The top reported proficiency rate is 23% in Science. The lowest is 7% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Steel Edward Sch
Steel Edward School is a small elementary and middle school in the Hunting Park neighborhood of North Philadelphia, serving pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The school's enrollment sits slightly above average for its grade band, distributed fairly evenly across the grades with the largest cohorts in fourth and seventh grade. Nearly the entire student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, and the enrollment is predominantly Black, with smaller shares of Hispanic and multiracial students and very small numbers of Asian, white, and Native American students. Data on special education and English learner populations was not available.
Academic performance at Steel Edward is low across measured subjects. In math, the most recent state assessment data shows proficiency well below where the district aims to move students, with only a small fraction of students meeting state proficiency standards. In English language arts, proficiency is also markedly low, with fewer than one in five students assessed meeting standard. Science proficiency, measured most recently in 2022-23, was also substantially below the state expectation, and no more recent science data is available. The district recently adopted a new science-of-reading ELA curriculum that began in 2024-25, and new math materials that rolled out starting the previous year, so a parent may want to look into how those shifts are taking hold at this particular school and what additional supports the school is providing students who are not yet proficient.
The school sits in a neighborhood that is densely packed, walkable, and anchored by neighborhood commerce. Philadelphia as a whole has seen moderate population growth in recent years, concentrated mainly in Center City rather than in residential neighborhoods farther north. The housing stock in the school's zip code is modestly valued and rents are relatively affordable by national standards, though housing costs have risen in the past year. The broader city continues to anchor its economy in healthcare, higher education, financial services, and life sciences, with the largest employers centered in University City and Center City rather than in North Philadelphia neighborhoods.
The school is part of Philadelphia City School District, which is investing in curriculum standardization citywide and has dedicated increasing shares of property tax revenue to schools in recent years. The district also approved a major facilities plan that includes building closures and modernizations; a parent should review the district's announcement to see whether Steel Edward is affected.
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