Below Average
#2137 of 2,846 schools in PA
Central Dauphin East MS
Middle School · Central Dauphin SD
628 Rutherford Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17109
Enrollment
663
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
4.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
663
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
4.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Harrisburg
#18 of 40
public schools
Pennsylvania middle schools
#331 of 514
In district
#12 of 19
Central Dauphin SD
About Central Dauphin East MS
Central Dauphin East MS is a regular public middle school in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, located at 628 Rutherford Rd. The school serves students in grades 6 through 8 and has an enrollment of 663 students with a student-teacher ratio of 11.8:1. With 56 full-time equivalent teachers, the school offers personalized attention to its diverse student body.
Academically, Central Dauphin East MS is ranked #1881 out of 2852 schools in Pennsylvania, placing it at the 34th percentile statewide. The MySchoolScout rating for the school stands at 4.6/10, reflecting areas where growth could be beneficial. In recent state assessments, 44% of students met or exceeded proficiency levels in English Language Arts and Reading, while 16% did so in Math.
These scores indicate that there is room for academic improvement, but the school continues to focus on student development and support. The setting around Central Dauphin East MS is a large suburban area, offering a mix of residential neighborhoods and nearby amenities. The community supports a vibrant learning environment where students can engage with both peers and local resources.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Central Dauphin East MS — Students at Central Dauphin East MS score 29% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 36 test records from PA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.8/10.
How Central Dauphin East MS Compares
See how Central Dauphin East MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 63% (2009) to 14.8% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 68% (2009) to 43.6% (2024).
Location
628 Rutherford Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17109
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central Dauphin East MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Central Dauphin MS (rated 5.5/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Susquehanna Twp MS (rated 2.2/10, 2.1 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Harrisburg, see our Harrisburg schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Central Dauphin East SHS Harrisburg | 0.3 mi | 5.5 |
| Infinity CS Harrisburg | 0.5 mi | 7.5 |
| Phillips El Sch Harrisburg | 0.5 mi | 4.5 |
| BISHOP MCDEVITT HIGH SCHOOL Harrisburg | 0.8 mi | 6.6 |
| South Side El Sch Harrisburg | 0.7 mi | 4.1 |
| Central Dauphin MS Harrisburg | 1.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Dauphin County Technical School Harrisburg | 1.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Reach Cyber CS Harrisburg | 1.4 mi | 5.3 |
| MERAKEY EDUCATION & AUTISM CENTER Harrisburg | 1.4 mi | — |
| Lawnton El Sch Harrisburg | 1.9 mi | 4.4 |
| Rutherford El Sch Harrisburg | 1.7 mi | 5.8 |
| North Side El Sch Harrisburg | 1.8 mi | 5.8 |
| THE CIRCLE SCHOOL Harrisburg | 2.0 mi | 7.3 |
| ST CATHERINE LABOURE SCHOOL Harrisburg | 2.2 mi | 7.3 |
| FOLLOW ME CHRISTIAN EARLY EDUCATION CENTER Harrisburg | 2.3 mi | 4.3 |
| Chambers Hill El Sch Harrisburg | 2.3 mi | 4.7 |
| Paxtonia El Sch Harrisburg | 2.5 mi | 6.9 |
| EAST SHORE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Harrisburg | 2.5 mi | — |
| Mountain View El Sch Harrisburg | 2.6 mi | 7.0 |
| Susquehanna Twp MS Harrisburg | 2.1 mi | 2.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 17109 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$70,618
Median Home Value
$203,200
Median Rent
$1,234/mo
Population
27,422
College Educated
29.3%
Homeownership
52.8%
Avg Commute
20.6 min
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Median Age
35.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central Dauphin East MS has a median household income of $70,618. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $203,200, with a median rent of $1,234/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.1%. The average commute for residents is 21 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Boyertown Area MS-West Boyertown, PA | 4.9 |
| C E McCall MS Montoursville, PA | 4.9 |
| Cedarbrook MS Wyncote, PA | 4.9 |
| Knoch MS Saxonburg, PA | 4.9 |
| Pocono Mountain West JHS Pocono Summit, PA | 4.9 |
| Tyrone Area MS Tyrone, PA | 4.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Dauphin East MS
What grades does Central Dauphin East MS serve?
Central Dauphin East MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Central Dauphin East MS?
Central Dauphin East MS has an enrollment of approximately 663 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Dauphin East MS?
The student-teacher ratio at Central Dauphin East MS is 11.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central Dauphin East MS rank in PA?
Central Dauphin East MS is ranked #2137 out of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Central Dauphin East MS's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Dauphin East MS has a composite rating of 4.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Central Dauphin East MS?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central Dauphin East MS has 28.4% math proficiency and 49.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Central Dauphin East MS a charter school?
No, Central Dauphin East MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central Dauphin East MS a Title I school?
No, Central Dauphin East MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Dauphin East MS?
100.0% of students at Central Dauphin East MS qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 663
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 56
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Dauphin County
- Chronic Absenteeism
- 25.9%
- Phone
- (717) 545-4709
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Central Dauphin SD- District Enrollment
- 12,543
- Schools in District
- 19
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,486
- District Rank
- #12 of 19
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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