Philadelphia extends school selection deadline as families await test scores

Philadelphia’s school district extended its 2027–2028 school selection application deadline to December 16, announcing the change on November 12 as families await state test results.

The new timetable is intended to give families time to review 2026 assessment results before choosing schools. Some selective schools use state scores to determine eligibility, according to Chalkbeat’s Rebecca Redelmeier.

The district said it plans to close the Avela application system temporarily from November 24 to December 2 while it uploads assessment results and updates applications. The district says families will be notified when updated PSSA results are available and can review scores, update information and submit or resubmit applications before the December 16 deadline.

Chalkbeat reports that neighborhood schools are available to students automatically, while families must apply for competitive magnet schools or schools outside their neighborhoods. Students have five school selection choices, and an ineligible choice uses one of those slots.

The state’s education board was expected to vote the following week on proposed changes to score thresholds for the PSSA and Keystone exams, Chalkbeat reported on November 12. The district said the application extension was tied to the wait for assessment results.