The top reported proficiency rate is 46% in Science. The lowest is 30% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Holme Thomas Sch
Holme Thomas School serves grades pre-K through eight in Northeast Philadelphia, drawing students from the surrounding rowhouse neighborhoods. The school enrolls students from across the economic and demographic spectrum. The student body is diverse in racial and ethnic background, with representation from White, Hispanic, Asian, Black, and multiracial families. Every student qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating the neighborhood is classified as low-income.
On state assessments in the most recent year, the school's proficiency rates sit below what a parent might hope for. In English language arts, about one-third of tested students in grades three through eight performed at proficient levels or above. Math proficiency was lower, with about one-quarter of students demonstrating grade-level competency. Science results from an earlier testing year showed about half of tested students met proficiency standards, suggesting some stronger performance in that subject. These numbers mean most students are not yet at grade level in literacy and math, which are foundational skills that affect their ability to access other learning. A parent may want to look into further detail with the school about how teachers are working to close proficiency gaps and what supports exist for students who fall below grade level.
The school is part of the Philadelphia City School District, which is in the middle of significant change. The district adopted a new science-of-reading literacy curriculum (EL Education for elementary grades) starting in 2024-25, replacing prior approaches. It also rolled out Illustrative Mathematics curriculum district-wide beginning in 2023-24. These changes set the instructional foundation for every classroom, including Holme Thomas. In spring 2026 the district approved a major facilities plan that will reshape school catchments and modernize building stock over the next decade, beginning with school closures in 2026-27; families should track any announcements about whether Holme Thomas is affected. The district also secured increased city funding starting in fiscal 2025, which will flow to schools over the coming years.
The neighborhoods around Holme Thomas are part of Philadelphia's Northeast, a mixed-income area with steady residential character. The city itself has added residents in recent years after pandemic losses, though growth is most visible downtown and in Center City. Housing values in the school's ZIP code are moderate relative to the national average, and rental housing remains relatively affordable compared to homeownership. This is a Philadelphia neighborhood school, embedded in the city's walkable rowhouse fabric, not a campus-style setting. The school's grade span means it serves families from early childhood through the transition to high school, a nine-year arc within one building.
Testing data was not available for all subjects and grades; state results for English language arts and math cover grades three through eight only, and science results are from 2022-23. Data on the school's special education enrollment and English learner population was not reported. No trend data showing how the school has changed over multiple years could be analyzed. These gaps reflect both the reporting structure of state assessment systems and the school's own data practice.
See more original research from School Decision →