Following an unanticipated delay in receiving state test scores, the School District of Philadelphia has moved back the application period for its annual school selection process.
Once the 2026 PSSA and Keystone results are verified and released by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), school officials will contact applicants to assist them in submitting their scores. Results are expected to be released “later this fall,” according to Watlington.
Monique Braxton, a spokesperson for the School District of Philadelphia, did not confirm whether verified state scores would be available by the time the application window opens. Braxton said the district is “following the lead of the PDE,” according to a PhillyVoice report.
Verified PSSA and Keystone results for the 2025-2026 school year have been held up at the state level, according to PhillyVoice. While preliminary results have been shared, the district awaits state verification before release.
Application requirements for school selection have also been modified for the 2027-2028 school year. Complete details about the process can be obtained from the district website.
As noted by PhillyVoice, new criteria for the 2027-2028 year include final grades in English language arts or reading, math, and science for eligibility. Social studies and writing requirements are removed.
Report cards and transcripts are now required for all criteria-based school applications. Expanded eligibility for career and technical education prioritizes students who completed the district’s summer program. Pre-K priority applies for students seeking to remain in the same school for kindergarten.
ZIP-code-based priority will apply to certain criteria-based schools for homes in the 19132, 19133, 19135, 19138, 19140, and 19141 ZIP codes. English learners, students with disabilities, or those with 504 plans will receive individualized review where applicable, according to a Chalkbeat report.
School Transition Committees (STCs)
In addition to changes to school selection, the district opened applications for School Transition Committees (STCs) to support the $3 billion, 10-year facilities plan and the closure of 17 schools. Each committee will have 20 members for 50 affected schools. Members will be volunteers required to participate in orientation and regular meetings during the 2026-2027 school year, according to PhillyVoice.
Selected STC members will be notified by Oct. 1, with work slated to begin the week of Oct. 12. The STCs will report to a new School Transition Office that will coordinate community engagement, project management, and information dissemination.