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2020 Best Charter High Schools in PennsylvaniaAbout this List

The 2020 Best Charter High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and charter school ratings. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 79
Best Schools
79 results

  1. The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts

    • Public School
    • Bethlehem, PA
    • 9-12
    • 151 reviews
    #1 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Freshman: The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts appreciates and accepts everyone through artistic expression. Students are able to grasp the concept of collaboration and hard work through vigorous learning both in their major and academically. Teachers and admisnistration strive for each and every student to feel accepted and safe. There is an amazing trust between students and teachers which allows independence and freedom on both parties. The adults are very understanding of stressful situations and will work with the student closely to ensure growth. I have learned so much in my short amount of time here and am excited to go to school each morning. I'm so glad I go here!
    Read 151 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 600 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Franklin Towne Charter High School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 9-12
    • 278 reviews
    #2 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Franklin Towne because I was encouraged to be involved. My teachers and staff saw my potential and then pushed me to see it to. I feel the curriculum prepared we well for college. We had a block schedule where we sat in the same class for about an hour - hour and a half period which is very similar to college courses, an idea that is not encouraged at many other schools so I was honored. I felt my teachers looked out for me personally while also pushing me to educate myself more and broaden my horizons. For change, I would like Franklin Towne to maintain those small relationships within their larger knit community because I feel that it is very important. They are at a time where their school is on television and receiving awards which is phenomenal but I think it is key to ensure that the children and their knowledge is always put first. Overall, my experience at this school was amazing and I am so fortunate to attend such a school.
    Read 278 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,192 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Capital Area School for the Arts Charter School

    • Public School
    • Harrisburg, PA
    • 9-12
    • 31 reviews
    #3 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Sophomore: Excellent academic education as well as advanced and thorough art concentrations. Faculty is the most involved and passionate group of teachers I've ever had! We are such a diverse group of kids and we get the chance to go to school right next to the Pennsylvania state capital building. If you're looking for a college preparatory and art focused high school experience, CASA is the place to go.
    Read 31 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 197 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Renaissance Academy Charter School

    • Public School
    • Phoenixville, PA
    • K-12
    • 112 reviews
    #4 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Sophomore: Teachers are very helpful, there is always more teacher in the classroom for students with disabilities, always motivating us, having the best resources, that best school ever! Everyone is super nice and humble and being a small school, it's really easy to make friends. I'd recommend that anyone in PA come to this school!
    Read 112 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,066 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Mast Community Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 152 reviews
    #5 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: MaST Community Charter School is a great place, and a wonderful educational institution. The teachers, staff, faculty, and administration are all helpful, supportive, and incredibly kind. MaST is extremely safe, and the students are in great, capable hands. It was a fantastic environment for me since kindergarten.
    Read 152 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,332 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Avon Grove Charter School

    • Public School
    • West Grove, PA
    • K-12
    • 81 reviews
    #6 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Parent: All three of my children have attended AGCS since kindergarten and are now entering 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. Above all, my reason for the 5 star ranking is that each of my three children is extremely HAPPY at school. Though their individual needs are extremely different from one another - academically and socially as well as extracurricular interests- and this "small school" with more "limited programming" has easily met their needs. The teachers care deeply and have done everything within their power to help my children succeed, every step of the way. Administrators are approachable and open to feedback and problem solving. All staff are working to expand already amazing programming in the arts, science, language arts, history, math, and foreign language departments. Personal highlights for my children are the dance program (how often is that an option for a MS student?!)and the Chinese language program (one of few local schools to offer Chinese through AP). Highly recommend!
    Read 81 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,684 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School

    • Online School
    • K-12
    • 199 reviews
    #7 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: This is my second year attending Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School and I could not be happier with the amount of support my teachers and counselors have provided me with. Not only has PALCS provided me with an inspiring environment to study and to learn, but it also has taught me the importance of leadership in group settings throughout everyday life. In the future, I hope PALCS continues to offer the same learning experiences and aid to students entering high school, struggling through course material, or applying to colleges. Thanks to PALCS, I am on the road to success with an advanced education that will enable me to perform to the best of my ability at a university!
    Read 199 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,353 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School

