Advertisement

GreatSchools Rating

Wakisha CS

Charter | 6-8 | 331 students

 

Be sure to visit

Take along one of
our checklists:

 

Living in Philadelphia

Situated in an inner city neighborhood. The median home value is $94,600. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $900.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 3 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
No new ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Rate this school

Click on stars to rate
Please select a star rating for this school.
    Helpful reviews answer questions:
  • What do you think others should know?
  • What do you like?
  • How could your school improve?
    Review Guidelines
    GreatSchools won’t post reviews that contain:
  • Inappropriate language
  • Allegations of criminal conduct
  • Names of students, teachers or staff
1200 characters remaining
Please indicate your relationship to the school.
Please read and accept our Terms of Use to join GreatSchools.
Indicates a required field

33 reviews of this school


Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted September 11, 2008

I think this school is excellent i love it!
—Submitted by a student


Posted August 1, 2008

I go to Wakisha Charter School and it is a great school !!!
—Submitted by a student


Posted July 21, 2008

My name is Kiyhana Kinzer and I attend Wakisha Charter School. This going to be my last year at this school. This school has taught me things that i wouldn' t have learned in my neighborhood school. The staff in our school is very well. All the teachers take their personal time to help us students. i learned alot of great black history from my teachers Mr.Dunn and Mr.Johnson. Also the rest of my seventh grade staff did. I like the way our school went on histrorical trips and the teachers got up and actually taught us something meaningfull. Our reading and math teachers really helped us when it came down to pssa. I really love my school. So parents should send their child to this school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted April 6, 2008

The school gives good training and help with our work and the teachers care about everylast student that attendes the school
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 24, 2007

Wakisha Charter School has proven to take full control of teaching our children the Black History that is lacking in other schools. My son started Wakisha back in September 2006 as a 6th grader and sure we had some confusion with the bus system, but I soon realized it was not Wakisha's fault. The administrator and principle was very instrumental in improving the poor service they were receiving from the bus companies, and so far this year it's been improved. We as parents must not forget the 'important' role we play in our kids education. Just like you dislike something about the school, be just as adamant when you like something about the school --- speak your mind. So this brings me to, I love the school and it's mission;however, I would greatly appreciate more communication with the teachers re: homework and special projects due dates.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 27, 2007

Wakisha Charter school is what I would explain as a afro-centric school. It teaches us about our history. I would have to say this school is not the best but it is excelling to success. I been at this school for three years now and is now attending 8th grade where there is failing grades but we will overcome these standards people think we are at. Wakisha is not the best but is not the worst either it is in the middle trying to accomplish goals within this school even no a lot of problems may follow. I love the staff because they are caring and want us to succeed. Example ms.Comerie and Ms. gill our excellent counselor.
—Submitted by Ayanna Wilson, a student


Posted August 2, 2006

I attended wakisha charter school and I like the school. This school helped me understand the importance of my black heritage. Although the buses were late most of the time. That wasn't the school's fault that was Johnson Bus Service's fault. But overall the school is great and I enjoyed my first year and I hope this enjoyable feeling will stay until 8th grade. The NTA's were always making sure that the students were safe and felt safe in Wakisha. The teachers always made sure the students understood what they were being taught. I am glad I tried this school. It really made a difference
—Submitted by Haniyyah Scott, a student


Posted June 19, 2006

I think Wakisha Charter School is an excellen school. Although it has had its problems the focus has always been on my child. I believe that the staff truly cares about the kids beyond the doors of the school. On numberous occasions teachers and staff members have taken the time out to ensure that my child has recieved a quality education, thay have kept me updated and my child motivated. Its is truly a family atmosphere there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 6, 2006

My son attends Wakisha Charter now and is in the 8th grade. I am not happy with anything reguard this school and his last year there. The website to help parents keep in contact with parents is never up to date nor does anyone respond to emails sent. I haven't received a progress report for my kid all year and he has attened since 6th grade. When I called to ask why haven't I received any they advised mailing list was incorrect for 2 semesters. My son doesn't like his classrooms at all. He seems to think the other students are not focused and the teachers aren't helping to keep his. If I had the change to do over I would not have ever sent my child to this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 16, 2005

