Castor Gardens Middle School, previously known as Woodrow Wilson Middle School, is a historic, American middle school located in the Castor Gardens neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a part of the School District of Philadelphia.
Serving 1,318 students in grades 6-8, Castor Gardens Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 14% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,318 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 88%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Castor Gardens Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Castor Gardens Middle School's student population of 1,318 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 78 teachers has grown by 52% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,318 students
Total Classroom Teachers
78 teachers
Year Founded
1927
School Calendar
School Motto
Our MISSION at Castor Garden Middle School is to sustain a safe and nurturing environment in which the entire learning community addresses the unique developmental needs of early adolescents.
School Rankings
Castor Gardens Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Castor Gardens Middle School is 0.72, which is more 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
#2290 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
20%
5%
Hispanic
42%
16%
Black
23%
14%
White
12%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
96%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Castor Gardens Middle School's ranking?
Castor Gardens Middle School is ranked #2290 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Castor Gardens Middle School?
1,318 students attend Castor Gardens Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of Castor Gardens Middle School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are Black, 20% of students are Asian, 12% of students are White, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Castor Gardens Middle School?
Castor Gardens Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Castor Gardens Middle School offer ?
Castor Gardens Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Castor Gardens Middle School part of?
Castor Gardens Middle School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Castor Gardens Middle School located?
Castor Gardens Middle School is located in the Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 28 other public schools located in Northeast Philadelphia.
School Reviews
Review Castor Gardens Middle School. 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.
