The Julia Ward Howe School, also known as the Julia Ward Howe Academics Plus Elementary School is an historic American school that is located in the Fern Rock neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is part of the School District of Philadelphia.
Serving 229 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Howe Julia Ward 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 15-19% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 229 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Howe Julia Ward School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Howe Julia Ward School's student population of 229 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has grown by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
229 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
At Howe we R.O.A.R- We are Responsible, We are Organized, We are Accountable, We are Ready to take on any Challenge!
School Rankings
Howe Julia Ward 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 Howe Julia Ward School is 0.36, 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
#2368 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
15%
16%
Black
79%
14%
White
n/a
60%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
92%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
12%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Howe Julia Ward School's ranking?
Howe Julia Ward School is ranked #2368 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Howe Julia Ward School often compared to?
Howe Julia Ward Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lindley Academy Cs At Birney by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Howe Julia Ward School?
229 students attend Howe Julia Ward School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Howe Julia Ward School students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Howe Julia Ward School?
Howe Julia Ward School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Howe Julia Ward School offer ?
Howe Julia Ward School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Howe Julia Ward School part of?
Howe Julia Ward School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Howe Julia Ward School located?
Howe Julia Ward School is located in the North Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 106 other public schools located in North Philadelphia.
School Reviews
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