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Dear School District of Philadelphia Community,
I am pleased to share exciting news that reflects the continued progress taking place across the School District of Philadelphia. The latest U.S. News & World Report Best Schools rankings recognize four District high schools ranking among the top 3.9% of the 18,000 ranked high schools, including two in the national top 120. The District also saw six middle schools rank among Pennsylvania’s top 25 and four elementary schools rank among the state’s top 100, demonstrating the breadth of academic excellence across Philadelphia’s public schools.
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School is now ranked #3 nationally, rising from #8 last year and placing it among the top three high schools in the country. Central High School also made a significant gain, moving 89 places to #119 nationally. Academy at Palumbo High School, now ranked #413 nationally, and G.W. Carver High School of Engineering & Sciences, ranked #670 nationally, both moved from the nation’s top 1,000 schools into the top 700.
This recognition extends across grade levels. Four District high schools ranked among the top 30 of 675 high schools in Pennsylvania, six District middle schools ranked among the state’s top 25 of 2,660 middle schools, and four District elementary schools ranked among the top 100 of approximately 3,500 elementary schools statewide.
These rankings are a tremendous reflection of the hard work and dedication of our students, educators, school leaders, staff, and families. The continued growth of these schools demonstrates the incredible talent and commitment within our District. We are proud to see Masterman and Central make significant gains, and excited that Palumbo and Carver continue to rise among the nation’s highest-performing schools. Recognition across our elementary, middle, and high schools further demonstrates the strength of Philadelphia’s public schools across grade levels and neighborhoods.
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we will continue building on this progress with a laser focus on accelerating academic achievement and creating the conditions for every young person to imagine and realize any future they desire.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our students. Together, we will continue our work to become the fastest-improving large urban school district in the nation.
In partnership,
Tony B. Watlington Sr., Ed.D.
Superintendent
The School District of Philadelphia