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GreatSchools Rating

Green Woods CS

Charter | K-8 | 415 students

We are best known for our award-winning EIC Science curriculum.
 

Living in Philadelphia

Situated in an urban neighborhood. The median home value is $210,000. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $1,040.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 4 ratings
2011:
Based on 4 ratings
2010:
No new ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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66 reviews of this school


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Posted September 16, 2009

Green Woods Charter has outstanding student performance and an environmental curriculum in demand all over the country. The school is located in the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, one of Southeast Pennsylvania's finest natural areas and environmental education centers.


Posted September 16, 2009

Green Woods Charter School is the safest and very loving school that resides in Philadelphia. It was founded in 2002 and my husband and I are very grateful to have found this school and our children are receiving an excellent education. Everyone in the building truly cares about every student that walks through the door each and every year.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 4, 2008

No one could have convinced me that this school existed...a charter school...in Philadelphia...that has highly qualified teachers (lead teachers have Masters and certification in their specialty and they all come with years of experience)...an unbelievable location (allowing children to explore and understand nature at the SCEE)...and a well-rounded curriculum. I've only experienced this level of commitment, dedication, and environment at a school that I was paying 10K a year for one child. This is the best kept secret in Philadelphia as far as grades K-8 goes. You won't believe it until you see it or visit their website. I have two children attending grades 5th and kindergarten....I LOVE it! I keep pinching myself thinking that I am dreaming. I want to kick myself for having paid 50K for my one child to attend a Friends school, which I have no complaints about, for 5 years when this school was available.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 3, 2008

My son attends GWCS and we love it and he loves it. He attended a Philadelphia Public Elementary School and they only taught Reading and Math. (Teaching to the test!)Green Woods is teaching a full curriculum. Teachers are caring and support staff is the most helpful! Having a leadership committee and no principal for this school is just right!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 9, 2006

This school has a great space and a good curriculum. There are problems in leadership (like no principal), communication between parents and the 'leadership committee.' Sometimes there is a 'punitive' tone to their communications.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 7, 2004

My daughter attends Green Woods and we are so impressed with the atmosphere of family and how much she has learned so quickly. Her grades have dramatically improved and she is much more challenged by the creative projects that the school comes up with. While space remains an issue, we have found that the bottom line is that it doesn't matter as far as education is concerned. We are confident that the administration continues to address those issues and will resolve them. We love Green Woods!
—Submitted by Cat Neman, 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 80% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
91%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 74% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
67%

2009

 
 
74%
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 83% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
82%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
80%

2009

 
 
77%
Science

The state average for Science was 82% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
96%

2009

 
 
96%
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 73% in 2012.

22 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
65%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 65% in 2012.

22 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
65%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 64% in 2012.

22 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
74%

2009

 
 
50%
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 77% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
85%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 69% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
85%
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.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
82%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 76% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
82%
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.

21 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
83%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

22 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%

2009

 
 
94%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

22 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
61%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 73% in 2012.

22 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
94%
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 Students96%
Female100%
Male93%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White95%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students89%
Female82%
Male93%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White85%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
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 Students96%
Femalen/a
Male100%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White96%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students81%
Femalen/a
Male88%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White79%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Science

All Students96%
Femalen/a
Male100%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White96%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
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 Students68%
Female57%
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White63%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students82%
Female79%
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White84%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Writing

All Students82%
Female79%
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White79%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
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 Students83%
Female91%
Male77%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White84%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students84%
Female100%
Male72%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White85%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
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 Students83%
Female91%
Male75%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White89%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students96%
Female100%
Male92%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White95%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
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 Students91%
Femalen/a
Male92%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White90%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students86%
Femalen/a
Male86%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White85%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Science

All Students77%
Femalen/a
Male86%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White75%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Writing

All Students77%
Femalen/a
Male71%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
White75%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
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
White 85% 71%
Black 13% 15%
Asian 2% 3%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Hispanic 0% 8%
Two or more races 0% 2%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Attendance

  This school District averageState average
Attendance rate 95%N/A95%
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2004-2005

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 14N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Art teacher(s)
Computer specialist(s)
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Nurse(s)
Reading specialist(s)
School social worker/counselors(s)
Special education coordinator
Speech and language therapist(s)
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by school staff Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Social Studies Program of the Year Award (2009)
  • School Performance Rating of #1 (2012)
  • Top School Award - Philadelphia Magazine (2011)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Science
Staff resources available to students
  • Computer specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Outdoor learning lab
  • Science lab

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
School facilities
  • Gym
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:10 am
School end time
  • 3:20pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Jean Wallace, CEO
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (215) 482-9135

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Project-based
  • STEM
  • Standards-based
  • Using the environment as a focus
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Environmental
  • Science
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Counseling
  • Mentoring
  • Title I Targeted Assistance program (TAS)
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Buses/vans for students only
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Outdoor learning lab
  • Performance stage
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • None

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • None
Music
  • None
Performing arts
  • None
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • None
School leaders can update this information here.

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events found for this school
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School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Monitor the playground
  • Organize cultural events
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Volunteer in the classroom
More from this school
  • Our students do extremely well in standardized tests & outperform the state averages. Fourth grade students consistently score in the top 1% in Science. We have an exceptional team of dedicated teachers & very supportive parents! After close to doubling our student enrollment for 2012-2013 we moved, temporarily, into two stately schools in historic Manayunk. During the 2012-13 school year we are building a brand new 60,000 square foot school and multi-acre outdoor learning laboratory.
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

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.

 
Apply now
 

What are your chances?


4 out of 10students were accepted for the 2012-2013 school year.


Students accepted for the 2012-2013 school year
175
Applications received for the 2012-2013 school year
450
Students typically come from these schools
Most students come from various Pre-K programs

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Central High School
Science Leadership Academy
Saul H.S. for Agricultural Sciences
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

8480 Hagy's Mill Rd
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Website: Click here
Phone: (215) 482-6337

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