# Philly delays magnet school deadline

> Philly extends magnet school applications until Dec 16 after state test scores lag.
- Title: Philly delays magnet school deadline · PhillyVoice | Shortify
- Summary: Philly extends magnet school applications until Dec 16 after state test scores lag.
- Keywords: philly, magnet schools, state test scores, school selection, december 16, pssas, keystone exams, school district of philadelphia, tony watlington, PhillyVoice
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/philly-delays-magnet-school-selection-deadline
- Published: 2026-11-14T10:01:00.365+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: philly, magnet schools, state test scores, school selection, december 16, pssas, keystone exams, school district of philadelphia, tony watlington, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Philadelphia schools delay student applications to competitive magnet schools until December 16 due to delayed state test scores.