Pennsylvania is the #8 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,671,975 students across the 2,936 public schools for the 2024-25 school year (there are 2,493 private schools, serving 284,911 students). 85% of all K-12 students in Pennsylvania attend public schools, compared to the national average of 89%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Pennsylvania is 36%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 55%.
The top-ranked public schools in Pennsylvania are Central High School, Downingtown Stem Academy, and New Hope-solebury High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 39%, with the majority being Black or Hispanic and the student:teacher ratio is 14:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(PA) School Average
Asian
5%
Hispanic
14%
Black
14%
White
62%
Two or more races
5%
Top Ranked Public Schools in Pennsylvania (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Central High School
Magnet School
(Math: 96% | Reading: ≥99%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 96% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
1700 W Olney Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 400-3590
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 400-3590
Rank: #22.
Downingtown Stem Academy
Magnet School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
335 Manor Ave
Downingtown, PA 19335
(610) 269-8460
Downingtown, PA 19335
(610) 269-8460
Rank: #33.
New Hope-solebury High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
182 W Bridge St
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-2028
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-2028
Rank: #44.
Pleasant Valley Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-3
250 E Mcmurray Rd
Canonsburg, PA 15317
(724) 941-6260
Canonsburg, PA 15317
(724) 941-6260
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Bradford Woods Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
41 Forest Road
Bradfordwoods, PA 15015
(724) 935-5081
Bradfordwoods, PA 15015
(724) 935-5081
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Fairview Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
738 Dorseyville Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
(412) 963-9315
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
(412) 963-9315
Rank: #77.
Wissahickon Sr. High School
Magnet School
(Math: 94% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
521 Houston Rd
Ambler, PA 19002
(215) 619-8112
Ambler, PA 19002
(215) 619-8112
Rank: #88.
Mt Lebanon Sr. High School
Magnet School
(Math: 93% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 93% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
155 Cochran Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
(412) 344-2003
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
(412) 344-2003
Rank: #9 - 119. - 11.
Garnet Valley High School
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
552 Smithbridge Rd
Glen Mills, PA 19342
(610) 579-7745
Glen Mills, PA 19342
(610) 579-7745
Rank: #9 - 119. - 11.
Norwin Sr. High School
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 91%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 91% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
251 Mcmahon Dr
Irwin, PA 15642
(724) 861-3005
Irwin, PA 15642
(724) 861-3005
Best Pennsylvania Public Schools by County (2024-25)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Pennsylvania?
The top-ranked public schools in Pennsylvania include Central High School, Downingtown Stem Academy, and New Hope-solebury High School.
How many public schools are located in Pennsylvania?
2,936 public schools are located in Pennsylvania.
What percentage of students in Pennsylvania go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in Pennsylvania attend public schools (compared to the national average of 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in Pennsylvania?
Minority enrollment in Pennsylvania is 39%, with the majority being Black or Hispanic.
Which public schools in Pennsylvania are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Pennsylvania include: Orefield Middle School vs. Springhouse Middle School, Western Wayne High School vs. Honesdale High School, Furness Horace High School vs. South Philadelphia High School
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