Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

Summary:

Philadelphia Montessori Charter School is an elementary school serving 236 students in grades PK-6 in the Philadelphia area. It is part of the Philadelphia Montessori Charter School District, which is ranked 595 out of 610 districts in Pennsylvania and has a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Despite having a very low student-teacher ratio and higher per-student spending than nearby district schools, Philadelphia Montessori Charter School consistently ranks in the bottom 10-15% of Pennsylvania elementary schools based on statewide assessments. In the 2023-2024 school year, only 6.8% of its students were proficient or better in Math, compared to the state average of 40.4%, and only 15.9% were proficient or better in ELA, compared to the state's 53%. The school also serves an extremely high percentage of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, with 98-99% qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.

When compared to nearby district schools like Walnut Street Elementary, Penrose School, and Colwyn Elementary, which serve similarly disadvantaged student populations, Philadelphia Montessori Charter School is significantly underperforming academically. The school's academic performance has also remained stagnant or even declined over the past several years, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the charter school model in this particular context.


Detail:

Public, Charter PK, KG-6

 2227 Island Rd
       Philadelphia, PA  19142-1009


(215) 365-4011

District: Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

SchoolDigger Rank:
1457th of 1,526 Pennsylvania Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $20,492 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  12.4 Help
Number of students:  262

Racial breakdown:

African American:
93.5%
Two or more races:
2.7%
Hispanic:
2.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  98.9% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Philadelphia Montessori Charter School ranks worse than 95.5% of elementary schools in Pennsylvania. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 5.33. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (93.5%), two or more races (2.7%), Hispanic (2.3%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 98.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Philadelphia Montessori Charter School is 12.4. (See more...)
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Compare Philadelphia Montessori Charter School employs 21 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Philadelphia Montessori Charter School is $20,492.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Philadelphia Montessori Charter School:

SchoolDigger ranks Philadelphia Montessori Charter School 1457th of 1526 Pennsylvania public elementary schools. (See Philadelphia Montessori 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:


Philadelphia Montessori Charter School:

SchoolDigger ranks Philadelphia Montessori Charter School 595th of 610 Pennsylvania school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Philadelphia Montessori Charter School?

Rank History for Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 0.20 1544th 1545 0.1%
2007 0.90 1546th 1555 0.6%
2008 1.12 1536th 1551 1.0%
2009 0.44 1544th 1549 0.3%
2010 1.05 1566th 1579 0.8%
2011 4.62 1546th 1597 3.2%
2012 9.38 1458th 1599 8.8%
2015 12.44 1274th 1474 13.6%
2016 9.76 1373rd 1554 11.6%
2017 11.71 1337th 1547 13.6%
2018 10.25 1355th 1530 11.4%
2019 12.75 1325th 1544 14.2%
2021 15.50 1186th 1433 17.2%
2022 9.51 1352nd 1534 11.9%
2023 9.11 1373rd 1534 10.5%
2024 5.33 1457th 1526 4.5%
See the entire list of Pennsylvania Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 14.49 1238th 1414 12.4%
2024 8.52 1350th 1432 5.7%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 8.79 1344th 1488 9.7%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 12.35 1009th 1043 3.3%
2024 14.16 1005th 1084 7.3%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 4.08 1472nd 1495 1.5%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 36.75 265th 437 39.4%
2024 28.99 317th 437 27.5%
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.

Philadelphia Montessori Charter School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Pennsylvania Dept of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.3)
67%

0%

33%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Friday, October 20, 2017

Open Quote This school year is starting out good and the teachers are very attentive to the students. I have observed as a participant teachers teaching life skills and ways for students to assist each other to work as a team. More active play in gym and the mobile classroom where Science and Music is held appears innovative for students to learn. The teachers are dedicated to teaching students and not leaving any student behind. I as a parent would encourage this to continue. Close Quote


by a parent
Saturday, September 17, 2011

Open Quote I have two daughters at the Philadelphia Montessori Charter School. We have had a great experience there.

The school's philosophy emphasizes allowing the child's curiosity guide their education. We have noticed that the teachers pay attention to each child as an individual, his or her learning style and personality, as well as academic skills. Teachers brought in special materials just for our one daughter when she had exhausted the kindergarten work.

