Serving 461 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Laboratory Charter School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 3% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 23% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 461 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 3% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Laboratory Charter School's student population of 461 students has declined by 32% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has declined by 51% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
461 students
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
School Rankings
Laboratory Charter School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Laboratory Charter School is 0.13, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2628 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
3%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
5%
16%
Black
93%
14%
White
1%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
15%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Laboratory Charter School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Laboratory Charter School's ranking?
Laboratory Charter School is ranked #2628 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
3% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 23% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Laboratory Charter School?
461 students attend Laboratory Charter School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Laboratory Charter School students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Laboratory Charter School?
Laboratory Charter School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Laboratory Charter School offer ?
Laboratory Charter School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Laboratory Charter School part of?
Laboratory Charter School is part of Laboratory Charter School District.
In what neighborhood is Laboratory Charter School located?
Laboratory Charter School is located in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 8 other public schools located in University City.
School Reviews
4 10/10/2025
My 5 year old daughter with ADHD, ODD and slight emotional and sensory issues started kindergarden this year 2018-19. Honestly when my child first stated the school I didn`t know what to think. I have read a lot of reviews both good and bad. The Lab School definitely needs help with their special education department. There is no structure. But overall I have seen nothing excitement in my daughters face when she goes and come home. She is learning Spanish at 5 years old. She is really good. They do science experiment and a lot of other things with the kids. What ever curriculum they are using it is A1. I am really impressed with The Lab School. It is like a private school for free.
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