Joseph W. Catharine School is a historic elementary school located in the Mount Moriah neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is part of the School District of Philadelphia. The building was designed by Irwin T. Catharine and built in 1937–1938. It is a three-story, six-bay, yellow brick in the Moderne-style.
Serving 421 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Catharine Joseph 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% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 421 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Catharine Joseph School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Catharine Joseph School's student population of 421 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
421 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Catharine Joseph 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 Catharine Joseph School is 0.52, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2475 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
6%
5%
Hispanic
18%
15%
Black
67%
14%
White
1%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
7%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Catharine Joseph School's ranking?
Catharine Joseph School is ranked #2475 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Catharine Joseph School often compared to?
Catharine Joseph Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Patterson John M School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Catharine Joseph School?
421 students attend Catharine Joseph School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Catharine Joseph School students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Catharine Joseph School?
Catharine Joseph School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Catharine Joseph School offer ?
Catharine Joseph School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Catharine Joseph School part of?
Catharine Joseph School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Catharine Joseph School located?
Catharine Joseph School is located in the Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 1 other public schools located in Southwest Philadelphia.
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