For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 4,026 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 56% 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 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public school average of 40% (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 | 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%
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?
5 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 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public schools average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
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