The James Russell Lowell School is a historic, American elementary school that is located in the Olney 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 503 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, Lowell James R School ranks in the bottom 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 10-14% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 13% (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 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 503 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Lowell James R Sch serves the northern part of Philadelphia, PA, covering an attendance area of approximately 0.9 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the zone being about 0.6 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Lowell James R School's student population of 503 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
503 students
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Lowell James R 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 Lowell James R School is 0.57, 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
#2553 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
9%
5%
Hispanic
23%
16%
Black
61%
14%
White
1%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
11%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lowell James R School's ranking?
Lowell James R School is ranked #2553 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Lowell James R School often compared to?
Lowell James R Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Finletter Thomas K School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 13% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Lowell James R School?
503 students attend Lowell James R School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Lowell James R School students are Black, 23% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lowell James R School?
Lowell James R School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Lowell James R School offer ?
Lowell James R School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lowell James R School part of?
Lowell James R School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Lowell James R School located?
Lowell James R School is located in the Olney neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 5 other public schools located in Olney.
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