Needs Improvement
#2743 of 2,846 schools in PA
Universal Institute Cs
School · Universal Institute CS
800 S 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Enrollment
563
Student-Teacher
17.6:1
Score
3.0
Grades
Kindergarten – 9th
Enrollment
563
Student-Teacher
17.6:1
Score
3.0
Grades
Kindergarten – 9th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#2,743 of 2,846
In Philadelphia
#268 of 300
public schools
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Universal Institute Cs
School in Philadelphia · grades Kindergarten – 9th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Creative and Performing Arts
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Stanton Edwin M Sch
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Universal Institute Cs
Universal Institute Cs is a public school in Philadelphia, PA, part of Universal Institute CS. Universal Institute Cs serves approximately 563 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-9th, and has a 17.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Universal Institute Cs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.0 out of 10 and ranks #2,743 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Universal Institute Cs show 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 3.0 · Needs Improvement
- PA avg 6.3
What Parents Should Know
Universal Institute 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.
55% of students at Universal Institute 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 metricsView breakdown
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Universal Institute Cs — Students at Universal Institute Cs score 28% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 42 test records from PA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 4.2/10.
How Universal Institute Cs Compares
See how Universal Institute Cs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
800 S 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Universal Institute Cs may also want to explore other schools in the area. Greenfield Albert M Sch (rated 9.1/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is McCall Gen George A Sch (rated 8.9/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy (rated 8.7/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Philadelphia, see our Philadelphia schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Creative and Performing Arts Philadelphia | 0.2 mi | 7.5 |
| Stanton Edwin M Sch Philadelphia | 0.2 mi | 4.6 |
| Independence CS Philadelphia | 0.3 mi | 6.0 |
| Academy at Palumbo Philadelphia | 0.3 mi | 8.3 |
| THE CITY SCHOOL Philadelphia | 0.4 mi | 7.7 |
| Christopher Columbus CS Philadelphia | 0.5 mi | 7.2 |
| Fanny Jackson Coppin Sch Philadelphia | 0.5 mi | 7.9 |
| Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy Philadelphia | 0.5 mi | 8.7 |
| Childs George W Sch Philadelphia | 0.7 mi | 3.6 |
| THE BRIDGE WAY SCHOOL Philadelphia | 0.7 mi | — |
| Freire CS Philadelphia | 0.9 mi | 3.8 |
| Nebinger George W Sch Philadelphia | 0.8 mi | 7.8 |
| PHILLY AGILE LEARNING COMMUNITY SCHOOL Philadelphia | 0.9 mi | — |
| Greenfield Albert M Sch Philadelphia | 1.0 mi | 9.1 |
| McCall Gen George A Sch Philadelphia | 0.8 mi | 8.9 |
| Russell Byers CS Philadelphia | 1.1 mi | 2.1 |
| THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL Philadelphia | 0.9 mi | 7.5 |
| Kirkbride Eliza B Sch Philadelphia | 1.0 mi | 6.6 |
| Philadelphia Electrical & Technology CHS Philadelphia | 1.1 mi | 3.7 |
| Southwark Sch Philadelphia | 1.1 mi | 5.5 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Propel CS-Braddock Hills Pittsburgh, PA | 3.5 |
| Propel CS-Homestead Pittsburgh, PA | 3.8 |
| The SD of Philadelphia Virtual Academy Philadelphia, PA | 4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Universal Institute Cs
What grades does Universal Institute Cs serve?
Universal Institute Cs serves students in grades Kindergarten through 9th.
How many students attend Universal Institute Cs?
Universal Institute Cs has an enrollment of approximately 563 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Universal Institute Cs?
The student-teacher ratio at Universal Institute Cs is 17.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Universal Institute Cs rank in PA?
Universal Institute Cs ranks #2,743 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Universal Institute Cs's MySchoolScout rating?
Universal Institute Cs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.0 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 Universal Institute Cs?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Universal Institute Cs has 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Universal Institute Cs a charter school?
Yes, Universal Institute Cs is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Universal Institute Cs a Title I school?
No, Universal Institute Cs is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Universal Institute Cs?
100.2% of students at Universal Institute 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.
Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 9th
- Enrollment
- 563
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 32
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Philadelphia County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 54.9%
- Phone
- (215) 732-7988
Resources & Links
District
Universal Institute CS- District Enrollment
- 563
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,685
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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