Pennsylvania is the #8 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,670,731 students across the 2,941 public schools for the 2024 school year (there are 2,196 private schools, serving 273,053 students). 86% of all K-12 students in Pennsylvania are educated in 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 38% (majority Black and Hispanic) and the student:teacher ratio is 14:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(PA) School Average
Asian
4%
Hispanic
14%
Black
14%
White
63%
Two or more races
5%
![This chart displays the percentage breakdown of public school students of all ethnic groups in Pennsylvania. This chart displays the percentage breakdown of public school students of all ethnic groups in Pennsylvania.](http://images3.publicschoolreview.com/charts/state_ethnicity/998000/998065/pennsylvania-chart-bnRHMOH.png)
Top Ranked Public Schools in Pennsylvania (2024)
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 Sr. 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
Best Pennsylvania Public Schools by County (2024)
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?
2,941 public schools are located in Pennsylvania.
What percentage of students in Pennsylvania go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in Pennsylvania are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Pennsylvania?
Minority enrollment in Pennsylvania is 38% (majority Black and Hispanic)
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