Our goal was to identify zip codes which, in recent years, have been underrepresented at Academy at Palumbo, Central, Engineering and Science, and Masterman. To do this, we looked at 9th grade enrollment for the last four years (2017-18 through 20020-21) and compared enrollment at these four schools with enrollment at all other District high schools. Each year, about 12% of 9th graders from across the city were enrolled in one of the four high schools – but that percentage varied greatly by students’ home zip codes. The specific zip codes with the lowest enrollment rates have not been equitably represented at these four schools, and are being prioritized.

• It is IMPORTANT to know if you are either a District or a Non-District Student because the application process is a little different (see below).
• Research your options for schools.  There are three types of School District of Philadelphia Schools:
  • Criteria Based Schools (academic criteria based)
  • City Wide Admission Schools (lottery based on space)
  • Catchment Schools (lottery based on space)
• Once you find the schools you like, make sure you have what you need to apply to the schools of your choice.
• Know that if a student does not receive an approval through this process, they will be assigned to their catchment school, according to the home address, unless a seat in a Non-District School is obtained.  There are some exceptions:
  • If a student currently goes to a District a school that is NOT their catchment school, the student has the right to follow the feeder pattern.
  • If a student has specific learning needs that their catchment school cannot provide, an alternative school will be assigned.
• Know your options.

• Figure out which schools you would like your student/child to apply to.  MAKE THESE CHOICES CAREFULLY!
  • Does your student/child fit the school? Are his or her strengths or interests aligned with what the school has to offer?
  • Does your student/child meet the criteria for admission?  This includes, but is not limited to: Grades and Attendance.
  • Students and Families may log into their portal as many times as they wish to view or make changes to their application so long as the application window remains open.
  • Be prepared to meet any additional requirements of that particular school, like writing samples/essays, going to an audition or open house.
  • Make sure you know where the schools are located and any SEPTA routes needed to get there.

What’s Next?

• Unfortunately students will not be notified if something is missing from the application.  Non District Families and Students should check the e-mail address that was used to submit the application because the confirmation receipt indicating that the application went through will be sent to that address.  This confirmation receipt does not mean an approval was offered.  It only means that the application was received.
• The first round of decisions comes out in early February, so stay tuned.

Being Accepted

School Selection Notifications will list each school on the application and whether or not your student was accepted into the school, not accepted into the school, or placed on the schools wait list.
If an approval was received, you must choose which school your student will attend (please follow the specific instructions on the notification once it is received).  This will make sure your student has a seat at that school.  You may only accept one school, and you cannot change your selection once it has been made.   The only time the decision can be changed is if your student was placed on the wait list and that school contacted you indicating space is available.  You may only change your selected school once.   If your student was placed on the wait list by more than one school, you will have to wait until one of the schools contacts you indicating space is available.

If a school does not pull your student off their wait list by the time the school year ends, your student will remain on the wait list until the next School Selection Process begins.

The School District of Philadelphia offers thousands of programs and services across hundreds of schools. We hope every student Finds their Fit, this fall!
One of the most exciting parts of your education in Philadelphia is how you can customize your learning experience, by choosing a school that’s right for you. Every student is assigned a catchment school, from K-12, based on where they live. But, if you are interested in any other school in the District, all you have to do is apply!

To learn more about each High School Program and their admission requirements, please click below:

To learn more about each Elementary and Middle school option, please click below:

To get answers to the frequently asked questions about the school selection process, please click below:

For students who have a support IEP, Medical 504 Plan, or are an English Language Learner, they automatically qualify for LeGare.  This is an  Advocacy process that allows students an equal opportunity to apply and attend a Criteria-based High School.  This Advocacy process is only applicable to 8th Graders who are headed into 9th grade and applying to a Criteria-based High School.

Please know that LeGare does not guarantee admission into a Criteria-based High School.  Students must still meet or come close to the advertised admissions criteria and the school must be able to provide reasonable accommodations for the student to be successful without substantially altering the way the curriculum is delivered.

Specific questions can be directed to the School Counselor where your child attends or to the LeGare Committee using the email address found in the Contact Support Section.