Philadelphia’s public schools score below 61% of New York districts on tests and graduation
On the state reading tests, 39% of Philadelphia’s students scored proficient, below the New York average (49%). The grade covers the public school district serving Philadelphia, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within New York, not nationally.
From New York state tests taken in spring 2022, when 88% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Philadelphia’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 1114 New York towns with household incomes within a quarter of Philadelphia’s, its schools beat 46%, higher than their 39% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 39% of tested students were proficient in reading and 42% in math, against 49% and 46% statewide; 88% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85–89% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 87% across New York (the state reports Philadelphia’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending, and where it came from
The district spent $27,042 per student in FY2024, against $34,607 across New York. 32% of its revenue that year was federal (New York 8%), in the last year of pandemic relief. Districts ↓
Five elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is Indian River Middle School, then Indian River High School. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Philadelphia’s grade
C+: better than 39% of New York school districts. Both inputs trail the New York average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Philadelphia, with each school’s own grade.
4th grade in Philadelphia
Indian River Intermediate School
Grades 4–5 · 565 students · 12:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Philadelphia
Indian River Intermediate School
Grades 4–5 · 565 students · 12:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Philadelphia
Indian River Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 730 students · 10:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Philadelphia
Indian River Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 730 students · 10:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Philadelphia
Indian River Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 730 students · 10:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Philadelphia
Indian River High School
Grades 9–12 · 791 students · 11:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Philadelphia
Indian River High School
Grades 9–12 · 791 students · 11:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Philadelphia
Indian River High School
Grades 9–12 · 791 students · 11:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Philadelphia
Indian River High School
Grades 9–12 · 791 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Philadelphia’s public schools are run by Indian River Central School District, which also serves Antwerp, Antwerp, Evans Mills and Le Ray and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Philadelphia vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the New York towns that share Philadelphia’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | C+ | Indian River Central |
Every school in Philadelphia
7 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with New York’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Philadelphia’s schools
Are Philadelphia’s schools good?
On New York’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Philadelphia children attend score below 61% of New York’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 46%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Philadelphia in?
Indian River Central School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,326 students in 8 schools (2024–25).
Where do Philadelphia kids go to high school?
Indian River High School, with 791 students; its own test results earn an A+.
What is Philadelphia’s graduation rate?
85–89% of the class of 2023 in Indian River Central School District graduated in four years, against 87% across New York.
How much does Philadelphia spend per student?
$27,042 in Indian River Central School District (FY2024), against $34,607 across New York. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Philadelphia families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Philadelphia → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within New York. Stars are from neighbors.