Average
#1963 of 2,846 schools in PA
Central Dauphin MS
Middle School · Central Dauphin SD
4600 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109
Enrollment
855
Student-Teacher
14.5:1
Score
5.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
855
Student-Teacher
14.5:1
Score
5.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#1,963 of 2,846
In Harrisburg
#15 of 40
public schools
In district
#10 of 19
Central Dauphin SD
Shortlisting around Central Dauphin MS?
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Central Dauphin MS
Middle School in Harrisburg · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Phillips EL Sch
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Infinity Cs
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Central Dauphin MS
Central Dauphin MS is a public middle school in Harrisburg, PA, part of Central Dauphin SD. Central Dauphin MS serves approximately 855 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 14.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Central Dauphin MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10 and ranks #1,963 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Central Dauphin MS show 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.3 · Average
- District avg 4.9
- PA avg 5.4
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Central Dauphin MS — Students at Central Dauphin MS score 52% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
35.8%
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: 4.9/10.
How Central Dauphin MS Compares
See how Central Dauphin MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
4600 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central Dauphin MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Central Dauphin East MS (rated 4.8/10, 1.0 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Susquehanna Twp MS (rated 2.3/10, 1.5 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Harrisburg, see our Harrisburg schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Phillips El Sch Harrisburg | 0.4 mi | 4.5 |
| Infinity CS Harrisburg | 0.7 mi | 7.3 |
| Central Dauphin East SHS Harrisburg | 0.8 mi | 5.5 |
| North Side El Sch Harrisburg | 0.9 mi | 5.8 |
| South Side El Sch Harrisburg | 1.1 mi | 4.2 |
| MERAKEY EDUCATION & AUTISM CENTER Harrisburg | 1.0 mi | — |
| Central Dauphin East MS Harrisburg | 1.0 mi | 4.8 |
| Reach Cyber CS Harrisburg | 1.6 mi | 5.4 |
| BISHOP MCDEVITT HIGH SCHOOL Harrisburg | 1.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Susquehanna Twp MS Harrisburg | 1.5 mi | 2.3 |
| Dauphin County Technical School Harrisburg | 1.6 mi | 7.1 |
| Mountain View El Sch Harrisburg | 2.1 mi | 6.9 |
| THE CIRCLE SCHOOL Harrisburg | 2.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Susquehanna Twp HS Harrisburg | 1.7 mi | 5.1 |
| Lawnton El Sch Harrisburg | 2.3 mi | 4.4 |
| FOLLOW ME CHRISTIAN EARLY EDUCATION CENTER Harrisburg | 2.1 mi | 4.3 |
| HARRISBURG ADVENTIST SCHOOL Harrisburg | 1.8 mi | 6.7 |
| NEW STORY SCHOOL Harrisburg | 2.0 mi | 7.0 |
| ST CATHERINE LABOURE SCHOOL Harrisburg | 2.5 mi | 7.3 |
| Sara Lindemuth El Sch Harrisburg | 1.9 mi | 3.9 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Central Mountain MS Mill Hall, PA | 5.3 |
| Chambersburg Area MS - North Chambersburg, PA | 5.3 |
| East MS Erie, PA | 5.3 |
| Ephrata MS Ephrata, PA | 5.3 |
| Wilson West MS West Lawn, PA | 5.3 |
| Blue Mountain MS Orwigsburg, PA | 5.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Dauphin MS
What grades does Central Dauphin MS serve?
Central Dauphin MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Central Dauphin MS?
Central Dauphin MS has an enrollment of approximately 855 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Dauphin MS?
The student-teacher ratio at Central Dauphin MS is 14.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central Dauphin MS rank in PA?
Central Dauphin MS ranks #1,963 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Central Dauphin MS's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Dauphin MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Central Dauphin MS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Central Dauphin MS has 51% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Central Dauphin MS a charter school?
No, Central Dauphin MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central Dauphin MS a Title I school?
No, Central Dauphin MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Dauphin MS?
35.8% of students at Central Dauphin 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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 855
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 59
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 35.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Dauphin County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 16.7%
- Phone
- (717) 540-4606
Resources & Links
District
Central Dauphin SD- District Enrollment
- 12,543
- Schools in District
- 19
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,486
- District Rank
- #10 of 19
Other Schools in This District
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