Tests / By city / Philadelphia
High school entrance tests in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, the 15 archdiocesan high schools share one HSPT sitting for scholarships. It is free, students take it once, and scores can go to up to three schools. Catholic elementary students tested on Sept 21 and 24, 2026. The School District of Philadelphia uses state PSSA scores and grades, then a lottery.
For students entering 9th grade in fall 2027. Facts checked October 11, 2026 on the official pages listed at the bottom. We read a sample of schools, not every one, and dates change every year. Confirm with each school.
Archdiocesan high schools
| Test | HSPT, through the archdiocese's Collaborative Scholarship Testing Process |
|---|---|
| Dates | Sept 21 and Sept 24, 2026 for students in archdiocesan elementary schools. Early October for students from other schools |
| Fee | Free to families |
| Retakes | None. Students take it one time |
| Scores | Sent to up to three of the 15 archdiocesan high schools |
School District of Philadelphia
| Entrance test | None of its own. School Selection uses the state's PSSA English Language Arts and PSSA Math results |
|---|---|
| Grades | Requirements cover three core subjects: ELA or Reading, Math and Science |
| How seats are filled | A student must be marked eligible to enter a school's lottery |
| Central and Masterman | 80th percentile in both ELA and math |
| Deadline | The application closes Nov 24 at 11:59 PM |
About this test
Questions parents in Philadelphia ask
When is the HSPT in Philadelphia?
Early in the school year. For fall 2027 entry, students in archdiocesan elementary schools tested on Sept 21 and Sept 24, 2026, and students from other schools tested in early October.
Is the HSPT free in Philadelphia?
Yes. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia gives it at no cost to the family, and students take it one time.
Do Philadelphia public high schools have an entrance exam?
No. The district's School Selection process uses PSSA scores and grades to decide who is eligible, then runs a lottery for each school.
Sources
Other cities
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