Best University City Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 2,227 students in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia, PA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in University City are Penn Alexander School, Science Leadership Academy Middle School and Lea Henry C School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia, PA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Pennsylvania public middle school average of 29%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 52% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Pennsylvania public middle school average of 47% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Middle Schools in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia, PA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Penn Alexander School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
4209 Spruce St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 400-7760
Gr: K-8 | 595 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
Science Leadership Academy Middle School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
3610 Warren St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 400-8320
Gr: 5-8 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #33.
Lea Henry C School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4700 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19139
(215) 400-7660
Gr: PK-8 | 503 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #44.
Comegys Benjamin B School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
5100 Greenway Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 400-7860
Gr: K-8 | 252 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #55.
Laboratory Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
Administrative Office
Philadelphia, PA 19140
(267) 817-4720
Gr: K-8 | 461 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 99%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia, PA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia, PA include Penn Alexander School, Science Leadership Academy Middle School and Lea Henry C School.
How many public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia?
5 public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia?
the neighborhood of University City, Philadelphia public middle schools minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Pennsylvania public middle schools average of 47% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Recent Articles

Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.

Quick Links