• FAQs on the high school application process
  • Basic information about different types of high schools and how the admission system works.
• Application timeline for entering students
  • Make sure you're on track to meet school deadlines.

Here we have assembled a list to links to great sources of information and stats about high schools in the Philly area, provided by the Notebook and outside sources.

Find out more about your choices

How well is your school performing?
Check average PSSA/SAT scores, graduation rates, and more.

Check out additional data online
The District provides data on school performance, climate, student demographics, and other key info.

Your school counselors, teachers, family, and friends can all help you with the high school selection process. Drawing from their experience can help you get started early, prepare for interviews, and showcase your strengths. 

• What insiders say about the high school application process
  • Principals and counselors offer tips on how to get into the school of your choice.
  • En español
• Counselors offer advice on applying
  • En español
• What they wish they had known
  • High school students reflect on their (sometimes bumpy) transition.
• Valedictorians find success despite school choice struggles

Applying to a charter school can be a daunting process, but can lead to more opportunities for some students. The application process differs from citywide and special admission schools, so it is important that students and their families go into the process well-informed. Here are some places to get started:

• A look into the application process
• School District of Philadelphia: Charter schools main page
  • Charter school FAQs
  • Charter school search page and Charter school directory
• The Notebook's breakdown of charter school data
  • Visualize it: charter schools by enrollment, racial makeup
  • See the raw data behind these graphs
• Charter school AYP data
  • Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) is a measure used to make sure schools are meeting benchmarks and improving their students' test scores.

We have profiles of every District and charter school that serves high school grades. Each year principals respond to a survey and provide details about their school and any special offerings.

• What does a school offer?
  Search our database of school profiles to find out what classes and activities are available at any school.
• List of schools
  Find out details about every District and charter school, organized by type of school.