Northwest Area School District

243 Thorne Hill Rd
Shickshinny, PA 18655-9201
(District boundaries shown in map)
5/
10
Bottom 50%
For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 475 students in Northwest Area School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public elementary schools in Pennsylvania.
Public Elementary Schools in Northwest Area School District have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the Pennsylvania public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 54% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the Pennsylvania public elementary school average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Overview

This School District
This State (PA)
# Schools
3 Schools
2,140 Schools
# Students
881 Students
1,106,692 Students
# Teachers
70 Teachers
83,461 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1

Student By Grade

District Rank

Northwest Area School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 677 school districts in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 87% has increased from 85-89% over five school years.
This School District
State Average (PA)
#405 out of 685 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
33%
38%
51%
55%
60-64%
57%
87%
87%
(2022-23)
20.8%
23.3%

Students by Ethnicity:

0.13
0.62
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
5%
% Hispanic
1%
16%
% Black
n/a
15%
% White
93%
58%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $24,196 is higher than the state median of $23,730. The school district revenue/student has grown by 21% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $23,984 is higher than the state median of $23,152. The school district spending/student has grown by 19% over four school years.
This School District
This State (PA)
Total Revenue
$21 MM
$39,541 MM
Spending
$21 MM
$38,578 MM
Revenue / Student
$24,196
$23,730
Spending / Student
$23,984
$23,152

Best Northwest Area School District Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Northwest Area Intermediate School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
21 Sunset Lake Rd
Shickshinny, PA 18655
(570) 256-3649
Gr: 3-6 | 260 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Northwest Area Primary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64% )
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
417 Shickshinny Lake Rd
Shickshinny, PA 18655
(570) 864-3461
Gr: PK-2 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 7%

Recent Articles

The School Choice Comparison Worksheet: 15 Factors Beyond Test Scores
The School Choice Comparison Worksheet: 15 Factors Beyond Test Scores
Compare public schools with confidence using this 15-factor worksheet that looks beyond test scores to school culture, programs, safety, and student support.
Boundary Changes and Rezoning: How to Protect Your Child's School Plan
Boundary Changes and Rezoning: How to Protect Your Child's School Plan
Learn why school boundary changes happen, how rezoning affects families, and the practical steps parents can take to protect their child's educational plan.
Teacher Turnover: How to Read the Warning Signs
Teacher Turnover: How to Read the Warning Signs
Learn how to identify warning signs of teacher turnover, what causes frequent staff changes, and how parents can evaluate school stability.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • District size: 3 schools
  • Grades: PK-12
  • Enrollment: 881 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 7%
  • : 87% (Top 50% in PA)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 33% (Btm 50%)
  • : 51% (Btm 50%)
  • : 60-64% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education

Quick Links