    • Public School
    • Midland, PA
    • 7-12
    • 189 reviews
    #8 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: Academics at LPPACS are hands on & help students become proficient quickly.Due to immersion in studies students know immediately which major to emphasize & which is not a good fit for their future. The technology is state of the art. The teachers are professionals in the areas they educate & are encouraging to students that apply themselves in their studies. Resumes from the education while studying at LPPACS are very impressive,much experience acquired while attending here. The environment is very liberal at this school and it would be wonderful to have clubs, opportunities and classroom discussions that offer more involvement for conservative students. It is difficult to mesh with the student body if you are conservative minded but not with the faculty and educational process.No other area schools meet the bar set by this educational institution in the surrounding communities; top notch! Dual enrollment in colleges is offered while attending here.
    Read 189 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 721 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School

    • Public School
    • Bethlehem, PA
    • K-12
    • 102 reviews
    #9 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Lehigh Valley Academy is a rigorous curriculum that really prepares you college. It is mostly an academic based school and it is advanced compared to public schools. The curriculum being taught is great and the school even offers students the opportunity to obtain the IB Diploma. If students are more focused in studying engineering or biomed there is a Career Program that allows those students prepare for a career in that field. Overall the school is good, including many clubs and extracurricular activities. Unfortunately the school has very little sports teams and lacks the real high school experience. Other than that LVA has a great community.
    Read 102 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,681 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Collegium Charter School

    • Public School
    • Exton, PA
    • K-12
    • 166 reviews
    #10 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Collegium Charter School is a a great place to learn and enhance your skills. The teachers also do a great job teaching, challenging, and helping students prepare for college life! Would definitely recommend every parent to send their child to Collegium Charter School! Great place to grow and get ready!
    Read 166 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,820 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. City Charter High School

    • Public School
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 9-12
    • 244 reviews
    #11 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Junior: I really like City High. Bullying is low, and the new classes aren't very cliquey. The chefs are kind and food(mostly)is good, better than public school food for sure. Most teachers have some sort of relationship with their students, there are always 1 or 2 teachers that seem disconnected but most teach very well. The 3 months on 1 month off is very helpful. Right when I'm ready to give up and end it all there's a month break. Even though we're here over the summer, I do feel very prepared for college next year especially since they're putting us in cubicles soon. There are endless places to eat after a long day at school. The SAGE(Student Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship)program lets students create and manage businesses like creating candles, designing sweatsuits, etc. It gives us a sense of control and a very good idea of how it is to run a true business, because everyone has a different role. A downside to going to City High is that there are no school sports.
    Read 244 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 633 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Evergreen Community Charter School

    • Public School
    • Cresco, PA
    • 6-12
    • 9 reviews
    #12 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Very compassionate staff who are passionate about seeing their students succeed. It's a small school population, so it's very easy to get to know everyone. Academics are flexible to help give you the best experience as possible. No athletic teams, but the gym/physical activities are unique (i.e. rollerblading, snowboarding, hiking, bowling, etc.) Because of the limited number of staff, their is not a wide-range of courses. If you were interested in taking an AP nutrition course, mechanics, athletic management, or other more specific courses, you may need to go to the local community college or other after-school programs. Overall, the staff and students try very hard to make sure everyone feels like they belong and can achieve their goals.
    Read 9 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. 21st Century Cyber Charter School

    • Online School
    • Downingtown, PA
    • 6-12
    • 201 reviews
    #13 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: I absolutely LOVED attending 21st Century for the last 2 years of high school! I was blessed with amazing teachers and academic opportunities, as well as great recognition in the most unique ways and DAILY support and check-ins! Everything and everyone was so personal, so much that I've been more than encouraged to keep in contact with my teachers even over a year after graduation! The cyber-charter style allowed me to manage my own time (and learn how to do so!) and gave me the opportunity to work while participating in music performances and sports. Everything from time management, to learning how to use a Mac and Moodle, to teaching myself, to doing schoolwork on the go (especially since I am a college athlete!) made my college transition seamless and I have 21CCCS to thank for that.
    Read 201 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 961 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. New Foundations Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 132 reviews
    #14 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Senior: Over the course of the four years that I spent at New Foundations, I have learned many different things. To begin, I learned about the value of friendship. I came into school knowing little amounts of people (besides those that came to the school along with me). I was then able to make some close friends that have been with me ever since ninth grade, and they've helped to shape me to be the young man I am today. The second thing that I was able to do was learn about the value of knowledge. In the United States, we take knowledge very much for granted. Many people around the world, would love to learn to the extent that we learn. We are challenged by those around us to become better versions of ourselves by facing day to day problems by using the power of our minds alone. This power of knowledge alone, is probably the greatest experience of my high school career because knowledge opens doors.
    Read 132 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,477 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Preparatory Charter School of Mathematics, Science, Tech & Careers

