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Average

#1347 of 2,846 schools in PA

Top 47% in state

Clay EL Sch

Elementary School · Ephrata Area SD

250 Clay School Rd, Ephrata, PA 17522

Enrollment

374

Student-Teacher

13.4:1

Score

6.5

Grades

Kindergarten – 4th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#1,347 of 2,846

In Ephrata

#5 of 6

public schools

In district

#6 of 7

Ephrata Area SD

Academic performance

8.1 / 10

Excellent

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Clay EL Sch

6.5/10

Elementary School in Ephrata · grades Kindergarten – 4th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Grace Point Academy

Nearby

1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Cherry Grove Parochial School

3.0/10

1.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Clay EL Sch

Clay EL Sch is a public elementary school in Ephrata, PA, part of Ephrata Area SD. Clay EL Sch serves approximately 374 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-4th, and has a 13.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Clay EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,347 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Clay EL Sch show 69% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.5 pts below district
  • This school 6.5 · Average
  • District avg 7.0
  • PA avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Clay EL Sch sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.1Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.53 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.1Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency57.5% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency66.4% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg+6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+10.6 pts
Overall Proficiency62% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)54% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+8.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile72th
Resources & Environment7.6Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,732
Chronic Absenteeism12%

Clay EL Sch — Students at Clay EL Sch score 62% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

49.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 68.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
47.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 73.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
53.5% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 34 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
97.5%
ELA
87%
2011
Math
97.5%
ELA
87%
2012
Math
90%
ELA
87%
2013
Math
86%
ELA
81%
2014
Math
62%
ELA
77%
2015
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2016
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2017
Math
57%
ELA
72%
2018
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2019
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2020*
Math
52%
ELA
72%
2021*
Math
52%
ELA
72%
2022
Math
49.3%
ELA
47%
2024
Math
57.5%
ELA
66.5%

* 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: 5.1/10.

How Clay EL Sch Compares

See how Clay EL Sch performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.5/10
53th percentile in PA
Academic
8.1/10
Excellent
Growth
5.1/10
Average
Environment
7.6/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
49%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
28 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
12.0%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

250 Clay School Rd, Ephrata, PA 17522

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Clay EL Sch may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Highland El Sch (rated 7.3/10, 4.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Fulton El Sch (rated 7.3/10, 4.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 4.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Ephrata, see our Ephrata schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.8 mi
School Distance Rating
GRACE POINT ACADEMY Ephrata 1.1 mi
CHERRY GROVE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL Ephrata 1.3 mi 3.0
FAIRVIEW PAROCHIAL SCHOOL Lititz 2.4 mi
SPRINGVILLE MENNONITE SCHOOL Ephrata 3.0 mi 6.1
Ephrata MS Ephrata 3.4 mi 5.3
Ephrata Intermediate Sch Ephrata 3.4 mi 7.3
John Beck El Sch Lititz 3.6 mi 6.6
Ephrata SHS Ephrata 3.7 mi 8.1
OLIVE BRANCH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Ephrata 3.9 mi
NEW HAVEN MENNONITE SCHOOL Lititz 3.6 mi 6.2
Highland El Sch Ephrata 4.1 mi 7.3
LITITZ AREA MENNONITE SCHOOL Lititz 4.5 mi 5.7
OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP CATHOLIC SCHOOL Ephrata 4.2 mi 7.2
Fulton El Sch Ephrata 4.4 mi 7.3
Akron El Sch Akron 5.1 mi 6.8
John R Bonfield El Sch Lititz 5.1 mi 5.4
Cocalico SHS Denver 4.4 mi 7.5
SUN VALLEY SCHOOL Newmanstown 5.8 mi 3.7
OWL HILL LEARNING CENTER Lititz 5.7 mi
Cocalico MS Denver 4.8 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17522 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$71,865

Median Home Value

$263,600

Median Rent

$1,171/mo

Population

33,601

College Educated

23.5%

Homeownership

66.2%

Avg Commute

24.8 min

Poverty Rate

8.2%

Median Age

38.6

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Berkey Sch Arnold, PA 6.5
Bethel Memorial El Sch Bethel Park, PA 6.5
Cleona El Sch Cleona, PA 6.5
Dingman-Delaware Primary Sch Dingmans Ferry, PA 6.5
Eddystone El Sch Eddystone, PA 6.5
Gettysburg Montessori CS Gettysburg, PA 6.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Clay EL Sch

What grades does Clay EL Sch serve?

Clay EL Sch serves students in grades Kindergarten through 4th.

How many students attend Clay EL Sch?

Clay EL Sch has an enrollment of approximately 374 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Clay EL Sch?

The student-teacher ratio at Clay EL Sch is 13.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Clay EL Sch rank in PA?

Clay EL Sch ranks #1,347 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Clay EL Sch's MySchoolScout rating?

Clay EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 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 Clay EL Sch?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Clay EL Sch has 69% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Clay EL Sch a charter school?

No, Clay EL Sch is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Clay EL Sch a Title I school?

No, Clay EL Sch is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Clay EL Sch?

49.2% of students at Clay EL Sch qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
8 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
35 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Enrollment
374
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
28
Free/Reduced Lunch
49.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Lancaster County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
12.0%

District

Ephrata Area SD
District Enrollment
3,985
Schools in District
7
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,732
District Rank
#6 of 7

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