Philadelphia school district delays school selection deadline as wait for state test scores drags on

Philadelphia families now have three additional weeks to select schools for the upcoming academic year, thanks to a delayed deadline announced by Superintendent Tony Watlington on Thursday. The new deadline for the school selection process is Dec. 16, providing more time for students and families to consider their options outside of their neighborhood schools.

The delay in the deadline is due to the ongoing delay in receiving state test scores, which are crucial for students applying to competitive magnet schools and schools outside their neighborhoods. District officials have assured families that they will receive the state test scores before the Dec. 16 deadline to allow ample time for deliberation.

However, there remain significant questions about the delayed state test results. Typically, the district shares preliminary scores with families and teachers in August. Yet, this year, the scores have been "on hold" by the state, causing confusion and frustration among families and educators. State officials recently proposed changes to the scoring system for the statewide Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and Keystone exams, which could make it easier for students to be classified as "advanced."

The state Board of Education is currently scheduled to vote on the proposed changes next week, after which the scores will be shared with districts.

To accommodate the delayed scores, Watlington announced that the school selection website will be temporarily closed between Nov. 24 and Dec. 2 to upload the updated test score data. Families will be notified when the 2026 PSSA results are available and will have the opportunity to review their scores, update their information, and submit/resubmit their applications during this period.