Watson Comly School, also known as Somerton Masonic Hall, is a historic school building located in the Somerton neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Built in 1892–1893, it is a two-story, four-bay, brownstone building in the Colonial Revival style.
Serving 618 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Comly Watson School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 46% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 53% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 618 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 49%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 46% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 53% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Comly Watson School serves the northeast part of Philadelphia, PA, covering an area of approximately 3.3 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with an average distance of 1.2 miles to the zone edge and a maximum of 2 miles to the furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Comly Watson School's student population of 618 students has grown by 34% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has grown by 31% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
618 students
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Year Founded
1990
School Calendar
Campus Size
2 acres
School Rankings
Comly Watson School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Comly Watson School is 0.64, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1406 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
30%
5%
Hispanic
10%
16%
Black
6%
14%
White
51%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.3%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
95%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Comly Watson School's ranking?
Comly Watson School is ranked #1406 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Comly Watson School often compared to?
Comly Watson Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Loesche William H School, Frank Anne School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
46% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 53% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Comly Watson School?
618 students attend Comly Watson School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Comly Watson School students are White, 30% of students are Asian, 10% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Comly Watson School?
Comly Watson School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Comly Watson School offer ?
Comly Watson School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Comly Watson School part of?
Comly Watson School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Comly Watson School located?
Comly Watson School is located in the Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 28 other public schools located in Northeast Philadelphia.
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