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 9-12
    • 191 reviews
    #15 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Alum: I graduated from Prep Charter in 2007 and I can’t express how much this school has changed my life. My class was one of the first graduates in the new building on Point Breeze! When I started 9th grade @ Prep, we had class at a Church on Monday’s and @ a 3-story house on Tuesdays,Thursdays & Friday’s. Wednesday’s we had Career Development Day (each year a different profession)- 9th grade: I worked as a secretary for the Common Wells in City Hall. 10th grade: at Daycare center working as an assistant with 2yr olds. 11th grade: Elementary school as a tutor for 3rd graders. 12th grade: A secretary assistant for a Judge at CJC building. Not to mentioned every other Saturday we had college courses at community. 9th grade: Biology class. 10th grade: Chemistry. 11th grade: Physics and by 12th grade I was taking Psychology and some Math course at community. By time I graduated High School I had a total of 6 transferable college credits. So many beautiful memories.
    Read 191 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 578 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. School Lane Charter School

    • Public School
    • Bensalem, PA
    • K-11
    • 5 reviews
    #16 Best Charter High Schools in Pennsylvania

    Junior: I am a high school junior at School lane Charter High school.I have been a student with School lane since kindergarten.I have learned Spanish since Kindergarten.I loved all my teachers since elementary school. They are great role models. I feel the way I was taught with learning the International Baccalaureate way of learning and going for the IB Diploma I feel I will be given the change to excel in college and in the future.
    Read 5 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,176 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  19. Reach Cyber Charter School

    • Online School
    • Harrisburg, PA
    • K-11
    • 10 reviews

    Freshman: At Reach, you can really learn at your own pace. Being able to choose your own level of difficulty (Regular, Honors, or AP classes) is really helpful and can push you out of your comfort zone- which is very helpful, in my opinion! There are also lots of different clubs and electives that fit most student's aspirations and hobbies. As a Reach student, I can say that my experience here (so far!) has been very good, though teacher outreach and response could be a little better.
    Read 10 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 250 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School

    • Online School
    • King of Prussia, PA
    • K-12
    • 235 reviews

    Parent: My daughter and I have had a very good experience with PA Virtual. We needed something flexible for our family and this is it! We can even take school "on the go" when we need to. This allows for appts and such without her having to miss or make up much class work. The teachers are wonderful with keeping in touch about what needs completed, when, and where to find informatin. It was a bit tricky in the beginning to nagivate the sites used for all the curriulum and material but we both quickly picked up on those. My daughter is 8 and has little trouble following accessing what she needs. The only change I would suggest is having a little more synchronous time for the classes that the parents (as the learning coach) have to help teach. It is a little tricky for parents that work (as do I) to sometimes get everything organized and completed for those classes.
    Read 235 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,200 Students
    • 29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  23. Multicultural Academy Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 9-12
    • 111 reviews

    Senior: Multi-Cultural Academy Charter School is a high school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its on N. Broad Street which isn't the best place to have a school. Its in the middle of a busy street. The amount of homework and what we (the students) learn is based on college material. The administration does there jobs correctly. They are great at handling the paper work needed for the school to work functionally. The school shows diversity pretty well. Each race or ethnicity is welcomed a lot in this school. They're are not many clubs and activities, but its expected because of it being college prep. The school offers a lot of resources like college tours, As well as the college administrations coming to speak to us personally about their school. Overall, the school excels at being strict and sturdy at being a no nonsense school. It teaches students how to be scholars. It also teaches them how to be responsible and ready for the real world after high school.
    Read 111 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 270 Students
    • 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  24. Center for Student Learning - Charter School at Pennsbury

    • Public School
    • Levittown, PA
    • 6-12
    • 3 reviews

    Senior: I love this school! All the teachers are amzing. They are willing to help you understand the subject you are struggling with.
    Read 3 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 148 Students
    • 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Philadelphia Academy Charter School

    • Public School
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • K-12
    • 97 reviews

    Senior: My experience as a senior is great. I have great teacher support and enjoy the interaction with every class lesson. I believe that senior year is key for college readiness and also having that teacher student bond, being able to approach your teacher for any small or big question that you may have. I believe that every student should create a bond that is comfortable to their own with their teacher to make it a prosperous one . I believe that I am ready to face the new challenge and challenges that are to come. Work hard and Never give up!
    Read 97 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,160 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Tidioute Community Charter School

    • Public School
    • Tidioute, PA
    • PK, K-12
    • 5 reviews

    Alum: Graduated 3 years ago and it was by far the best education action I got! The teachers are able to work on one one with students due to the fact we are such a small school. The community is very close knit and very involved with the school!
    Read 5 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 293 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  27. Commonwealth Charter Academy

