Inquiry Charter School

Summary:

Inquiry Charter School is an elementary public charter school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serving 268 students from pre-kindergarten to 5th grade. The school is part of the Inquiry Charter School District, which is ranked 502 out of 610 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Inquiry Charter School consistently underperforms the state average in PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment) test scores across all grades and subjects, with only 30.8% of its students proficient or better in Math and English Language Arts, compared to the state averages of 40.4% and 53%, respectively. The school's performance for specific student subgroups is mixed, with African American students performing relatively well, but students with low socioeconomic status and disabled students ranking much lower, in the bottom 25% and 25% of Pennsylvania elementary schools, respectively. Inquiry Charter School has extremely high rates of free and reduced-price lunch recipients, ranging from 63.12% to 100% over the past few years, indicating a high concentration of students from low-income families.

Interestingly, Inquiry Charter School's performance is generally lower than the nearby KIPP West Philadelphia Charter School, Washington Martha School, and Rhoads James School, which also serve a high proportion of low-income students but tend to outperform Inquiry Charter School on academic measures. The school's ranking among Pennsylvania elementary schools has steadily declined over the years, from 1435 out of 1545 in 2005-2006 to 1195 out of 1526 in 2023-2024, suggesting that it is struggling to improve its academic outcomes, particularly for its most disadvantaged students.

Detail:

Public, Charter PK, KG-5

1301 Belmont Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104

(215) 823-5541

District: Inquiry Charter School

SchoolDigger Rank:
1195^th of 1,526 Pennsylvania Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $21,050

Student/teacher ratio: 10.1

Number of students: 268

Racial breakdown:

African American:

84.3%

Two or more races:

8.2%

White:

4.1%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 100%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Inquiry Charter School ranks worse than 78.3% of elementary schools in Pennsylvania. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 21.59. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (84.3%), two or more races (8.2%), White (4.1%). (See more...)

Compare Details 100% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Inquiry Charter School is 10.1. (See more...)

Compare Inquiry Charter School employs 26.5 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Inquiry Charter School is $21,050.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Inquiry Charter School:

SchoolDigger ranks Inquiry Charter School 1195^th of 1526 Pennsylvania public elementary schools. (See Inquiry Charter School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Disabled students:

Male students:

African American students:

Inquiry Charter School:

SchoolDigger ranks Inquiry Charter School 502^nd of 610 Pennsylvania school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Inquiry Charter School

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Rank History for all students at Inquiry Charter School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile
2006	8.17	1435^th	1545	7.1%
2018	15.28	1289^th	1530	15.8%
2019	27.38	1180^th	1544	23.6%
2021	13.37	1213^th	1433	15.4%
2022	24.54	1170^th	1534	23.7%
2023	22.25	1198^th	1534	21.9%
2024	21.59	1195^th	1526	21.7%

See the entire list of Pennsylvania Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Inquiry Charter School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	36.81	974^th	1414	31.1%
2024	28.62	1089^th	1432	24.0%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Inquiry Charter School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	29.62	1080^th	1488	27.4%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Inquiry Charter School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	18.45	906^th	1043	13.1%
2024	25.77	827^th	1084	23.7%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Inquiry Charter School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	16.20	1249^th	1495	16.5%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Inquiry Charter School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	57.49	149^th	437	65.9%
2024	61.16	125^th	437	71.4%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Data source: test scores: Pennsylvania Dept of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Pennsylvania Dept of Education

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Enrollment information for Inquiry Charter School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1999	0	84	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	84
2000	0	122	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	122
2001	0	122	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	122
2002	0	56	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	56
2003	0	56	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	56
2004	0	106	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	106
2005	0	80	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	80
2006	0	89	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	89
2007	0	67	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	67
2008	0	112	0	2	n/a	n/a	3	117
2009	0	115	0	2	n/a	n/a	1	118
2010	0	116	1	4	n/a	n/a	1	122
2011	0	105	0	1	0	0	0	106
2012	0	119	0	3	0	0	0	122
2013	1	110	1	4	0	0	0	116
2014	0	110	0	6	1	0	0	117
2015	0	109	0	4	0	0	0	113
2016	3	134	0	0	0	0	0	137
2017	3	181	2	0	1	3	0	190
2018	6	194	2	0	2	3	0	207
2019	10	216	1	3	2	4	0	236
2020	11	238	1	6	0	10	0	266
2021	11	233	1	5	1	11	0	262
2022	7	237	1	9	0	9	0	263
2023	11	226	1	7	1	22	0	268

