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GreatSchools Rating

Discovery Charter School

Charter | K-8 & ungraded | 612 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted April 16, 2013

I am a "2012" graduate of discovery charter school . I was with DCS from the very beginning in 2003 In 9 years of being there it made me a better student and young lady . They devote there lives to teach us to make sure that we succeed . I was a type of student that got in trouble all time but by the time I made it to middle school I got my act together I did spelling bees , student leader , choir , track , and basketball . I become a leader to other because of DCS we explored the world through learning. when it was time for me to graduate I didn't want to go because of the bond I grew with my teacher even today with me being a freshman in high school I still visit DCS. And my teacher that brought were I am today my mom Couldn't have picked a better school for me to grow , learn , archive , and succeed t


Posted March 8, 2013

I've been an active parent of a student at DCS for 7years, also a part of the Home and School Assoc. Words cannot express the appreciation for the education and experience DCS has/is providing for my child. I am presently preparing another child for possible enrollment. Couldn't see my children anywhere else under anyone else's care! DCS Rocks!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 8, 2012

DCS is a great community school with certified teachers who are up to date in the best teaching methods. The special education and student support staff is growing quantitatively and qualitatively. There is a general family style effort to help students succeed. 8th grader travel to Spain, 5th grade to Canada, 4th grade to Washington, DC and 3rd grade to NYC with more trips planned!
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted November 29, 2010

This is my daughter's 4th year at DCS, and she is flourishing! The teachers are easy to get a hold of and keep me abreast with my daughter's education. The entire staff gives the school a "family" feel.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 28, 2010

I'm pleased with the overall culture of this school. Our assistant principal is always around and is extremely helpful.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted March 2, 2010

Presently, I have two children attending DCS. Last year my oldest child graduated from 8th grade. DCS is great! DCS staff stretch beyond the call of duty for the benefit of the children. The staff is excellent and so is the parents. DCS is a very good choose academically and also for the enviornment. It's safe. My children are doing well at DCS. When my 5th grader began slacking her teachers along with myself partnered to help my child pull her grades up. And team work is a beautiful thing. So hats of to you Ms. Kelly!!! Me and my family love you and DCS!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 19, 2009

I have found that since my son has been attending Discovery he has really stepped up his game in behavior and his subjects. He is still sturggling somewhat but his outlook on his academic subjects thanks to the teachers have improved a whole alot. The teachers their really help the students to achieve their best and never give up on themselves. No matter what obstacles come their way they try to instill in them not to make execuses for their mistakes but to correct those mistakes so that you dont make they same ones twice. At Discovery, failure is not an option only to succeed and achieve at whatever the students do in life.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 27, 2009

This is an excellent school for academics. With a strong support system.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 28, 2007

DCS has a great family feel to it. The teachers really cares about the students and the academic studies are great, my children truly loves this school, they have attended DCS for 3 years. I have a daughter who completed 8th grade and one going into the 6th. Thanks for helping my daughters Discovery all the possibilities.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 4, 2007

My child has been there for the past 4 years and I have seen an improvement in her study skills. Hats off to Ms. Kelly the CEO and the entire staff at DCS!
—Submitted by Pamela Sparrow, a parent


Posted September 18, 2006

my experience with DCS has been a pleasently suprising one .this will be my second year here with my children and I can say being a single parent of two boys i could'nt have picked a better school way that they handle the children is of love and respect I am very happy with my choice .My boys self esteem is gowing at very healthy rate ,and it is because they work with me as parent ,o up lift my children. the academic teaching they recieve is topnotch and all i can say is thank you DCS
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 29, 2006

I have two children who attend DCS since they first opened their doors and I am pleased to say that they have done a very good job in education them. I like the small settings allowing me to familiarize myself with other parents, teachers and staff. My son has been able to bring his math struggles from a failing F to a passing B in one year. Keep up the good work and let's extend the grades to 12th so we can all grow together.
—Submitted by 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.

73 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
84%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 74% in 2012.

73 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
66%

2010

 
 
53%

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.

73 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
64%

2009

 
 
70%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

73 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
52%

2009

 
 
46%
Science

The state average for Science was 82% in 2012.

73 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
46%

2009

 
 
43%
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.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
51%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 65% in 2012.

69 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
49%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
56%

2009

 
 
37%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 64% in 2012.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
23%
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.

64 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
57%

2010

 
 
47%

2009

 
 
41%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 69% in 2012.

62 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
45%

2009

 
 
29%
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.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
64%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
38%

2009

 
 
65%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 76% in 2012.

63 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
37%

2009

 
 
57%
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.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
50%

2010

 
 
56%

2009

 
 
55%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 80% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
84%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

69 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
30%

2011

 
 
19%

2010

 
 
31%

2009

 
 
26%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 73% in 2012.

70 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
88%

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

All Students82%
Female77%
Male88%
Black82%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilities (IEP)82%
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students60%
Female49%
Male74%
Black61%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged63%
Students with disabilities (IEP)64%
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 Students92%
Female89%
Male94%
Black92%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students66%
Female62%
Male70%
Black65%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged66%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Science

All Students88%
Female78%
Male97%
Black88%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged93%
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 Students69%
Female66%
Male71%
Black68%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged67%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students49%
Female44%
Male54%
Black49%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged50%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Writing

All Students80%
Female84%
Male76%
Black79%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged77%
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 Students64%
Female61%
Male70%
Black64%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged66%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students60%
Female70%
Male41%
Black60%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged59%
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 Students64%
Female70%
Male52%
Black64%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged58%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students68%
Female70%
Male65%
Black68%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged67%
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 Students60%
Female51%
Male69%
Black60%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged58%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Students78%
Female82%
Male73%
Black78%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged84%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Science

All Students30%
Female14%
Male49%
Black30%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged31%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
English language learnersn/a

Writing

All Students91%
Female92%
Male91%
Black91%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multi-ethnicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantaged88%
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
Black 100% 16%
American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0%
Asian/Pacific Islander N/A 3%
Hispanic 0% 7%
White N/A 73%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Attendance

  This school District averageState average
Attendance rate 91%N/A95%
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2004-2005

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 18N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

5070 Parkside Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Phone: (215) 879-8182

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