Joseph H. Brown Elementary School is an elementary school on Frankford Avenue at Stanwood Street in Holmesburg, in the Northeast Philadelphia area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, currently serving students from kindergarten to eighth grade. It is part of the School District of Philadelphia.
Serving 445 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Brown Joseph School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 12% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 32% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 445 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 80%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Brown Joseph School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Brown Joseph School's student population of 445 students has declined by 26% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
445 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Year Founded
1937
School Calendar
School Rankings
Brown Joseph School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Brown Joseph School is 0.71, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2352 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
3%
5%
Hispanic
37%
15%
Black
34%
14%
White
20%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brown Joseph School's ranking?
Brown Joseph School is ranked #2352 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Brown Joseph School often compared to?
Brown Joseph Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Forrest Edwin School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 32% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Brown Joseph School?
445 students attend Brown Joseph School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
37% of Brown Joseph School students are Hispanic, 34% of students are Black, 20% of students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Brown Joseph School?
Brown Joseph School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Brown Joseph School offer ?
Brown Joseph School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Brown Joseph School part of?
Brown Joseph School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Brown Joseph School located?
Brown Joseph School is located in the Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 28 other public schools located in Northeast Philadelphia.
School Reviews
Review Brown Joseph School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex ÎÛÎÛÂþ» Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
