West Philadelphia High School is a secondary school located in the West Philadelphia section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the intersection of 49th Street and Chestnut Street.
Serving 718 students in grades 9-12, West Philadelphia High 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 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)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 718 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 75-79% (Btm 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West Philadelphia High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
West Philadelphia High School's student population of 718 students has grown by 93% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
718 students
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Year Founded
1912
Colors
White, Blue, Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
West Philadelphia High 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 West Philadelphia High School is 0.19, 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
#2650 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
5%
Hispanic
4%
16%
Black
90%
14%
White
1%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
75-79%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
83%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Philadelphia City School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Philadelphia High School's ranking?
West Philadelphia High School is ranked #2650 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are West Philadelphia High School often compared to?
West Philadelphia High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sayre William L Middle School, Central High School, Parkway West by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of West Philadelphia High School?
The graduation rate of West Philadelphia High School is 75-79%, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 87%.
How many students attend West Philadelphia High School?
718 students attend West Philadelphia High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of West Philadelphia High School students are Black, 4% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Philadelphia High School?
West Philadelphia High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does West Philadelphia High School offer ?
West Philadelphia High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Philadelphia High School part of?
West Philadelphia High School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is West Philadelphia High School located?
West Philadelphia High School is located in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 8 other public schools located in University City.
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