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Below Average

#2406 of 2,846 schools in PA

West Philadelphia HS

High School · Philadelphia City SD

4901 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19139

Enrollment

593

Student-Teacher

12.1:1

Score

4.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,406 of 2,846

In Philadelphia

#177 of 300

public schools

In district

#130 of 218

Philadelphia City SD

Academic growth

9.6 / 10

Excellent

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West Philadelphia HS

4.3/10

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

The Workshop School

7.0/10

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

Kipp Philadelphia Octavius Catto Cs

4.2/10

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

About West Philadelphia HS

West Philadelphia HS is a public high school in Philadelphia, PA, part of Philadelphia City SD. West Philadelphia HS serves approximately 593 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 12.1:1 student-teacher ratio. West Philadelphia HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 out of 10 and ranks #2,406 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for West Philadelphia HS show 12% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 24% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.5 pts below district
  • This school 4.3 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.8
  • PA avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at West Philadelphia 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.

63% of students at West Philadelphia 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 Progress9.6Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.08 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics2.3Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency2% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency24.2% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-40 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-39.8 pts
Overall Proficiency13% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-20.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile6th
College Readiness2.5Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate67%
AP Participation6.9%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.8Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,897
Chronic Absenteeism63.1%

West Philadelphia HS — Students at West Philadelphia HS score 13% 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 11.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
42.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 23.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
64.0% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 26 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
2.5%
ELA
17%
2010
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2011
Math
10%
ELA
17%
2012
Math
12%
ELA
27%
2013
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2014
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2015
Math
17%
ELA
32%
2016
Math
17%
ELA
37%
2017
Math
17%
ELA
17%
2018
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2019
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2020*
Math
5%
2021*
Math
5%
2024
Math
2%
ELA
24.2%

* 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: 9.6/10.

How West Philadelphia HS Compares

See how West Philadelphia HS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.3/10
16th percentile in PA
Academic
2.3/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
9.6/10
Excellent
Environment
2.8/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2.8
Sports
12
6 boys' · 6 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
49 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
63.1%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
6.9% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics12sports offered
6 boys'·6 girls'·18 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 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

4901 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19139

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering West Philadelphia HS may also want to explore other high schools in the area. WEST CATHOLIC PREPARATORY H.S. (rated 7.6/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is The Workshop School (rated 7.0/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Robeson HS for Human Services (rated 6.4/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Philadelphia, see our Philadelphia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 0.9 mi
School Distance Rating
The Workshop School Philadelphia 0.2 mi 7.0
KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto CS Philadelphia 0.3 mi 4.2
Lea Henry C Sch Philadelphia 0.3 mi 7.1
BEULAH BAPTIST CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.3 mi 6.7
Parkway West Philadelphia 0.5 mi 4.6
Middle Years Alternative Philadelphia 0.5 mi 3.9
WEST CATHOLIC PREPARATORY H.S. Philadelphia 0.4 mi 7.6
Locke Alain Sch Philadelphia 0.5 mi 4.3
Global Leadership Academy CS Southwest at Huey Philadelphia 0.5 mi 5.7
Rhoads James Sch Philadelphia 0.6 mi 4.3
THE ISLAMIC EDUCATION SCHOOL -TIES Philadelphia 0.5 mi 8.4
Washington Martha Sch Philadelphia 0.7 mi 4.9
ST FRANCIS DE SALES SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.8 mi 6.1
Penn Alexander Sch Philadelphia 0.7 mi 9.1
Robeson HS for Human Services Philadelphia 0.7 mi 6.4
QUBA INSTITUTE OF ARABIC AND ISLAMIC STUDIES Philadelphia 0.9 mi 6.8
PEE WEE PREP Philadelphia 0.8 mi
PHILADELPHIA FREE SCHOOL Philadelphia 1.0 mi 5.3
Philadelphia Learning Academy - West Philadelphia 0.9 mi 3.2
JUBILEE SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.9 mi 8.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 19139 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$38,701

Median Home Value

$118,700

Median Rent

$1,110/mo

Population

44,619

College Educated

21.9%

Homeownership

39.4%

Avg Commute

33.1 min

Poverty Rate

28.9%

Median Age

33

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Mastery CHS-Lenfest Campus Philadelphia, PA 4.3
Port Allegany JSHS Port Allegany, PA 4.3
Penn Treaty Sch Philadelphia, PA 4.2
LANSDALE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Lansdale, PA 4.4
Boys' Latin of Philadelphia CS Philadelphia, PA 4.1
East Allegheny JSHS North Versailles, PA 4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about West Philadelphia HS

What grades does West Philadelphia HS serve?

West Philadelphia HS serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend West Philadelphia HS?

West Philadelphia HS has an enrollment of approximately 593 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at West Philadelphia HS?

The student-teacher ratio at West Philadelphia HS is 12.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does West Philadelphia HS rank in PA?

West Philadelphia HS ranks #2,406 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is West Philadelphia HS's MySchoolScout rating?

West Philadelphia HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 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 West Philadelphia HS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, West Philadelphia HS has 12% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 24% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is West Philadelphia HS a charter school?

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

Is West Philadelphia HS a Title I school?

No, West Philadelphia HS is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Philadelphia HS?

100.0% of students at West Philadelphia 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
80 Very Walkable
Transit Score
76 Excellent Transit
Bike Score
96 Biker’s Paradise

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
593
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
49
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Philadelphia County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
63.1%
4-Year Graduation
67.0%

District

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

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