The top reported proficiency rate is 12% in English language arts. The lowest is 4% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Heston Edward Sch
Heston Edward School is a small K-8 public school in Philadelphia that serves an economically disadvantaged neighborhood. The school's enrollment is roughly evenly split across the grade band, with a tiny number of students in pre-K and a steady stream of third through eighth graders. Nearly the entire student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, and the school is predominantly Black, with a small Hispanic population and a handful of students from multiple racial backgrounds.
The school's academic performance in state testing is very low across all measured subjects. In mathematics, only a very small fraction of students tested met proficiency in 2024-25. English language arts performance was slightly better but still well below grade-level expectations, with a similarly small share of tested students proficient. Science results from the most recent year available showed proficiency at comparable levels. These numbers reflect a student population that is not meeting grade-level standards. A parent should investigate directly with the school what interventions are in place to address reading and math proficiency, and what support the school is offering for students who are below grade level.
Heston Edward's enrollment is small for a traditional public school. This may mean closer relationships with teachers and a more cohesive peer community, but it also means fewer course offerings, fewer elective options, and a narrower range of peer backgrounds. The school serves only through eighth grade, so a student will transition to a high school elsewhere in the district.
The wider context matters here. Philadelphia's School District has in the last two years rolled out a new districtwide ELA curriculum based on the science of reading, and a new K-12 mathematics curriculum. These systems are now in place across all district schools, including Heston Edward. The curriculum changes are intended to boost reading and math outcomes citywide, but the first year of the ELA rollout saw a dip in reading proficiency, and the district continues to have a two-thirds proficiency gap in reading. The school operates in a city that is densely walkable and well-served by public transit, but also faces significant economic inequality. The area around the school is residential, with the broader Philadelphia neighborhood character of rowhouses and local commercial corridors.
The school's small enrollment and very low state assessment results suggest a student population that is significantly behind grade level in core academics. A parent considering this school should seek detailed conversations with the school about its reading and math approach, classroom structure, teacher experience, and any specialized supports available for students with academic gaps. The school's location in a city with strong public services and a walkable neighborhood is a benefit, but addressing academic proficiency gaps is the pressing challenge.
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