Pennsylvania is the #8 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,668,648 students across the 2,928 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 2,278 private schools, serving 274,123 students). 86% of all K-12 students in Pennsylvania attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Pennsylvania is 36%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 55%.
The top-ranked public schools in Pennsylvania are Central High School, Downingtown Stem Academy, and New Hope-solebury High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 39%, with the majority being Hispanic or Black and the student:teacher ratio is 14:1.
Top Ranked Public Schools in Pennsylvania (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Central High School
Magnet School
(Math: 96% | Reading: ≥99%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 96% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
1700 W Olney Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 400-3590
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 400-3590
Rank: #22.
Downingtown Stem Academy
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
335 Manor Ave
Downingtown, PA 19335
(610) 269-8460
Downingtown, PA 19335
(610) 269-8460
Rank: #33.
New Hope-solebury High School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
182 W Bridge St
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-2028
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-2028
Rank: #44.
Pleasant Valley Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-3
250 E Mcmurray Rd
Canonsburg, PA 15317
(724) 941-6260
Canonsburg, PA 15317
(724) 941-6260
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Bradford Woods Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
41 Forest Road
Bradfordwoods, PA 15015
(724) 935-5081
Bradfordwoods, PA 15015
(724) 935-5081
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Fairview Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
738 Dorseyville Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
(412) 963-9315
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
(412) 963-9315
Rank: #77.
Wissahickon Sr. High School
(Math: 94% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
521 Houston Rd
Ambler, PA 19002
(215) 619-8112
Ambler, PA 19002
(215) 619-8112
Rank: #88.
Mt Lebanon Sr. High School
(Math: 93% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 93% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
155 Cochran Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
(412) 344-2003
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
(412) 344-2003
Rank: #9 - 119. - 11.
Garnet Valley High School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
552 Smithbridge Rd
Glen Mills, PA 19342
(610) 579-7745
Glen Mills, PA 19342
(610) 579-7745
Rank: #9 - 119. - 11.
Norwin High School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
251 Mcmahon Dr
Irwin, PA 15642
(724) 861-3005
Irwin, PA 15642
(724) 861-3005
Overview
This State (PA)
# Schools
2,928 Schools
# Students
1,668,648 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
124,158 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (PA)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
Graduation Rate
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.59
# American Indian Students
3,204 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
# Asian Students
78,034 Students
% Asian Students
5%
# Hispanic Students
249,018 Students
% Hispanic Students
15%
# Black Students
237,342 Students
% Black Students
14%
# White Students
1,011,502 Students
% White Students
61%
# Hawaiian Students
1,518 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
# Two or more races Students
88,750 Students
% of Two or more races Students
5%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (PA)
Total Revenue (22-23)
$39,541 MM
Spending (22-23)
$38,578 MM
Revenue / Student (22-23)
$23,696
Spending / Student (22-23)
$23,119
Best Pennsylvania Public Schools by County (2025)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Pennsylvania?
The top-ranked public schools in Pennsylvania include Central High School, Downingtown Stem Academy, and New Hope-solebury High School.
How many public schools are located in Pennsylvania?
2,928 public schools are located in Pennsylvania.
What percentage of students in Pennsylvania go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in Pennsylvania attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Pennsylvania?
Minority enrollment in Pennsylvania is 39%, with the majority being Hispanic or Black.
Which public schools in Pennsylvania are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Pennsylvania include: Orefield Middle School vs. Springhouse Middle School, Western Wayne High School vs. Honesdale High School, Furness Horace High School vs. South Philadelphia High School
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