How to Apply to High School

There are 54 public high schools run by the School District of Philadelphia. Students can apply to a school outside of their neighborhood school. This includes:

• Citywide schools: lottery based on space
• Special admission schools: academic criteria-based
• Neighborhood schools: lottery based on space

Students can apply to up to five (5) schools on the common application through the District’s portal. You can see admissions criteria for schools on their virtual booth at the virtual HS Fair, the School District’s High School portal, or each individual school’s website.

Additional Help

Application Link: Schoolselect.philasd.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: 215-400-4290

The Multilingual Assessment Center (MAC) provides recent immigrant, refugee, and multilingual students with assistance through the enrollment and assessment process. If you are new to the District or returning from a period abroad, the MAC can help you compile the information you need to enroll.
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: 215-400 4240

The LeGare Process supports students with a disability or English Learners (EL) with equal opportunities to apply to high schools with admission criteria. For students applying through the LeGare process, your current middle school will assist you in the application process. See more information here.

Apply to most charter schools on a common application called Apply Philly Charter. There are 18 charter schools with high school grades participating in the common application. You can see a list of all schools and grades served for the next academic school here.

Application Link: applyphillycharter.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: 800-891-3999 (9am-6pm EST)

Apply to 17 Catholic high schools in the greater Philadelphia region, 8 of which are located within Philadelphia city limits, operated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Each school requires a separate application.

Need-based and merit-based scholarships are available for tuition assistance. Learn more information here on qualifications and how to apply. Contact the school directly for questions.

Application Link: aopscatholicschools.org/universal-application
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: 215-587-5664

Most private schools and select charter schools not participating in a common application have independent admissions processes. Learn more about a school’s application process, requirements, and deadlines by viewing the school’s High School Fair page.

Need-based and merit-based scholarships are available for tuition assistance. Learn more about affording private school in Philadelphia or contact the individual school directly for questions.

Application Link: See the individual school’s High School Fair page for a direct link to their application.
Contact Information: Contact the individual school for more questions or help, located on the school’s High School Fair page.