From PhillyVoice · · 1m 30s
Philly delays magnet school deadline
Philly extends magnet school applications until Dec 16 after state test scores lag.
In brief
Philly extends magnet school applications until Dec 16 after state test scores lag. Philadelphia schools delay student applications to competitive magnet schools until December 16 due to delayed state test scores. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
New school application deadline
Philadelphia families will have until December 16 to decide which schools they want to apply to outside of their neighborhoods.
State test scores delayed
Most years, the district shares preliminary scores with families and teachers in August, but this year's scores have been put on hold by the state.
State changes test scoring
State officials want to change how they score students' performance on the statewide Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, PSSA, and Keystone exams.
New cut scores proposed
The new scores would make it easier for students to be considered advanced, officials said.
State board vote pending
The state Board of Education isn't scheduled to vote on the new cut scores until next week.
Website closure for data upload
The district expects to temporarily close the school selection website between November 24 and December 2 to upload students' 2026 state test score data.
Families notified of scores
Families will be notified when updated 2026 PSSA results are available and will have an opportunity to review their scores, update their information, and submit/resubmit their applications.
Second deadline extension
This is the second time the district has pushed back the application deadline this year.
The headline
Philadelphia schools delay student applications to competitive magnet schools until December 16 due to delayed state test scores.