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Inquiry Charter School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1999	84	7.0	12.0	n/a
2000	122	10.0	12.2	0
2001	122	10.0	12.2	0
2002	56	14.5	3.9	94.6
2003	56	14.5	3.9	94.6
2004	106	16.0	6.6	97.2
2005	80	6.0	13.3	96.3
2006	89	4.0	22.3	96.6
2007	67	4.0	16.8	92.5
2008	117	9.8	11.9	64.9
2009	118	13.0	9.1	86.3
2010	122	11.0	11.0	97.5
2011	106	6.0	17.6	97.2
2012	122	20.0	6.1	n/a
2013	116	15.2	7.6	0
2014	117	14.6	8.0	97.4
2015	113	14.0	8.0	97.3
2016	137	8.0	17.1	84.7
2017	190	13.7	13.8	97.9
2018	207	16.0	12.9	100
2019	236	19.5	12.1	100
2020	266	22.5	11.8	100
2021	262	24.5	10.6	98.9
2022	263	22.5	11.6	63.1
2023	268	26.5	10.1	100

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Inquiry Charter School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1999	84	7.0	12.0	n/a
2000	122	10.0	12.2	0
2001	122	10.0	12.2	0
2002	56	14.5	3.9	94.6
2003	56	14.5	3.9	94.6
2004	106	16.0	6.6	97.2
2005	80	6.0	13.3	96.3
2006	89	4.0	22.3	96.6
2007	67	4.0	16.8	92.5
2008	117	9.8	11.9	64.9
2009	118	13.0	9.1	86.3
2010	122	11.0	11.0	97.5
2011	106	6.0	17.6	97.2
2012	122	20.0	6.1	n/a
2013	116	15.2	7.6	0
2014	117	14.6	8.0	97.4
2015	113	14.0	8.0	97.3
2016	137	8.0	17.1	84.7
2017	190	13.7	13.8	97.9
2018	207	16.0	12.9	100
2019	236	19.5	12.1	100
2020	266	22.5	11.8	100
2021	262	24.5	10.6	98.9
2022	263	22.5	11.6	63.1
2023	268	26.5	10.1	100

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Inquiry Charter School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$1,187 (7.2%)	$15,298 (92.8%)	$16,485
2020	$1,213 (8.4%)	$13,288 (91.6%)	$14,501
2021	$3,412 (22.0%)	$12,110 (78.0%)	$15,522
2022	$7,623 (36.2%)	$13,427 (63.8%)	$21,050

Data source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Inquiry Charter School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 1180^th of 1544 Elementary schools	Ranks 1198^th of 1534 Elementary schools	1.7%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade Math (Inquiry Charter School)	45.4	29.3	16.1%
3rd Grade Math (Pennsylvania)	56	51.7	4.3%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Inquiry Charter School)	58.1	29.3	28.8%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)	61.9	54	7.9%
4th Grade Math (Inquiry Charter School)	11.1	23.3	12.2%
4th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)	46.2	46.5	0.3%
4th Grade Science (Inquiry Charter School)	58.3	55.8	2.5%
4th Grade Science (Pennsylvania)	77.8	74.1	3.7%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Inquiry Charter School)	50	39.6	10.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)	63.6	51.8	11.8%
5th Grade Math (Inquiry Charter School)	38.9	22.9	16%
5th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)	43	42.7	0.3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Inquiry Charter School)	44.4	42.8	1.6%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)	58.5	53.6	4.9%
All Grades Math (Inquiry Charter School)	31.6	25.2	6.4%
All Grades Math (Pennsylvania)	42.4	39.3	3.1%
All Grades Science (Inquiry Charter School)	58.3	55.8	2.5%
All Grades Science (Pennsylvania)	68	65.6	2.4%
All Grades English Language Arts (Inquiry Charter School)	52.5	37	15.5%
All Grades English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)	60.9	53.8	7.1%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	236	268	13.6%
African American	216	226	4.6%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	1	1
Hispanic	3	7	133.3%
Pacific Islander	2	1	50%
White	10	11	10%
Two or More Races	4	22	450%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	100%	100%

