For the 2025 school year, there are 34 public schools serving 14,024 students in Centre County, PA (there are 25 private schools, serving 1,935 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Centre County, PA are educated in public schools (compared to the PA state average of 86%).
The top ranked public schools in Centre County, PA are Ferguson Twp Elementary School, Corl Street Elementary School and Howard Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Centre County, PA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the Pennsylvania public school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 65% (versus the 55% statewide average). Schools in Centre County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Pennsylvania public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is less than the Pennsylvania public school average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Schools in Centre County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Ferguson Twp Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
215 West Pine Grove Rd
Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868
(814) 231-4119
Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868
(814) 231-4119
Gr: K-5 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Corl Street Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
235 Corl St
State College, PA 16801
(814) 231-1185
State College, PA 16801
(814) 231-1185
Gr: K-5 | 226 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
Howard Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
255 School Street
Howard, PA 16841
(814) 625-2423
Howard, PA 16841
(814) 625-2423
Gr: K-5 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #44.
Radio Park Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
800 W Cherry Ln
State College, PA 16803
(814) 231-4115
State College, PA 16803
(814) 231-4115
Gr: K-5 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #55.
State College Area High School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
650 Westerly Pkwy
State College, PA 16801
(814) 231-1111
State College, PA 16801
(814) 231-1111
Gr: 8-12 | 2,347 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #66.
Spring Creek Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
217 Scholl St
State College, PA 16801
(814) 231-5026
State College, PA 16801
(814) 231-5026
Gr: K-5 | 381 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #77.
Gray's Woods Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
160 Brackenbourne Drive
Port Matilda, PA 16870
(814) 235-6100
Port Matilda, PA 16870
(814) 235-6100
Gr: K-5 | 359 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #88.
Park Forest Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2181 School Dr
State College, PA 16803
(814) 231-5010
State College, PA 16803
(814) 231-5010
Gr: K-5 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #99.
Park Forest Middle School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2180 School Dr
State College, PA 16803
(814) 272-8217
State College, PA 16803
(814) 272-8217
Gr: 6-8 | 808 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Benner Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
490 Buffalo Run Rd
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-2812
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-2812
Gr: K-5 | 241 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Mount Nittany Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
700 Brandywine Drive
State College, PA 16801
(814) 272-5970
State College, PA 16801
(814) 272-5970
Gr: K-5 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #1212.
Philipsburg Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1810 Black Moshannon Road
Philipsburg, PA 16866
(814) 342-2870
Philipsburg, PA 16866
(814) 342-2870
Gr: K-5 | 414 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #1313.
Mount Nittany Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
656 Brandywine Dr
State College, PA 16801
(814) 466-5133
State College, PA 16801
(814) 466-5133
Gr: 6-8 | 712 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #1414.
Easterly Parkway Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
234 Easterly Pkwy
State College, PA 16801
(814) 231-1170
State College, PA 16801
(814) 231-1170
Gr: K-5 | 320 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #1515.
Penns Valley Area Jr. Sr. High School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4545 Penns Valley Road
Spring Mills, PA 16875
(814) 422-2000
Spring Mills, PA 16875
(814) 422-2000
Gr: 7-12 | 649 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #1616.
Marion-walker Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 School Dr
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 357-2425
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 357-2425
Gr: K-5 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #1717.
Centre Hall-potter Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
211 North Hoffer Street
Centre Hall, PA 16828
(814) 422-2000
Centre Hall, PA 16828
(814) 422-2000
Gr: PK-4 | 197 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #1818.
Mountaintop Area Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 School Dr # 865
Snow Shoe, PA 16874
(814) 387-6861
Snow Shoe, PA 16874
(814) 387-6861
Gr: K-5 | 103 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #1919.
Centre Learning Community Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2643 W College Ave
State College, PA 16801
(814) 861-7980
State College, PA 16801
(814) 861-7980
Gr: 5-8 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #2020.
Pleasant Gap Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
230 S Main St
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 359-2739
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 359-2739
Gr: K-5 | 199 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #2121.
Penns Valley Area El And Intrmd School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
4528 Penns Valley Road
Spring Mills, PA 16875
(814) 422-2000
Spring Mills, PA 16875
(814) 422-2000
Gr: K-6 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #2222.
Port Matilda Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
209 Locust Street
Port Matilda, PA 16870
(814) 692-7429
Port Matilda, PA 16870
(814) 692-7429
Gr: K-5 | 99 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #2323.
Young Scholars Of Central Pa Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1530 Westerly Parkway
State College, PA 16801
(814) 237-9727
State College, PA 16801
(814) 237-9727
Gr: K-8 | 344 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #2424.
Miles Township Elementary School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
80 Town Lane Road
Rebersburg, PA 16872
(814) 422-2000
Rebersburg, PA 16872
(814) 422-2000
Gr: PK-4 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #2525.
Bellefonte Area Middle School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 N School St
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-5466
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-5466
Gr: 6-8 | 617 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #2626.
Bellefonte Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
100 W Linn St
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-5519
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-5519
Gr: K-5 | 311 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #2727.
Bald Eagle Area Ms/shs
(Math: 36% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
710 S Eagle Valley Rd
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-4868
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-4868
Gr: 6-12 | 852 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #2828.
Bellefonte Area High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
830 E Bishop St
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-4833
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-4833
Gr: 9-12 | 844 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #2929.
Wingate Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
776 S Eagle Valley Rd
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-4872
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-4872
Gr: K-5 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #3030.
Liberty-curtin Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
11125 N Eagle Valley Rd
Blanchard, PA 16826
(570) 893-4900
Blanchard, PA 16826
(570) 893-4900
Gr: K-4 | 147 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #3131.
Nittany Valley Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1612 Norma St
State College, PA 16801
(814) 867-3842
State College, PA 16801
(814) 867-3842
Gr: K-6 | 47 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #3232.
Philipsburg-osceola Area Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
200 Short St Suite A
Philipsburg, PA 16866
(814) 342-4906
Philipsburg, PA 16866
(814) 342-4906
Gr: 6-8 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #3333.
Philipsburg-osceola Area High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
502 Philips St
Philipsburg, PA 16866
(814) 342-1521
Philipsburg, PA 16866
(814) 342-1521
Gr: 9-12 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: n/an/a
Central Pa Institute Of Science And Technology
Vocational School
540 North Harrison Road
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 359-2793
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 359-2793
Gr: 9-12 | 4 students
Centre County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
106 School Street
Spring Mills, PA 16875
(814) 422-8822
Spring Mills, PA 16875
(814) 422-8822
Gr: K-4 | 83 students Minority enrollment: 1%
200 Short St
Philipsburg, PA 16866
(814) 342-4906
Philipsburg, PA 16866
(814) 342-4906
Gr: 5-6 | 250 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
100130 North 6th St
Philipsburg, PA 16866
(814) 342-4860
Philipsburg, PA 16866
(814) 342-4860
Gr: 7-8 | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Wonderland Charter School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
2112 Sandy Drive
State College, PA 16803
(814) 234-5886
State College, PA 16803
(814) 234-5886
Gr: K-5 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Centre County, PA?
The top ranked public schools in Centre County, PA include Ferguson Twp Elementary School, Corl Street Elementary School and Howard Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Centre County?
34 public schools are located in Centre County.
What percentage of students in Centre County go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Centre County are educated in public schools (compared to the PA state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Centre County?
Centre County public schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is less than the Pennsylvania public schools average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public schools in Centre County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Centre County include: Park Forest Middle School vs. Mount Nittany Middle School, Mount Nittany Middle School vs. Park Forest Middle School, Spring Creek Elementary School vs. Radio Park Elementary School
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
