Criteria-Based schools often have specialized programming admit students based on a competitive criteria. Criteria can often include a student having all As and Bs (sometimes 1 C), outstanding behavior and attendance, and Proficient/Advanced PSSA scores. Additionally, these schools require interviews and/or auditions.

City wide admissions schools also have specialized programming, but admission to these schools is lottery-based as of October 2021.

Neighborhood schools are simply the school you are assigned to based on your address. Neighborhood schools have no admission criteria; one simply must register at their local school. It is NOT necessary to list your neighborhood school on your application. However, you may apply to a school outside of your catchment.

Charter schools are public schools but operate independently from the school district. Charter schools have no admission criteria; however, they are lottery-based and have a separate application. Please see Application Process page for more information.

Renaissance Schools are charter schools that operate like neighborhood schools and must accept students within their catchment area.

Private schools may have admission criteria, but this varies by school. Private schools require tuition, but many offer scholarships to students.