Philadelphia school admissions delayed to

Philadelphia's selective school admissions process for the 2027-28 school year will open on October 5, 2026, at 4 p.m. and close on November 24, according to a district statement reported by Chalkbeat Philadelphia. The delay from the original September 8 start date is due to the district waiting for the state to finalize official 2026 PSSA and Keystone exam scores. Delays in releasing these scores have left educators scrambling and created uncertainty for families.

Superintendent Tony Watlington had announced the September date in a recent back-to-school letter. District officials stated the postponement is to ensure families have access to official, verified 2026 assessment data when making their choices. They received preliminary PSSA scores in June but opted not to release them, waiting instead for the state's reviewed results expected this fall.

Application Process and Test Scores

Criteria-based schools typically use the most recent PSSA exams in admissions. This year, students will use both their 2025 assessment results and the official 2026 data in their applications. The district had previously mentioned an "alternative assessment" could replace the PSSAs.

Once the verified 2026 results are released, district staff will contact all applicants to help them submit their scores. "Families do not need to take any action regarding their 2026 assessment scores at this time," the district said. For a broader look at academic performance, families can review district-wide stats.

Key Changes to Admissions Criteria

The district outlined several important updates for this year's selective admissions process. Final grades in only three core subjects will be considered for eligibility.

Students who attended the district's summer career and technical education (CTE) program will receive priority if applying to a CTE program for 2027-28. Prekindergarten students seeking to enroll in the same school for kindergarten will get lottery preference.

ZIP Code Priority and Individual Reviews

ZIP code preference remains a factor. Families living in specific ZIP codes may receive priority when applying to Masterman, Central, Carver, and Palumbo schools. The eligible ZIP codes are 19132, 19133, 19135, 19138, 19140, and 19141.

Furthermore, the individualized review process has been expanded. This process is used for English learners and students with disabilities or 504 plans. Those students will now receive an individualized review regardless of whether they meet the standard eligibility requirements for the criteria-based schools to which they applied. District officials said this change is designed to allow more qualifying students applying to criteria-based middle and high schools to be considered. Understanding a school's squad can also be part of the selection process for families.