Is National Constitution Center High School a good school?

National Constitution Center High School ranks 455 th of 686 Pennsylvania high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend National Constitution Center High School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 383 students attended National Constitution Center High School.

What is the racial makeup of National Constitution Center High School?

Students at National Constitution Center High School are 64% African American, 18% Hispanic, 7% Asian, 7% Two or more races, 5% White.

National Constitution Center High School

Summary:

National Constitution Center High School is a public high school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serving 383 students in grades 9-12. The school is part of the Philadelphia City School District, which is ranked 494 out of 610 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

While the school performs relatively well for its African American and Hispanic student populations, ranking 82nd and 48th out of 284 and 274 Pennsylvania high schools respectively in 2023-2024, its overall statewide ranking has consistently been in the bottom half of Pennsylvania high schools, ranging from 455th out of 686 schools in 2023-2024 to 502nd out of 537 schools in 2020-2021. The school's SchoolDigger rating has also been low, ranging from 0 to 2 stars out of 5 over the past several years. Its four-year graduation rate has fluctuated, ranging from 68.6% to 93.0% in recent years, and its dropout rate has varied from 0.5% to 5.9%.

Interestingly, the nearby Academy at Palumbo, Parkway Center City Middle College, and Masterman Julia R Sec School significantly outperform National Constitution Center High School in terms of statewide rankings, test scores, and graduation rates, despite serving a similar student population. This suggests that factors such as the school's high poverty levels, with over 99% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and its relatively high student-teacher ratio of 17.2 to 20.8 in recent years, may be contributing to its academic challenges.

Detail:

Public 9-12

18 S 7th St
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2314

(215) 400-7850

District: Philadelphia City School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
455^th of 686 Pennsylvania High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $15,899

Student/teacher ratio: 18.2

Number of students: 383

Racial breakdown:

African American:

63.7%

Hispanic:

17.8%

Asian:

6.8%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 100%

See top rated Pennsylvania high schools

Compare National Constitution Center High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details National Constitution Center High School ranks worse than 66.3% of high schools in Pennsylvania. It also ranks 15^th among 54 ranked high schools in the Philadelphia City School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 42.13. (See more...)

The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at National Constitution Center High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (63.7%), Hispanic (17.8%), Asian (6.8%). (See more...)

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

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at National Constitution Center High School is 18.2. 41 high schools in the Philadelphia City School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)

Compare National Constitution Center High School employs 21 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at National Constitution Center High School is $15,899. 43 high schools in the Philadelphia City School District spend more per student.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

National Constitution Center High School:

SchoolDigger ranks National Constitution Center High School 455^th of 686 Pennsylvania public high schools. (See National Constitution Center High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

African American students:

Hispanic students:

Philadelphia City School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Philadelphia City School District 494^th of 610 Pennsylvania school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for National Constitution Center High School.

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Your rating for National Constitution Center High School?

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Rank History for National Constitution Center High School

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Rank History for all students at National Constitution Center High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	PA State Percentile
2009	53.81	347^th	632	45.1%
2010	51.14	385^th	649	40.7%
2011	39.94	490^th	660	25.8%
2012	53.09	387^th	664	41.7%
2013	29.04	489^th	591	17.3%
2014	24.53	493^rd	580	15.0%
2015	19.88	558^th	680	17.9%
2016	26.64	542^nd	677	19.9%
2017	12.38	571^st	663	13.9%
2018	27.43	521^st	673	22.6%
2019	25.03	550^th	693	20.6%
2021	7.81	502^nd	537	6.5%
2022	13.37	553^rd	634	12.8%
2023	30.24	508^th	674	24.6%
2024	42.13	455^th	686	33.7%

See the entire list of Pennsylvania High School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at National Constitution Center High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	43.31	394^th	652	39.6%
2024	61.91	242^nd	664	63.6%

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

Rank History for Female students at National Constitution Center High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	34.87	470^th	665	29.3%

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

Rank History for Male students at National Constitution Center High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	50.25	365^th	662	44.9%

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

Rank History for African American students at National Constitution Center High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	50.99	119^th	260	54.2%
2024	65.12	82^nd	284	71.1%

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

Rank History for Hispanic students at National Constitution Center High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	61.05	90^th	252	64.3%
2024	78.72	48^th	274	82.5%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Data source: test scores: Pennsylvania Department 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 Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.7)

67%

33%

Reviews:

by a student
Monday, June 27, 2011

this school is wonderful it teaches you who you wont to be in the 4 next years i just got out of my freshman year and i think the schoo l is terrific great facilty and staff of constution and a amazing principle Close Quote

by a student
Saturday, September 18, 2010

This website is NOT UPDATED! Constitution High School has occupied room for 9-12th grade since Fall of 2009. I graduated from here in 2010.

