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 522 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 11% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 36%). 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 17:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 522 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lowell James R School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Lowell James R School's student population of 522 students has declined by 32% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has declined by 34% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
522 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
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 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2560 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
36%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
57%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
10%
5%
Hispanic
20%
15%
Black
62%
14%
White
2%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
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
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lowell James R School's ranking?
Lowell James R School is ranked #2560 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?
11% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% 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?
522 students attend Lowell James R School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Lowell James R School students are Black, 20% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are White.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Lowell James R School?
Lowell James R School has a student ration of 17:1, 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.
School Reviews
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