The School District of Philadelphia has had a continuously maintained computerized data system for its 270,000 pupils since 1967. This paper outlines: the general procedures and descriptions of the file; the need for establishing a pupil data-base file; the systems products and services; its value to research and evaluation as well as to the overall decision-making process of the school district; the philosophy underlying the kinds of data elements contained in the system; the often overlooked staff and administrative commitments required for any successful automated pupil file, and the systems strengths, weaknesses, problems, and need to remain dynamic. (Author)