This is a great school to attend, and they offer a number if AP Classes, Dual enrollment classes with Cheyney University, Partnerships with a big law firm (Ballard Spahr Andrews and Ingersoll), a long time partner The National Constitution Center and a partner school in Afghanistan.

The school also provides mentorship with lawyers and paralegals and a school government unlike no other; it's actually RUN by the students and FOR the students. It is modeled after the US Government. They help you to learn about the US government from 9th - 12th grade. Students start off in "The Constitution" class and ending in 12th grade have the option to be in a "Constitutional Law" class.

When I came to this school I wanted to be a lawyer. I participated in the National High School Mock Trial Championship (a great school club for serious students)and the mentorship program to get a feel of what it was like to actually be a lawyer. Because of those experiences, I am not wasting time in college finding out that I DO NOT want to become a lawyer. I found out that there were long hours involved and hard to balance a work and family life (not that it can not be done)!

Constitution High has top-notch,... if not the best teachers, dean and principal you could EVER IMAGINE! In this school you develop a one-on-one relationship with the teachers. They're caring and work hard to help you get the best grades possible! With all of the teachers, if you ask for one-on-one tutoring/conversation, that's what you get! And because of the small size you wouldn't be surprized if the principal was walking down the hall and called you by name from behind!

One of our English teachers was nominated and WON the LINDBACK DISTINGUISHED TEACHING AWARD! He is one out of ONLY 66 teachers in the Philadelphia School District to win this award! His hard work is reflected in the school's 11th Grade Writing & Reading PSSA Test Scores, in which the students scored well above the School District and State Average Scores in 2009 and 2010!

The school is also surrounded by historical and educational sites, which are utilized by the students in walking trips. It is located in center-city, in a safe environment.

The school is not only educational, but fun! I've never wanted to volunteer until I got involved in the Service Learning Project. There were instances where the two classes came together to debate, school elections, spirit days, class trips, teachers that make jokes to help you remember class work, lots of places to eat, going out for lunch (Yum!!!), classes at Cheyney University's Urban Campus, Field Day, School Parties to raise funds for the basketball team, a number of school clubs, bake sales and more! Plus, where else can you find a school that has their own court room, and judges?

Nevertheless, going through and graduating out of Constitution High School is a maturing experience, and this school is nationally recognized! I was accepted into a number of colleges, and so were many of my other classmates. These colleges included Spelman College, Drexel University, University of Miami, and Swarthmore College. Going to Constitution High was a great experience for me, and I really wouldn't have changed much about it!

Constitution High School is a special admissions magnet school, meaning that they accept the best students from all over Philadelphia. I encourage anyone who's willing to work hard and enjoy themselves, to come to Constitution High School! Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, April 13, 2009

Constitution HS is preparing my child for college. The school is small and focus on history and government. It has a excellent location in center city and the school takes the students on trips and gives my child a lot of attention. Close Quote

Enrollment information for National Constitution Center High School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
2007	13	74	2	5	1	n/a	n/a	0	95
2008	30	144	5	11	1	n/a	n/a	0	191
2009	51	204	8	22	2	n/a	n/a	2	289
2010	75	255	16	31	4	n/a	n/a	3	384
2011	73	244	18	39	4	0	4	0	382
2012	63	231	22	44	5	0	5	0	370
2013	54	250	27	41	4	0	4	0	380
2014	39	260	24	39	2	0	4	0	368
2015	27	248	24	45	0	0	6	0	350
2016	27	267	17	54	0	0	13	0	378
2017	24	252	23	60	0	0	13	0	372
2018	21	270	25	62	0	0	13	0	391
2019	18	271	26	54	0	0	16	0	385
2020	15	257	32	64	0	0	17	0	385
2021	13	263	31	71	0	0	20	0	398
2022	19	252	31	67	0	0	25	0	394
2023	19	244	26	68	0	0	26	0	383

