Serving 611 students in grades 6-8, Swatara Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 12% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 611 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 81%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Swatara Middle School serves the southern part of Harrisburg, PA, covering an area of approximately 10.9 square miles. Most families live within a 5 to 10-minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 5 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Swatara Middle School's student population of 611 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 53 teachers has grown by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
611 students
Total Classroom Teachers
53 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Quality to the Core
School Rankings
Swatara Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Swatara Middle School is 0.78, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2310 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
15%
5%
Hispanic
23%
16%
Black
32%
14%
White
19%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)20.8%
23.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (17-18)
7%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Swatara Middle School's ranking?
Swatara Middle School is ranked #2310 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Swatara Middle School?
611 students attend Swatara Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
32% of Swatara Middle School students are Black, 23% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are White, 15% of students are Asian, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Swatara Middle School?
Swatara Middle School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Swatara Middle School offer ?
Swatara Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Swatara Middle School part of?
Swatara Middle School is part of Central Dauphin School District.
In what neighborhood is Swatara Middle School located?
Swatara Middle School is located in the Bressler Enhaut Oberlin neighborhood of Harrisburg, PA. There are 1 other public schools located in Bressler Enhaut Oberlin.
School Reviews
Review Swatara Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
