Full Breakdown
Philadelphia School District Plans Criteria-Based Enrollment Amid Test-Score Delays
8/30/2026, 8:18:18 AM
Core Event
The School District of Philadelphia will unveil a plan next week for students applying to its 37 criteria-based schools for the 2025-26 school year. Historically, applications required the most recent Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and Keystone test scores. Because the district has not received verified 2025-26 results, officials are reviewing alternative procedures, including the possibility of an additional fall exam.
Background & Context
Statewide PSSA results are typically provided to districts in June as preliminary data, with final results released in the fall. The 2024 testing cycle was the first fully online administration, and several schools reported system-wide errors that postponed exam start times. District leaders said these challenges could affect student performance, a pattern observed in other states after transitioning to online testing.
Official Statements & Responses
He emphasized the need to protect the integrity of the selection process and to avoid negative impacts on students. In a letter to district officials, PDE confirmed the ongoing data review but did not provide a comment when contacted.
Data & Statistics
- 37 criteria-based schools are available for enrollment.
- Applications have historically required two years of standardized test scores.
- Preliminary statewide results are usually shared with principals and teachers in June; final results are public in the fall.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In a district where you have a lot of kids moving about because of the transience and poverty levels between district-operated schools and charter schools, I tend to get all of the data and release it when it's verified,” — Superintendent Tony Watlington
- “I just want to make sure that we pay attention to it, and that kids aren't negatively impacted by it,” — Superintendent Tony Watlington
What’s Next
The district expects to announce its enrollment plan within the coming week. If verified scores remain unavailable, students may be offered an alternative fall exam, as reported by local media.