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 National Constitution Center High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2007	95	9.0	10.6	48.4
2008	191	12.0	15.9	55
2009	289	17.0	17.0	44.9
2010	384	20.5	18.7	35.2
2011	382	23.7	16.0	38
2012	370	18.5	19.9	36.2
2013	380	19.6	19.3	50.5
2014	368	15.7	23.3	55.7
2015	350	17.0	20.5	58.9
2016	378	n/a	n/a	100
2017	372	19.2	19.3	100
2018	391	14.0	27.9	100
2019	385	16.0	24.0	100
2020	385	19.1	20.1	99.7
2021	398	19.1	20.8	99.2
2022	394	22.8	17.2	99.2
2023	383	21.0	18.2	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 National Constitution Center High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2007	95	9.0	10.6	48.4
2008	191	12.0	15.9	55
2009	289	17.0	17.0	44.9
2010	384	20.5	18.7	35.2
2011	382	23.7	16.0	38
2012	370	18.5	19.9	36.2
2013	380	19.6	19.3	50.5
2014	368	15.7	23.3	55.7
2015	350	17.0	20.5	58.9
2016	378	n/a	n/a	100
2017	372	19.2	19.3	100
2018	391	14.0	27.9	100
2019	385	16.0	24.0	100
2020	385	19.1	20.1	99.7
2021	398	19.1	20.8	99.2
2022	394	22.8	17.2	99.2
2023	383	21.0	18.2	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 National Constitution Center High School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$1,356 (9.2%)	$13,398 (90.8%)	$14,754
2020	$1,270 (10.5%)	$10,780 (89.5%)	$12,050
2021	$2,594 (20.7%)	$9,940 (79.3%)	$12,534
2022	$8,791 (55.3%)	$7,108 (44.7%)	$15,899

Data source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on National Constitution Center High 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 550^th of 693 High schools	Ranks 508^th of 674 High schools	4%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
11th Grade Algebra I (National Constitution Center High School)	53.4	17.2	36.2%
11th Grade Algebra I (Pennsylvania)	63.3	34.1	29.2%
11th Grade Biology (National Constitution Center High School)	20.5	12.8	7.7%
11th Grade Biology (Pennsylvania)	63.2	50.7	12.5%
11th Grade Literature (National Constitution Center High School)	55.7	66.3	10.6%
11th Grade Literature (Pennsylvania)	71.5	65.3	6.2%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	385	383	0.5%
African American	271	244	10%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	26	26
Hispanic	54	68	25.9%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	18	19	5.6%
Two or More Races	16	26	62.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	100%	100%