Schools Near Inquiry Charter School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				PSSA Math (2024)							PSSA Science (2024)			PSSA English Language Arts (2024)							Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	PSSA Math 3rd Grade	PSSA Math 4th Grade	PSSA Math 5th Grade	PSSA Math 6th Grade	PSSA Math 7th Grade	PSSA Math 8th Grade	PSSA Math All Grades	PSSA Science 4th Grade	PSSA Science 8th Grade	PSSA Science All Grades	PSSA English Language Arts 3rd Grade	PSSA English Language Arts 4th Grade	PSSA English Language Arts 5th Grade	PSSA English Language Arts 6th Grade	PSSA English Language Arts 7th Grade	PSSA English Language Arts 8th Grade	PSSA English Language Arts All Grades	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Inquiry Charter School	Public, Charter	PK, KG-5	1301 Belmont Avenue	Philadelphia	19104	Philadelphia County	Inquiry Charter School	Yes	No	No	Yes	(215) 823-5541	268	27	10.1	100.0%	11 (4.1%)	226 (84.3%)	7 (2.6%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.4%)	22 (8.2%)	21.6	1195^th of 1526 public elementary schools	21.7%		22.2	1198^th of 1534 public elementary schools	21.9%	3	46.5	16.7	28.6				30.8	52.4		52.4	46.5	19.0	25.7				30.8	$21,050	$7,623	$13,427
Global Leadership Academy Charter School	Public, Charter	K-8	4601 Girard Avenue	Philadelphia	19131	Philadelphia County	Global Leadership Academy Charter School	Yes	No	No	Yes	(267) 295-5700	636	32	19.8	99.2%	1 (0.2%)	619 (97.3%)	5 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	11 (1.7%)	5.9	1445^th of 1526 public elementary schools	5.3%		4.9	1475^th of 1534 public elementary schools	3.8%	30	10.0	10.9	1.3	1.5	9.6	4.3	6.3	45.9	18.6	32.7	15.0	13.6	9.2	29.4	33.3	24.3	20.4	$18,126	$3,079	$15,047
Discovery Charter School	Public, Charter	K-8	4700 Parkside	Philadelphia	19131	Philadelphia County	Discovery Charter School	Yes	No	No	Yes	(215) 879-8182	622	44	14.1	57.9%	3 (0.5%)	596 (95.8%)	9 (1.4%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	12 (1.9%)	11.5	1338^th of 1526 public elementary schools	12.3%		10.5	1352^nd of 1534 public elementary schools	11.9%	14	22.7	6.7	14.7	7.1	4.3	2.8	9.6	50.9	18.9	33.1	31.8	18.3	17.9	35.2	45.7	52.8	34.2	$24,129	$3,461	$20,667
Blankenburg Rudolph School	Public	PK, KG-8	4600 W Girard Ave	Philadelphia	19131	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	No	No	Yes	(215) 400-7280	244	31	7.8	100.0%	0 (0.0%)	231 (94.7%)	8 (3.3%)	1 (0.4%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (1.2%)	5.5	1450^th of 1526 public elementary schools	5.0%		7	1424^th of 1534 public elementary schools	7.2%	26	0.0	7.4	10.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	2.6	29.6	0.0	15.7	30.0	3.7	28.6	7.1	16.7	4.3	14.1	$23,872	$11,570	$12,303
KIPP West Philadelphia Charter School	Public, Charter	K-8	5070 Parkside Avenue	Philadelphia	19131	Philadelphia County	KIPP West Philadelphia Charter School	Yes	No	No	Yes	(267) 787-5700	805	57	14.1		0 (0.0%)	763 (94.8%)	23 (2.9%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.2%)	1 (0.1%)	16 (2.0%)	12.9	1316^th of 1526 public elementary schools	13.8%		11.3	1337^th of 1534 public elementary schools	12.8%	21	26.0	11.1	14.8	5.6	0.0	4.0	10.7	48.5	18.2	35.3	33.0	24.4	31.0	32.3	33.7	27.9	30.5	$19,388	$2,499	$16,890
