PHILADELPHIA, PA — The School District of Philadelphia has reached a significant milestone in academic excellence, with all 55 district high schools now fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). With the official accreditation of the District’s Middle States System Group 3 (SG3) schools, School District of Philadelphia high schools—serving catchment or neighborhoods, criteria-based, and citywide admissions, including Philadelphia Virtual Academy, are now accredited. This achievement affirms that each school meets rigorous standards for educational quality and is committed to continuous improvement.
“The School District of Philadelphia is proud to celebrate this historic milestone,” said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D. “This is the first time in recent history that all 55 District high schools have earned accreditation distinction. Our schools not only meet, but exceed the national standard of excellence. This is a testament to the deliberate work of our dedicated educators and administrators, diligent students, and engaged families and communities. This recognition reflects our commitment to achieving academic excellence and to preparing students to be college and career-ready by offering them high-quality and rigorous academic and extracurricular programs in every school, regardless of their zip codes. We are on our way to becoming the fastest improving, large urban school district.”
The district pursued systemwide MSA accreditation to advance priorities that matter most to students, families, and communities across Philadelphia. The district’s five-year strategic plan, Accelerate Philly, has driven gains in academic achievement, attendance, and graduation rates while strengthening the systems, accountability, and continuous improvement required for Middle States accreditation.
Newly Accredited High Schools
Building 21
Hill-Freedman World Academy
Olney High School
Penn Treaty High School
Philadelphia Virtual Academy
Randolph High School
Sayre High School
The LINC
The U School
The Workshop School
Vaux Big Picture High School
Widener Memorial School
Re-Accredited High Schools
Bartram High School
Bodine High School
Central High School
Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School
Philadelphia High School for Girls
Roxborough High School
Strawberry Mansion High School
Washington High School
As accredited members of the Middle States Association, School District of Philadelphia high schools now join a global network of more than 3,200 schools across 117 countries committed to the highest standards of educational excellence. As part of the accreditation process, each school developed a multi-year improvement plan with clear goals and measurable outcomes.
From this point forward, graduates of these schools will earn diplomas from MSA-accredited institutions, supporting access to pathways where an American-style diploma is recognized. The District is host to six alternative high schools, where students progress through non-traditional curricula that are currently in the process of earning accreditation. The District will remain engaged with Middle States throughout the accreditation cycle, including submitting a midterm progress report to demonstrate continued growth and accountability.
The School District of Philadelphia remains committed to advancing academic excellence, strengthening school systems, and ensuring every student graduates prepared for success beyond high school.