Schools Near National Constitution Center High School

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

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				Keystone Exams Algebra I (2024)	Keystone Exams Biology (2024)	Keystone Exams Literature (2024)	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	Keystone Exams Algebra I 11th Grade	Keystone Exams Biology 11th Grade	Keystone Exams Literature 11th Grade	PSSA Math 5th Grade	PSSA Math 6th Grade	PSSA Math 7th Grade	PSSA Math 8th Grade	PSSA Math All Grades	PSSA Science 8th Grade	PSSA Science All Grades	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
National Constitution Center High School	Public	9-12	18 S 7th St	Philadelphia	19106	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	No	No	Yes	(215) 400-7850	383	21	18.2	100.0%	19 (5.0%)	244 (63.7%)	68 (17.8%)	26 (6.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	26 (6.8%)	42.1	455^th of 686 public high schools	33.7%		30.2	508^th of 674 public high schools	24.6%	53	31.9	35.1	65.6													$15,899	$8,791	$7,108
Mastery Charter High School-Lenfest Campus	Public, Charter	7-12	35 S. 4th Street	Philadelphia	19106	Philadelphia County	Mastery Charter High School-Lenfest Campus	Yes	No	No	Yes	(215) 922-1902	610	43	14.2	98.7%	3 (0.5%)	461 (75.6%)	121 (19.8%)	2 (0.3%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	21 (3.4%)	12.4	585^th of 686 public high schools	14.7%		6.1	627^th of 674 public high schools	7.0%	42	18.2	16.0	39.7			18.4	21.5	19.8	34.9	34.9			47.3	49.4	48.2	$21,565	$4,523	$17,042
Academy at Palumbo	Public, Magnet	9-12	1100 Catharine St	Philadelphia	19147	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	Yes	No	Yes	(215) 400-8130	1,179	52	22.5	99.7%	196 (16.6%)	338 (28.7%)	156 (13.2%)	433 (36.7%)	3 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	53 (4.5%)	94.6	20^th of 686 public high schools	97.1%		89.2	44^th of 674 public high schools	93.5%	24	76.2	75.4	94.7													$14,747	$7,461	$7,286
Philadelphia Electrical & Technology Charter High School	Public, Charter	9-12	1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway	Philadelphia	19103	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia Electrical & Technology Charter High School	Yes	No	No	Yes	(267) 514-1824	610	39	15.7		32 (5.2%)	518 (84.9%)	37 (6.1%)	5 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (3.0%)	10.5	594^th of 686 public high schools	13.4%		11.2	595^th of 674 public high schools	11.7%	1	7.7	17.1	41.9													$3,089	$3,089	$00
Parkway Center City Middle College	Public, Magnet	9-12	540 N 13th Street	Philadelphia	19123	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	Yes	No	Yes	(215) 400-7620	436	19	22.5	100.0%	10 (2.3%)	305 (70.0%)	66 (15.1%)	31 (7.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	23 (5.3%)	77.8	134^th of 686 public high schools	80.5%		65.4	253^rd of 674 public high schools	62.5%	119	41.8	65.8	95.1													$21,009	$8,697	$12,312
Creative and Performing Arts	Public, Magnet	9-12	901 S Broad St	Philadelphia	19147	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	Yes	No	Yes	(215) 400-8140	743	38	19.6	100.0%	192 (25.8%)	368 (49.5%)	94 (12.7%)	46 (6.2%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.1%)	42 (5.7%)	59.6	298^th of 686 public high schools	56.6%		69.8	208^th of 674 public high schools	69.1%	90	35.8	44.0	85.5													$15,352	$7,761	$7,591
Franklin Benjamin High School	Public	9-12	550 N Broad St	Philadelphia	19130	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	No	No	Yes	(215) 400-7600	466	43	10.9	100.0%	10 (2.1%)	328 (70.4%)	93 (20.0%)	16 (3.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	19 (4.1%)	3.2	662^nd of 686 public high schools	3.5%		4.3	648^th of 674 public high schools	3.9%	14	4.8	7.9	17.6													$20,117	$10,634	$9,483
Science Leadership Academy	Public, Magnet	9-12	1482 Green St	Philadelphia	19130	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	Yes	No	Yes	(215) 979-5620	497	27	18.2	100.0%	186 (37.4%)	146 (29.4%)	80 (16.1%)	54 (10.9%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	30 (6.0%)	94.9	18^th of 686 public high schools	97.4%		93.1	22^nd of 674 public high schools	96.7%	4	81.0	74.4	95.0													$16,357	$8,617	$7,740
Masterman Julia R Sec School	Public, Magnet	5-12	1699 Spring Garden St	Philadelphia	19130	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	Yes	No	No	(215) 400-7580	1,186	54	22.0	100.0%	485 (40.9%)	213 (18.0%)	91 (7.7%)	293 (24.7%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.2%)	102 (8.6%)	99.1	2^nd of 686 public high schools	99.7%		98.7	2^nd of 674 public high schools	99.7%		98.2	99.1	100.0	94.8	79.3	72.2	93.4	84.4	97.9	97.9	99.3	87.3	92.1	99.5	94.3	$15,137	$7,658	$7,480
Franklin LC	Public, Magnet	9-12	616 N 15th St	Philadelphia	19130	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	Yes	No	Yes	(215) 400-7570	881	53	16.5	99.7%	56 (6.4%)	436 (49.5%)	254 (28.8%)	97 (11.0%)	3 (0.3%)	3 (0.3%)	32 (3.6%)	51.6	376^th of 686 public high schools	45.2%		53.6	351^st of 674 public high schools	47.9%	25	25.1	45.8	77.9													$16,434	$8,650	$7,784

National Constitution Center High School

National Constitution Center High School:

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Philadelphia City School District:

Average Parent Rating:

What do you think?

Rank History for National Constitution Center High School

Rank History for all students at National Constitution Center High School

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at National Constitution Center High School

Rank History for Female students at National Constitution Center High School

Rank History for Male students at National Constitution Center High School

Rank History for African American students at National Constitution Center High School

Rank History for Hispanic students at National Constitution Center High School

Review counts

Enrollment information for National Constitution Center High School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at National Constitution Center High School

Student/Teacher Ratio National Constitution Center High School

Per Pupil Expenditures for National Constitution Center High School

Impact of COVID-19 on National Constitution Center High School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near National Constitution Center High School

Frequently Asked Questions about National Constitution Center High School

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