The James Dobson Elementary School is an historic American elementary school that is located in the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is part of the School District of Philadelphia, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Serving 230 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Dobson James School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-34% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 36%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 230 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 52%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dobson James School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Dobson James School's student population of 230 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
230 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
School Rankings
Dobson James School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dobson James School is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1346 out of 2733 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
36%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
57%
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
10%
15%
Black
30%
14%
White
48%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
12%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dobson James School's ranking?
Dobson James School is ranked #1346 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Dobson James School often compared to?
Dobson James Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cook-wissahickon School, Green Woods Charter School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% PA state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Dobson James School?
230 students attend Dobson James School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Dobson James School students are White, 30% of students are Black, 10% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Dobson James School?
Dobson James School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Dobson James School offer ?
Dobson James School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Dobson James School part of?
Dobson James School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Dobson James School located?
Dobson James School is located in the Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 11 other public schools located in Northwest Philadelphia.
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