Castor Gardens Middle School, previously known as Woodrow Wilson Middle School, is a historic, American middle school located in the Castor Gardens neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a part of the School District of Philadelphia.
Serving 1,269 students in grades 6-8, Castor Gardens Middle 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 14% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,269 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 87%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Castor Gardens Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Castor Gardens Middle School's student population of 1,269 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 71 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,269 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
71 teachers
Year Founded
1927
School Calendar
School Motto
Our MISSION at Castor Garden Middle School is to sustain a safe and nurturing environment in which the entire learning community addresses the unique developmental needs of early adolescents.
School Rankings
Castor Gardens Middle 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 Castor Gardens Middle School is 0.74, 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
#2290 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
57%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
21%
5%
Hispanic
39%
15%
Black
23%
14%
White
13%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Castor Gardens Middle School's ranking?
Castor Gardens Middle School is ranked #2290 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Castor Gardens Middle School?
1,269 students attend Castor Gardens Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Castor Gardens Middle School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are Black, 21% of students are Asian, 13% of students are White, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Castor Gardens Middle School?
Castor Gardens Middle School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Castor Gardens Middle School offer ?
Castor Gardens Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Castor Gardens Middle School part of?
Castor Gardens Middle School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Castor Gardens Middle School located?
Castor Gardens Middle School is located in the Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 28 other public schools located in Northeast Philadelphia.
School Reviews
Review Castor Gardens Middle 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
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
