For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,676 students in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia, PA.
The top-ranked public schools in University City are Penn Alexander School, Powel Samuel School and Robeson High School For Human Services. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia, PA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the Pennsylvania public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 56% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Pennsylvania public school average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia, PA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Penn Alexander School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4209 Spruce St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 400-7760
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 400-7760
Gr: K-8 | 595 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
Powel Samuel School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3610 Warren St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 400-7740
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 400-7740
Gr: K-4 | 324 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #33.
Robeson High School For Human Services
Magnet School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4125 Ludlow St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 400-7780
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 400-7780
Gr: 9-12 | 266 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
Rank: #44.
Science Leadership Academy Middle School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3610 Warren St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 400-8320
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 400-8320
Gr: 5-8 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #55.
Lea Henry C School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4700 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19139
(215) 400-7660
Philadelphia, PA 19139
(215) 400-7660
Gr: PK-8 | 503 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #66.
Comegys Benjamin B School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
5100 Greenway Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 400-7860
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 400-7860
Gr: K-8 | 252 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #77.
The Workshop School
Magnet School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
221 S Hanson St
Philadelphia, PA 19139
(215) 400-7730
Philadelphia, PA 19139
(215) 400-7730
Gr: 9-12 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #88.
Laboratory Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
Administrative Office
Philadelphia, PA 19140
(267) 817-4720
Philadelphia, PA 19140
(267) 817-4720
Gr: K-8 | 461 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #99.
West Philadelphia High School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
4901 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19139
(215) 400-7900
Philadelphia, PA 19139
(215) 400-7900
Gr: 9-12 | 718 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia, PA?
The top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia, PA include Penn Alexander School, Powel Samuel School and Robeson High School For Human Services.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia?
9 public schools are located in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia?
the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia public schools minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Pennsylvania public schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.