The school has been through some difficult transitions over the past couple of years, part of which included trying to figure out how to fulfill their philosophy in an atmosphere of pressure to increase test scores. You have to look past the facilities, to some extent. However, I have two daughters who are truly excited about learning. I can see it in their play. They are happy to go to school and seem to have a real connection with their teachers and other staff. I feel like my kids benefit so much from their interactions with their teachers, as both educators and role models. Close Quote


Facebook Profile Picture by a parent on FaceBook
Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Open Quote If you know anything about the Montessori educational system, then you know that this school is a multi-aged class room setting. with emphasis on individualistic learning. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2005 7 130 0 2 0 n/a n/a 0 139
2006 6 158 1 3 1 n/a n/a 0 169
2007 3 131 0 2 0 n/a n/a 0 136
2008 1 148 1 2 n/a n/a n/a 10 162
2009 4 148 0 2 0 n/a n/a 8 162
2010 3 147 0 3 0 n/a n/a 4 157
2011 0 143 0 2 0 0 0 0 145
2012 5 199 0 2 1 0 2 0 209
2013 5 159 0 1 1 0 3 0 169
2014 6 166 0 1 1 0 4 0 178
2015 3 167 3 2 2 0 6 0 183
2016 3 163 1 1 0 0 4 0 172
2017 4 156 3 1 1 0 4 0 169
2018 4 163 2 7 1 2 5 0 184
2019 4 155 5 5 1 2 7 0 179
2020 2 171 4 8 2 1 10 0 198
2021 3 170 1 8 0 0 8 0 190
2022 5 190 2 7 0 0 10 0 214
2023 5 213 1 8 0 0 9 0 236
2024 3 245 0 6 1 0 7 0 262

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 Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2005 139 7.0 19.9 0
2006 169 6.0 28.2 77.5
2007 136 11.0 12.4 97.8
2008 162 14.0 11.6 104.6
2009 162 13.0 12.5 96.8
2010 157 11.0 14.2 67.3
2011 145 16.1 9.0 77.9
2012 209 15.6 13.3 58.4
2013 169 12.8 13.2 69.2
2014 178 14.2 12.5 79.8
2015 183 15.0 12.2 79.8
2016 172 13.0 13.2 n/a
2017 169 10.0 16.9 n/a
2018 184 8.1 22.7 n/a
2019 179 10.6 16.8 98.3
2020 198 13.0 15.2 n/a
2021 190 26.0 7.3 98.4
2022 214 31.0 6.9 98.6
2023 236 29.5 8.0 n/a
2024 262 21.0 12.4 98.9

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 Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2005 139 7.0 19.9 0
2006 169 6.0 28.2 77.5
2007 136 11.0 12.4 97.8
2008 162 14.0 11.6 104.6
2009 162 13.0 12.5 96.8
2010 157 11.0 14.2 67.3
2011 145 16.1 9.0 77.9
2012 209 15.6 13.3 58.4
2013 169 12.8 13.2 69.2
2014 178 14.2 12.5 79.8
2015 183 15.0 12.2 79.8
2016 172 13.0 13.2 n/a
2017 169 10.0 16.9 n/a
2018 184 8.1 22.7 n/a
2019 179 10.6 16.8 98.3
2020 198 13.0 15.2 n/a
2021 190 26.0 7.3 98.4
2022 214 31.0 6.9 98.6
2023 236 29.5 8.0 n/a
2024 262 21.0 12.4 98.9

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 Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,192 (8.7%) $12,555 (91.3%) $13,747
2020 $1,089 (6.4%) $15,879 (93.6%) $16,968
2021 $4,729 (24.8%) $14,336 (75.2%) $19,065
2022 $2,533 (12.4%) $17,958 (87.6%) $20,492

Data source: Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Philadelphia Montessori 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 1325th of 1544 Elementary schoolsRanks 1373rd of 1534 Elementary schools
 3.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Math (Philadelphia Montessori Charter School)20.77
 13.7%
   3rd Grade Math (Pennsylvania)5651.7
 4.3%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Philadelphia Montessori Charter School)34.520.9
 13.6%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)61.954
 7.9%
4th Grade Math (Philadelphia Montessori Charter School)2814.7
 13.3%
   4th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)46.246.5
 0.3%
4th Grade Science (Philadelphia Montessori Charter School)6048.5
 11.5%
   4th Grade Science (Pennsylvania)77.874.1
 3.7%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Philadelphia Montessori Charter School)4429.4
 14.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)63.651.8
 11.8%
All Grades Math (Philadelphia Montessori Charter School)18.310.4
 7.9%
   All Grades Math (Pennsylvania)42.439.3
 3.1%
All Grades Science (Philadelphia Montessori Charter School)6048.5
 11.5%
   All Grades Science (Pennsylvania)6865.6
 2.4%
All Grades English Language Arts (Philadelphia Montessori Charter School)35.524.7
 10.8%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)60.953.8
 7.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students179236
 31.8%
African American155213
 37.4%
American Indian10
 100%
Asian51
 80%
Hispanic58
 60%
Pacific Islander20
 100%
White45
 25%
Two or More Races79
 28.6%


Schools Near Philadelphia Montessori Charter School









Frequently Asked Questions about Philadelphia Montessori Charter School

Philadelphia Montessori Charter School ranks in the bottom 4.5% of Pennsylvania elementary schools.

Students at Philadelphia Montessori Charter School are 94% African American, 3% Two or more races, 2% Hispanic, 1% White.

In the 2023-24 school year, 262 students attended Philadelphia Montessori 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.





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