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Below Average

#2301 of 2,846 schools in PA

Universal Vare Cs

Middle School · Universal Vare CS

2100 South 24th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145

Charter

Enrollment

150

Student-Teacher

25:1

Score

4.5

Grades

5th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,301 of 2,846

In Philadelphia

#155 of 300

public schools

Academic growth

8.2 / 10

Excellent

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Universal Vare Cs

4.5/10

Middle School in Philadelphia · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Preparatory Cs of Mathematics Science Tech and Careers

5.1/10

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

Gamp

7.5/10

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

About Universal Vare Cs

Universal Vare Cs is a public middle school in Philadelphia, PA, part of Universal Vare CS. Universal Vare Cs serves approximately 150 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 25:1 student-teacher ratio. Universal Vare Cs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10 and ranks #2,301 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Universal Vare Cs show 11% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2024) and 26% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2024).

How it compares0.9 pts below PA schools
  • This school 4.5 · Below Average
  • PA avg 5.4

What Parents Should Know

At 150 students, Universal Vare Cs is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Test scores at Universal Vare Cs 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.

Universal Vare Cs runs 25:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress8.2Excellent40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-1.3 pts/yr
Data Period2011–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics2.3Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency2.3% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency25.6% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-40.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-26.8 pts
Overall Proficiency14% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)35% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-21.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile6th
Resources & Environment1.7Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio25:1
Per-Pupil Spending$24,687
Chronic Absenteeism22.7%

Universal Vare Cs — Students at Universal Vare Cs score 14% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

95.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 11.0% (multi-year average, 2011-2024)
School
State
37.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 26.0% (multi-year average, 2011-2024)
School
State
53.2% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 34 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2011
Math
31%
ELA
32%
2012
Math
36%
ELA
33%
2013
Math
27%
ELA
33%
2014
Math
12%
ELA
23%
2015
Math
9%
ELA
25%
2016
Math
11%
ELA
21%
2017
Math
9%
ELA
27%
2018
Math
11%
ELA
24%
2019
Math
11%
ELA
24%
2020*
Math
7.5%
ELA
27%
2021*
Math
7.5%
ELA
27%
2022
Math
5.9%
ELA
33.1%
2024
Math
1.8%
ELA
22.7%

* 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: 8.2/10.

How Universal Vare Cs Compares

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

Overall Score
4.5/10
19th percentile in PA
Academic
2.3/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
8.2/10
Excellent
Environment
1.7/10
Needs Improvement

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
95%
Teaching Staff
25:1 student-teacher ratio
6 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
22.7%

Location

2100 South 24th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Universal Vare Cs may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy (rated 8.7/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Jenks Abram Sch (rated 8.5/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, BETHEL BAPTIST ACADEMY (rated 8.3/10, 0.9 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
Preparatory CS of Mathematics Science Tech and Careers Philadelphia 0.2 mi 5.1
Gamp Philadelphia 0.3 mi 7.5
McDaniel Delaplaine Sch Philadelphia 0.3 mi 2.7
Girard Stephen Sch Philadelphia 0.5 mi 5.5
Childs George W Sch Philadelphia 0.8 mi 3.6
Bregy F Amedee Sch Philadelphia 0.9 mi 6.0
Universal Audenried CS Philadelphia 0.9 mi 5.6
Universal Alcorn CS Philadelphia 0.9 mi 6.6
BETHEL BAPTIST ACADEMY Philadelphia 0.9 mi 8.3
Philadelphia Performing Arts CS Philadelphia 0.9 mi 5.7
South Philadelphia HS Philadelphia 0.9 mi 4.6
Jenks Abram Sch Philadelphia 1.0 mi 8.5
Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy Philadelphia 1.2 mi 8.7
Stanton Edwin M Sch Philadelphia 1.3 mi 4.6
THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL Philadelphia 1.5 mi 7.5
Christopher Columbus CS Philadelphia 1.2 mi 7.2
Universal Institute CS Philadelphia 1.4 mi 3.0
Fanny Jackson Coppin Sch Philadelphia 1.3 mi 7.9
Creative and Performing Arts Philadelphia 1.4 mi 7.5
Fell D Newlin Sch Philadelphia 1.4 mi 5.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 19145 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$70,374

Median Home Value

$290,100

Median Rent

$1,343/mo

Population

42,955

College Educated

36.1%

Homeownership

59%

Avg Commute

29.2 min

Poverty Rate

16.7%

Median Age

38.6

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Pittsburgh Allegheny 6-8 Pittsburgh, PA 4.5
Bucktail Area MS Renovo, PA 4.4
California Area MS Coal Center, PA 4.4
Clemente Roberto MS Philadelphia, PA 4.4
Columbia MS Hill Campus Columbia, PA 4.4
Claysburg-Kimmel Jr HS Claysburg, PA 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Universal Vare Cs

What grades does Universal Vare Cs serve?

Universal Vare Cs serves students in grades 5th through 8th.

How many students attend Universal Vare Cs?

Universal Vare Cs has an enrollment of approximately 150 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Universal Vare Cs is 25:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Universal Vare Cs rank in PA?

Universal Vare Cs ranks #2,301 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Universal Vare Cs's MySchoolScout rating?

Universal Vare Cs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 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 Vare Cs?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Universal Vare Cs has 11% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2024) and 26% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2011-2024).

Is Universal Vare Cs a charter school?

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

Is Universal Vare Cs a Title I school?

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

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

95.3% of students at Universal Vare 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
86 Very Walkable
Transit Score
64 Good Transit
Bike Score
80 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
150
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
Teachers (FTE)
6
Free/Reduced Lunch
95.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Philadelphia County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
22.7%

District

Universal Vare CS
District Enrollment
150
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$24,687
District Rank
#1 of 1

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