.5%. The average commute for residents is 29 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Central El Sch Elizabeth, PA 4.4
Crossan Kennedy C Sch Philadelphia, PA 4.4
Edgewood El Sch Folsom, PA 4.4
George J Plava El Sch Mc Clellandtown, PA 4.4
Greencastle-Antrim Primary Sch Greencastle, PA 4.4
Lincoln El Sch Gettysburg, PA 4.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Universal Alcorn Cs

What grades does Universal Alcorn Cs serve?

Universal Alcorn Cs serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Universal Alcorn Cs?

Universal Alcorn Cs has an enrollment of approximately 422 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Universal Alcorn Cs?

The student-teacher ratio at Universal Alcorn Cs is 20.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Universal Alcorn Cs rank in PA?

Universal Alcorn Cs is ranked #2530 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is Universal Alcorn Cs's MySchoolScout rating?

Universal Alcorn Cs has a composite rating of 4.4 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Universal Alcorn Cs?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Universal Alcorn Cs has 14.4% math proficiency and 37.6% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Universal Alcorn Cs a charter school?

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

Is Universal Alcorn Cs a Title I school?

No, Universal Alcorn Cs is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Universal Alcorn Cs?

100.2% of students at Universal Alcorn 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

City Safety
High (5,504/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Philadelphia). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
422
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
21
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Philadelphia County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Universal Alcorn CS
District Enrollment
422
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,015
District Rank
#1 of 1

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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