My son just finished at Wakisha Charter School after going there for three years. Even though it was a relatively new school, I was very pleased with the education that my son received. There were a lot of changes in the three years that my son was there, but I think that is to be expected from a new school. Considering that the school is around six years old, I think they are on the right track to sucess. I know for a fact that my son got a better education at Wakisha than he would have gotten at my neighborhood school and I must say again that I am very pleased with the education that he received.
—Submitted by michelle catledge, a parent


Posted June 1, 2005

I was very disappointed in the professionalism of the staff and teacher stabillity. There was a constant turn over of principals and teachers throughout the entire school year. The music program was omitted just after 2 months of school. I think the school has potential, but there needs to be some immediate improvement. I will not allow my son to return there next year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 9, 2004

My son has just started 6th grade at Wakisha. He is very excited about attending school. The first time that I can remember. Yes, the school bus is late picking the children up. So far we have not had any bad experiences with Wakisha. Looking forward to first report to see how he is really doing. The teachers seem to take a real interest in the students and the students want to learn. Will see how the year goes and submit an update.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 12, 2004

This school is horrible. The teachers are not committed to the children at all. The administration did not stand by the parents at all. The bus drivers were always late getting the kids to school and home. The teachers sometime didn't show up to parent teachers night and the cirriculum, please. When I first came to Wakisha to enroll my daughter, I was lied to! This school is a disciplinary school. Not academic.
—Submitted by liz brown, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 77% in 2012.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
29%

2011

 
 
29%

2010

 
 
29%

2009

 
 
22%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 69% in 2012.

83 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
27%

2011

 
 
17%

2010

 
 
20%

2009

 
 
24%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 80% in 2012.

110 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
41%

2010

 
 
43%

2009

 
 
32%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 76% in 2012.

112 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
42%

2011

 
 
35%

2010

 
 
33%

2009

 
 
42%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 76% in 2012.

85 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
40%

2011

 
 
25%

2010

 
 
40%

2009

 
 
43%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

86 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
29%

2010

 
 
59%

2009

 
 
61%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

79 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
15%

2011

 
 
8%

2010

 
 
9%

2009

 
 
21%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 73% in 2012.

88 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
44%

2011

 
 
24%

2010

 
 
36%

2009

 
 
60%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

See Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Math

All Students29%
Female37%
Male20%
Black29%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged28%
Students with disabilities (IEP)8%
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students27%
Female23%
Male30%
Black27%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged27%
Students with disabilities (IEP)15%
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Math

All Students55%
Female57%
Male52%
Black54%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged54%
Students with disabilities (IEP)20%
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students42%
Female48%
Male36%
Black42%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged41%
Students with disabilities (IEP)18%
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Math

All Students40%
Female41%
Male39%
Black40%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged40%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students54%
Female52%
Male55%
Black54%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged54%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Science

All Students15%
Female13%
Male17%
Black15%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged15%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Writing

All Students44%
Female47%
Male42%
Black44%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged44%
Students with disabilities (IEP)7%
English language learnersn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science. The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles. The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.

The different student groups are identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Pennsylvania's state standards

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 100% 15%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Asian 0% 3%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Hispanic 0% 8%
Two or more races 0% 2%
White 0% 71%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Attendance

  This school District averageState average
Attendance rate 93%N/A95%
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2004-2005

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 11N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

School basics

School Leader's name
  • Mr Elbert Sampson

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Title I Schoolwide program (SWP)
School leaders can update this information here.

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events found for this school
Searching for school events...
Date
Title
  • {{date}}
    {{title}}
Export calendar
Microsoft Outlook
iCal Format
Google Calendar
POWERED BY
Tandem

Apply

To learn more about enrolling, please call the school.
 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

900 West Jefferson St
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: (267) 940-4800

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare

Nearby schools

St. Malachy School
Philadelphia, PA


Harrison William H School
Philadelphia, PA



Ludlow James R School
Philadelphia, PA


Dunbar Paul L School
Philadelphia, PA


Al-Aqsa Islamic Academy
Philadelphia, PA


ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT