Below Average
#2250 of 2,846 schools in PA
Dr David W Kistler EL Sch
Elementary School · Wilkes-Barre Area SD
301 Old River Rd, Wilkes-barre, PA 18702
Enrollment
970
Student-Teacher
17.6:1
Score
4.7
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
970
Student-Teacher
17.6:1
Score
4.7
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#2,250 of 2,846
In Wilkes-barre
#2 of 6
public schools
In district
#2 of 9
Wilkes-Barre Area SD
Shortlisting around Dr David W Kistler EL Sch?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Dr David W Kistler EL Sch
Elementary School in Wilkes-barre · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Lee Park EL Sch
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Wilkes-barre Mennonite School
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Dr David W Kistler EL Sch
Dr David W Kistler EL Sch is a public elementary school in Wilkes-barre, PA, part of Wilkes-Barre Area SD. Dr David W Kistler EL Sch serves approximately 970 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 17.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Dr David W Kistler EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #2,250 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Dr David W Kistler EL Sch show 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 4.7 · Below Average
- District avg 4.1
- PA avg 6.4
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Dr David W Kistler EL Sch — Students at Dr David W Kistler EL Sch score 34% proficient, which is above 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: 5.3/10.
How Dr David W Kistler EL Sch Compares
See how Dr David W Kistler EL Sch 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
301 Old River Rd, Wilkes-barre, PA 18702
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Dr David W Kistler EL Sch may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. WYOMING VALLEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 1.8 miles away, in nearby Kingston), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST NICHOLAS-ST MARY'S SCHOOL (rated 6.9/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Lyndwood El Sch (rated 6.7/10, 1.1 miles away, in nearby Hanover Township), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Wilkes-barre, see our Wilkes-barre schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Park El Sch Hanover Township | 0.8 mi | 4.7 |
| WILKES-BARRE MENNONITE SCHOOL Wilkes-Barre | 1.0 mi | — |
| MILFORD E BARNES JR SCHOOL Wilkes-Barre | 0.9 mi | 6.8 |
| Hanover Area Memorial El Sch Hanover Township | 1.1 mi | 3.6 |
| Wolfpack Early Learning Academy Wilkes-Barre | 1.0 mi | — |
| Lyndwood El Sch Hanover Township | 1.1 mi | 6.7 |
| ST NICHOLAS-ST MARY'S SCHOOL Wilkes-Barre | 1.2 mi | 6.9 |
| BAIS MENACHEM YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROG Wilkes-Barre | 1.3 mi | 6.2 |
| HOLY REDEEMER H.S. Wilkes-Barre | 1.4 mi | 7.4 |
| WYOMING SEMINARY UPPER SCHOOL Kingston | 1.7 mi | 7.2 |
| WYOMING VALLEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL Kingston | 1.8 mi | 7.3 |
| State El Ctr Larksville | 1.7 mi | 4.2 |
| Wyoming Valley West MS Kingston | 1.8 mi | 3.0 |
| Third Avenue El Sch Kingston | 1.7 mi | 2.7 |
| G A R MS Wilkes-Barre | 1.5 mi | 3.2 |
| Chester Street El Sch Kingston | 1.8 mi | 4.0 |
| GRAHAM ACADEMY Kingston | 1.7 mi | 7.5 |
| JENNY LYNN ELEMENTARY Kingston | 2.0 mi | 6.0 |
| Heights/Murray El Sch Wilkes-Barre | 1.9 mi | 4.0 |
| GENESIS SCHOOL Kingston | 2.3 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 18702 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$54,892
Median Home Value
$115,700
Median Rent
$971/mo
Population
42,120
College Educated
23%
Homeownership
57.1%
Avg Commute
20.1 min
Poverty Rate
18.3%
Median Age
38.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Lindley Academy CS at Birney Philadelphia, PA | 4.7 |
| Springfield Literacy Center Springfield, PA | 4.7 |
| Whitfield El Sch West Lawn, PA | 4.7 |
| Clarke El Ctr Pottsville, PA | 4.8 |
| Juniata Park Academy Philadelphia, PA | 4.8 |
| Mastery CS-Cleveland Elementary Philadelphia, PA | 4.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dr David W Kistler EL Sch
What grades does Dr David W Kistler EL Sch serve?
Dr David W Kistler EL Sch serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Dr David W Kistler EL Sch?
Dr David W Kistler EL Sch has an enrollment of approximately 970 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Dr David W Kistler EL Sch?
The student-teacher ratio at Dr David W Kistler EL Sch is 17.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Dr David W Kistler EL Sch rank in PA?
Dr David W Kistler EL Sch ranks #2,250 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Dr David W Kistler EL Sch's MySchoolScout rating?
Dr David W Kistler EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 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 Dr David W Kistler EL Sch?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Dr David W Kistler EL Sch has 33% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 41% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Dr David W Kistler EL Sch a charter school?
No, Dr David W Kistler EL Sch is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Dr David W Kistler EL Sch a Title I school?
No, Dr David W Kistler EL Sch is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Dr David W Kistler EL Sch?
100.0% of students at Dr David W Kistler 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 970
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 55
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Luzerne County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 14.9%
- Phone
- (570) 826-7230
Resources & Links
District
Wilkes-Barre Area SD- District Enrollment
- 8,134
- Schools in District
- 10
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,995
- District Rank
- #2 of 9
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.