George Washington High School is a public high school in the Somerton section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, near Bustleton. The school serves Northeast Philadelphia, including Somerton, Bustleton, and Fox Chase. Named after the first president of the United States, George Washington, it is located on Bustleton Ave.
Serving 1,886 students in grades 9-12, Washington George High 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 35-39% (which is approximately equal to the Pennsylvania state average of 36%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (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 72% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,886 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 66% (Btm 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Washington George High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Washington George High School's student population of 1,886 students has grown by 38% over five school years.
The teacher population of 122 teachers has grown by 74% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,886 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
122 teachers
Year Founded
1962
Colors
Blue, Gold
School Rankings
Washington George High 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 Washington George High School is 0.77, 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
#1900 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
36%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
57%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
18%
5%
Hispanic
18%
15%
Black
30%
14%
White
28%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
66%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Washington George High School's ranking?
Washington George High School is ranked #1900 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Washington George High School often compared to?
Washington George High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Northeast High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% PA state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Washington George High School?
The graduation rate of Washington George High School is 66%, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 87%.
How many students attend Washington George High School?
1,886 students attend Washington George High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
30% of Washington George High School students are Black, 28% of students are White, 18% of students are Asian, 18% of students are Hispanic, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Washington George High School?
Washington George High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Washington George High School offer ?
Washington George High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Washington George High School part of?
Washington George High School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Washington George High School located?
Washington George High School is located in the Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 28 other public schools located in Northeast Philadelphia.
School Reviews
5 5/17/2016
I recently graduated from this school last year. I would have to so say that George Washington is a great school in comparison to other Philadelphia school. we have an awesome IB program and AP teachers. although there are many fights it is a nice safe environment for students who aren't in the mix of the drama. As well the vice principals put forth a great effort to help students, better than the counselors. The diversity in the school created for a better environment with less segregation and racism within the school. But i will admit outside of the school isn't very safe for students lots of smoking in fighting.
2 7/11/2011
George Washington High School is the worst school you could send your kid to. There are constanly problems with them giving you credits even when you are a straight A student, and nearly all the teachers lack interest in their students. Theyre unwilling to help you succeed, and lack the attention needed in a classroom. For example, one of the teachers, I wont name who, was totally oblivious to the fact that a kid was smoking a cigerett in her classroom during class; the kid was barley three feet away from her. There are fights everyday, without fail, and instead of security gaurds breaking it up, they sit back and enjoy the entertainment. Then the people you are suppose to be able to talk to and help you with your problems; the counselors; couldnt care less about your problems. Students may go a hole year without a even meeting their counselor. Even if you go down to see them, they rarley give you the time of day. Students are marked late when theyre early; and they marked absent when theyre present. Over all George Washington is the worst school to help a student succeed.
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