For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 4,044 students in 18702, PA (there are 7 private schools, serving 522 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in 18702, PA are educated in public schools (compared to the PA state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in 18702, PA are Bear Creek Community Charter School, Dr David W Kistler Elementary School and Heights/murray Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 18702 have an average math proficiency score of 18% (versus the Pennsylvania public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 55% statewide average). Schools in 18702, PA have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania public schools.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best 18702, PA Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bear Creek Community Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
30 Charter School Way
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 820-4070
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 820-4070
Gr: K-8 | 581 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #22.
Dr David W Kistler Elementary School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
301 Old River Rd
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 826-7230
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 826-7230
Gr: K-5 | 970 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #33.
Heights/murray Elementary School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1 S Sherman St
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 826-7256
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 826-7256
Gr: K-5 | 843 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #44.
Dodson Elementary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
13 Hillard St
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 235-6894
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 235-6894
Gr: K-5 | 483 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #55.
G A R Middle School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
250 South Grant Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 826-7165
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 826-7165
Gr: 6-8 | 1,066 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: n/an/a
80 Jones St
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 826-7111
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 826-7111
Gr: PK | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
18702, Pennsylvania Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
341 Carey Ave
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 826-7145
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 826-7145
Gr: 7-12 | 883 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 18702, PA?
The top-ranked public schools in 18702, PA include Bear Creek Community Charter School, Dr David W Kistler Elementary School and Heights/murray Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 18702?
6 public schools are located in 18702.
What percentage of students in 18702 go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in 18702 are educated in public schools (compared to the PA state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 18702?
18702 public schools minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Recent Articles
The Experience of Being a New Student Mid-Year
Learn what students experience when transferring to a public school mid-year and how schools help new students adjust socially and academically.
How Public Schools Structure Free Periods or Study Time
Learn how public schools structure free periods or study time to support homework, tutoring, enrichment, and student independence.
The Role of Hallways, Common Areas, and Shared Spaces in Public Schools
Discover how hallways, cafeterias, libraries, and shared spaces shape student learning, safety, and school culture in public schools.