    • Online School
    • Harrisburg, PA
    • K-12
    • 370 reviews

    Senior: Commonwealth Charter Academy is an excellent school for student who are self- motivated and need flexible schedules. The teachers are there to help you 24/7, and do as much as they can to help you succeed in your academic career. Personally, I started in 2015 and decided to finish and graduate with Commonwealth Charter Academy. They give you MANY opportunities to further and expand what could help you in higher education and real life situations. As most people complain that schools do not teach you stuff like doing your taxes, finding a good budget for yourself, or simple financial applications, this school has it! The course financial applications is now a graduate requirement, and you have more freedom in picking what courses are right for you, with guidance from school staff. I will always recommend this school to anyone look to switch from public schooling to cyber schooling.
    Read 370 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 8,974 Students
    • 27:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  28. Pennsylvania Distance Learning Charter School

    • Online School
    • Wexford, PA
    • K-12
    • 17 reviews

    Parent: This school has made a great difference for my son. In the public school he was falling behind, they would not listen to my concern-he was in third grade and wanted to drop out of school. Then we found PADistance. They listens to him and encouraged my input. If my son or I say he is struggling, they immediately offer the needed assistance. Then they check back to make sure it is helping! My son went from a unhappy C-D student at the public school to a happy enthusiastic learner! I couldn’t be happier with PADistance!
    Read 17 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 681 Students
    • 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  29. SusQ-Cyber Charter School

    • Online School
    • Bloomsburg, PA
    • 9-12
    • 7 reviews

    Senior: I love this school. I came to this school for my 10th grade year expecting myself to not like it, and I was very wrong. SusQ has given me so many opportunities I would not of had at my old school. The teachers there are amazing and want to help there students grow and be at there best. The academics are also super good and challenging.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 95 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  30. Sponsored

    Bancroft School

    • Private School
    • Worcester, MA
    • PK, K-12
    • 53 reviews

    Parent: I could not be happier with our Bancroft experience! My children are academically-challenged and nurtured by teachers who truly care about each student. The school's approach to education is cutting-edge; my kids aren't just learning facts and skills, they're applying them to real-world projects all the time! Bancroft does a really good job teaching character and leadership, and I see the kindness and compassion my kids are learning at Bancroft transfer over to their time outside of school. And the specials classes can't be beat! My children have access to stellar art, drama, robotics, music, library, foreign language, and cultural opportunities. Thanks to Bancroft, my kids are hard-working, academically-advanced, kind, well-rounded, engaged with their community, and really, really excited to go to school each day!
    Read 53 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 400 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    Waring School

    • Private School
    • Beverly, MA
    • 6-12
    • 17 reviews

    Alum: I loved going to Waring. The academics are unparalleled. Not only do you study a myriad of subjects, you learn the philosophy behind them. Teachers genuinely care about their students. Waring has made considerable effort to increase diversity in the past five years, they have their hearts in the right place but they dont seem to put any funding behind their efforts - at least not in terms of scholarship money. The social scene in my early years a student was trying, but ultimately taught me skills that will aid me in my chosen career path. This is influenced by a clear decision to favor traditional sports over other hobbies. Thanks to Waring, I'm well prepared for college, often having covered many topics in my early high school years at Waring. I am well prepared for collaborative projects, and I'm very well travelled thanks to all the opportunities Waring provides. If you're curious about Waring, go visit; attend student plays, art shows, or sports games. It's an incredible school.
    Read 17 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 165 Students
    • 3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Oakland Catholic High School

    • Private School
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 9-12
    • 391 reviews

    Parent: Daughters immersed in a strong college prep environment fostering competition/excellence. Desire stronger focus on a “love of learning” rather than students in pursuit of high GPAs. Troubling incidence with academic dishonesty this year among sophomores, particularly members of JOA; consequences not on par with gravity of the actions. Mixed messages to students not involved. Several outstanding teachers, most notably in humanities, producing solid writers. With STEM focus, need stronger hiring/retention of math/science teachers & better AP outcomes. Exceptional college counselor! Service opportunities are solid. Wish for greater focus on CATHOLIC IDENTITY, especially given that these young women have an integral role to play in an increasingly secular society. Exceptional experiences with tennis, XC, and swim teams. Refreshing to see coaches who actively engage all athletes, not just the best, who also promote leadership, discipline, perseverance and a real sense of belonging.
    Read 391 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 558 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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