Elevate 215 Releases First Citywide Student Learning Report, In Partnership With Philadelphia Equity Alliance
New report provides a comprehensive view of student learning across Philadelphia’s public schools and serves as a foundation for a citywide conversation about the future of education
PHILADELPHIA, PA [June 25, 2026] — Elevate 215, in partnership with the Philadelphia Equity Alliance (PEA), today released the first Citywide Student Learning Report, a comprehensive analysis of student learning trends across Philadelphia’s public district and charter schools. Using publicly available data, the report establishes a citywide picture of student learning, highlighting both areas of progress and opportunities to further accelerate outcomes for students, and helping focus public dialogue on a critical question:
What kind of education system must Philadelphia build to prepare the next generation to thrive in school, work, and life—and strengthen the future of our city?
“This report is the beginning of the conversation,” said Dr. Stacy Holland, Executive Director of Elevate 215. “If we want Philadelphia to be a city where every child has the opportunity to thrive, we need a shared understanding of how our students are doing and an honest discussion about what comes next. The data shows meaningful progress, but it also reminds us that sustained urgency and collective action will be necessary to build a system that delivers the outcomes that students deserve. We hope this report serves as a launchpad for the civic conversation our city needs about the future of education.”
Among the report’s key findings:
- Philadelphia students are experiencing strong and consistent academic growth, with approximately 74% of schools exceeding statewide growth expectations in reading and approximately 70% exceeding expectations in math in 2025, with similar outcomes consistent over the past six years measured.
- Student proficiency rates have generally rebounded since the pandemic and surpassed pre-pandemic performance in math, and reading recovery continues, though achievement remains below state averages.
- Graduation rates have steadily increased from 72% in 2016 to 79% in 2025, reflecting long-term progress across the city.
- While gains are evident, student performance remains significantly below state and national averages, and PSSA, NAEP, and Keystone Assessment data demonstrate the need for continued focus and coordinated action to accelerate learning outcomes.
“The future of Philadelphia depends on the opportunities we create for young people today,” said Ryan N. Boyer, Business Manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council and Co-chair of the Philadelphia Equity Alliance (PEA). “That is why organizations from across the business, labor, nonprofit, and education communities are coming together through the Philadelphia Equity Alliance. This effort is about building a shared vision for the city’s future and recognizing that strong schools are one of the most important foundations for economic opportunity and long-term prosperity.”
“We must come together as civic leaders to create a citywide agenda focused on making sure every child in our city has an opportunity to succeed,” Michael Forman, Chairman and CEO of Future Standard, and Co-chair of the Philadelphia Equity Alliance (PEA).
Richard Vague, business leader, investor, and author, said the report helps establish an important foundation for long-term action.
“As Philadelphia reflects on the first 250 years of our nation’s history, we should also be thinking about the next 250 years of our city’s future,” said Richard Vague, who serves as Co-chair of the PEA Education Committee. “That future will be shaped by our ability to build an education ecosystem that prepares young people to reach their potential, achieve economic security, and contribute to the continued growth and vitality of Philadelphia. I am proud to be part of a coalition committed to advancing that work.”
The Citywide Student Learning Report is the first in a series of reports that will examine key issues affecting student success and economic mobility in Philadelphia. Future reports will build on this baseline analysis to help inform a long-term vision for improving outcomes for students across the city.
To read the full report, visit: https://elevate215.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Elevate-215-Citywide-Student-Learning-Report.pdf
About Elevate 215
Elevate 215 is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit with a goal of increasing the number of quality schools in Philadelphia, supporting effective educators, and creating the conditions that allow students to succeed. Through strategic investments, partnerships, and citywide initiatives, Elevate 215 works to ensure more students have access to high-quality educational opportunities.
About the Philadelphia Equity Alliance
The Philadelphia Equity Alliance is a coalition of civic, business, nonprofit, and community leaders committed to advancing economic mobility across Philadelphia. Through collaboration, research, and public engagement, the Alliance seeks to develop a shared vision for a stronger future for Philadelphia’s families and communities.