Washington Martha School	Public	K-8	766 N 44th St	Philadelphia	19104	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	No	No	Yes	(215) 400-7770	223	25	8.8	100.0%	3 (1.3%)	201 (90.1%)	6 (2.7%)	3 (1.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (4.5%)	13.4	1311^th of 1526 public elementary schools	14.1%		10.4	1354^th of 1534 public elementary schools	11.7%	43	0.0	11.8	10.5	4.5	0.0	0.0	4.6	58.8	47.1	52.9	15.4	35.3	26.3	36.4	22.2	31.3	28.6	$25,529	$12,270	$13,259
Rhoads James School	Public	K-8	4901 Parrish St	Philadelphia	19139	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	No	No	Yes	(215) 400-7680	420	44	9.4	100.0%	2 (0.5%)	400 (95.2%)	11 (2.6%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (1.2%)	4.7	1478^th of 1526 public elementary schools	3.1%		6.2	1441^st of 1534 public elementary schools	6.1%	37	18.2	12.2	0.0	0.0	0.0	4.4	5.1	37.5	25.0	31.0	25.0	16.7	4.5	4.3	13.2	20.0	13.8	$22,454	$10,095	$12,359
Locke Alain School	Public	K-8	4550 Haverford Ave	Philadelphia	19139	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	No	No	Yes	(215) 400-7670	282	33	8.5	100.0%	2 (0.7%)	216 (76.6%)	23 (8.2%)	27 (9.6%)	1 (0.4%)	1 (0.4%)	12 (4.3%)	6.6	1425^th of 1526 public elementary schools	6.6%		7.4	1413^th of 1534 public elementary schools	7.9%	12	8.3	17.6	15.8	4.2	17.3	0.0	10.2	35.3	19.0	26.4	13.0	23.5	15.8	13.0	30.4	23.8	19.9	$27,113	$13,088	$14,025
Heston Edward School	Public	PK, KG-8	1621 N 54th St	Philadelphia	19131	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	No	No	Yes	(215) 400-7290	374	27	13.6	100.0%	0 (0.0%)	358 (95.7%)	12 (3.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (1.1%)	3.2	1517^th of 1526 public elementary schools	0.6%		3.2	1522^nd of 1534 public elementary schools	0.8%	5	5.9	5.7	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	2.2	40.0	9.7	25.7	5.7	11.4	7.4	7.7	10.7	6.3	8.2	$24,511	$12,308	$12,203
KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Charter School	Public, Charter	K-2	4601 Market St	Philadelphia	19139	Philadelphia County	KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Charter School	Yes	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(267) 417-3070	199	13	15.3		5 (2.5%)	175 (87.9%)	4 (2.0%)	1 (0.5%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (6.5%)								(n/a)

Frequently Asked Questions about Inquiry Charter School

How many students attend Inquiry Charter School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 268 students attended Inquiry Charter School.

What is the racial makeup of Inquiry Charter School?

Students at Inquiry Charter School are 84% African American, 8% Two or more races, 4% White, 3% Hispanic.

Is Inquiry Charter School a good school?

Inquiry Charter School ranks in the bottom 21.7% of Pennsylvania elementary schools.

What district is Inquiry Charter School in?

Inquiry Charter School

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.