The top reported proficiency rate is 51% in English language arts. The lowest is 41% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Universal Creighton Cs
Universal Creighton CS is a charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade in Northeast Philadelphia, at a location on Tabor Avenue. The school's enrollment is small to mid-sized for its grades, with representation across all nine grade bands. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with substantial shares of Black and Asian students and very few white students. Nearly all students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic circumstances of the families the school serves.
On state assessments in grades 3 through 8, the school's results are mixed. English language arts proficiency sits just above half of tested students. Math proficiency is notably lower, at about four in ten students meeting the state's proficiency standard. Science proficiency, measured most recently two years ago, was at approximately mid-range. These results place the school in a position where many families will want to understand the school's academic trajectory and approach to instruction before enrolling, particularly if grade-level and subject-matter mastery is a priority.
The school does not report data on the share of students with individual education plans or on English learner enrollment, so a parent seeking that information would need to contact the school directly. State testing data for kindergarten through second grade is not available, as those grades are not assessed under Pennsylvania's state testing system.
A significant development began in September 2024: Universal Creighton joined the city's Extended Day/Extended Year initiative, a free program providing before- and after-school care from early morning to early evening, enrichment activities including chess, arts, and coding, plus free programming during winter and spring breaks and a six-week summer camp. This program was expanded further in the 2025-26 school year and is jointly funded by the City and School District, making it a substantial resource for working families. The program essentially extends the school day to full-day, year-round coverage at no cost to families, a meaningful addition to the school's service model.
Philadelphia itself is a large, walkable city built on a strong neighborhood identity, with a dense urban core (Center City) and stable residential neighborhoods of rowhouses spreading outward. The city is home to major employers in healthcare, higher education, life sciences, and financial services, and is anchored by an extensive public library system, large parks, and SEPTA transit. Housing costs in the school's zip code are substantially below both state and national benchmarks, reflecting the more economically modest character of many neighborhoods in Northeast Philadelphia. The area around Tabor Avenue is a working-class residential neighborhood with strong community ties.
The school's charter status means it operates under a performance contract with independent governance, and admission is open to all families who apply. A parent considering this school should view the modest state test results as a starting point for a conversation with school leadership about curriculum, instruction, and support systems, and should factor in the newly available all-day, year-round extended-day program as a practical benefit for family scheduling.
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