For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 4,026 students in 18702, PA.
The top-ranked public elementary 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 elementary schools in zipcode 18702 have an average math proficiency score of 18% (versus the Pennsylvania public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 54% statewide average). Elementary schools in 18702, PA have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public elementary school average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best 18702, PA Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)
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 | 604 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
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 | 961 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 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 | 838 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
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 | 522 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
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 | 1,101 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
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 elementary schools in 18702, PA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 18702, PA include Bear Creek Community Charter School, Dr David W Kistler Elementary School and Heights/murray Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 18702?
5 public elementary schools are located in 18702.
What is the racial composition of students in 18702?
18702 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public elementary schools average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Recent Articles
Can Public Schools Charge for Required Graduation Courses?
Can a public school charge for a course your child needs to graduate? Learn how state rules, course alternatives, summer programs, and fee waivers affect the answer, plus what parents should request before paying, accepting a substitute, or challenging a charge that threatens graduation plans.
Save Your Child's Work Before a School Account Closes
School accounts may close after graduation or a transfer, leaving important projects inaccessible. Learn what families should save, which deadlines to confirm, how to check exported files, and why shared links alone may not preserve your child's work for future applications, learning, or personal memories.
School Commute Time: When Distance Affects School Fit
Is your child's school commute becoming too demanding? Learn how to weigh educational benefits against daily strain, recognize warning signs, explore practical adjustments, and decide when a closer school fits.