The Philadelphia High School for Girls, also known as Girls' High, is a public college preparatory magnet high school for girls in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1848, it was one of the first public schools for women.
Serving 592 students in grades 9-12, Girls High 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 25% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80-84% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 592 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Btm 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: The attendance zone for GIRLS HS covers the entire school district of Philadelphia, PA, encompassing approximately 142.7 square miles. It typically takes 15-20 minutes to drive to the school from various points within the zone, which stretches up to 12.8 miles from the furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Girls High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Girls High School's student population of 592 students has declined by 29% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has grown by 30% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
592 students
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Year Founded
1848
School Calendar
School Motto
Vincit qui se vincit
School Rankings
Girls High 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 Girls High School is 0.52, which is less 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
#1063 out of 2733 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
Asian
13%
5%
Hispanic
11%
16%
Black
67%
14%
White
3%
60%
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
87.5%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)51.7%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White and Yellow
School Mascot
Gazelle
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Girls High School's ranking?
Girls High School is ranked #1063 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Girls High School often compared to?
Girls High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Central High School, Arts Academy At Benjamin Rush by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 80-84% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Girls High School?
The graduation rate of Girls High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 87.5%.
How many students attend Girls High School?
592 students attend Girls High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Girls High School students are Black, 13% of students are Asian, 11% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Girls High School?
Girls High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Girls High School offer ?
Girls High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Girls High School part of?
Girls High School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Girls High School located?
Girls High School is located in the North Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 106 other public schools located in North Philadelphia.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
i love this school
5 10/10/2025
My daughter did very well in this school. I commence the teachers to the utmost. Thank you so much to all of the staff. My baby graduated from West Chester University in 2021.
Review Girls High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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