Serving 405 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Downey 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 6-9% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 405 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Downey School's student population of 405 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
405 students
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Year Founded
1939
School Rankings
Downey 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 Downey School is 0.59, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2713 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
40%
16%
Black
50%
14%
White
1%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)48.2%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
59%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Downey School's ranking?
Downey School is ranked #2713 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Downey School often compared to?
Downey Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Benjamin Franklin School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 6-9% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Downey School?
405 students attend Downey School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Downey School students are Black, 40% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Downey School?
Downey School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Downey School offer ?
Downey School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Downey School part of?
Downey School is part of Harrisburg City School District.
School Reviews
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