The Parkway Center City Middle College is the first ever Middle College in the state of Pennsylvania. It is also an historic, American vocational school that is located in the Poplar neighborhood of Philadelphia. It is part of the School District of Philadelphia.
Serving 436 students in grades 9-12, Parkway Center City Middle College ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80-84% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 34:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 436 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 34:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 10% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Parkway Center City Middle College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Parkway Center City Middle College's student population of 436 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 13 teachers has grown by 62% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
436 students
Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
'Pursuing Excellence, Honoring Diversity'
School Rankings
Parkway Center City Middle College ranks within the top 30% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Parkway Center City Middle College is 0.52, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#620 out of 2733 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
55%
Student-Teacher Ratio
34:1
13:1
Asian
7%
5%
Hispanic
20%
16%
Black
66%
14%
White
3%
60%
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)16.7%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
59%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parkway Center City Middle College's ranking?
Parkway Center City Middle College is ranked #620 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Parkway Center City Middle College often compared to?
Parkway Center City Middle Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Academy At Palumbo, Science Leadership Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 80-84% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Parkway Center City Middle College?
The graduation rate of Parkway Center City Middle College is 95%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 87%.
How many students attend Parkway Center City Middle College?
436 students attend Parkway Center City Middle College.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Parkway Center City Middle College students are Black, 20% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Parkway Center City Middle College?
Parkway Center City Middle College has a student ration of 34:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Parkway Center City Middle College offer ?
Parkway Center City Middle College offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Parkway Center City Middle College part of?
Parkway Center City Middle College is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Parkway Center City Middle College located?
Parkway Center City Middle College is located in the West Poplar neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 1 other public schools located in West Poplar.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I am a Freshman of PCC starting on September 7,2012.. This one of the best schools in Philadelphia.. They have cheerleading,track & field,basketball(girls & boys) and other.. This school help you too go to college.
Review Parkway Center City Middle College. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
