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Very Good

#752 of 2,846 schools in PA

Top 26% in state

Fairfield Area EL Sch

Elementary School · Fairfield Area SD

4842 Fairfield Rd, Fairfield, PA 17320

Enrollment

364

Student-Teacher

11.4:1

Score

7.5

Grades

Kindergarten – 4th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#752 of 2,846

In Fairfield

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#1 of 3

Fairfield Area SD

Academic performance

8.3 / 10

Excellent

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Fairfield Area EL Sch

7.5/10

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

Fairfield Area HS

7.0/10

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

Fairfield Area MS

4.8/10

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

About Fairfield Area EL Sch

Fairfield Area EL Sch is a public elementary school in Fairfield, PA, part of Fairfield Area SD. Fairfield Area EL Sch serves approximately 364 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-4th, and has a 11.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Fairfield Area EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10 and ranks #752 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Fairfield Area EL Sch show 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.1 pts above PA schools
  • This school 7.5 · Very Good
  • PA avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Fairfield Area 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 Progress7.1Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.79 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics8.3Excellent30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency65.1% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency64.6% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg+13.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+8.8 pts
Overall Proficiency65% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)57% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+7.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile74th
Resources & Environment7.3Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,642
Chronic Absenteeism19.8%

Fairfield Area EL Sch — Students at Fairfield Area EL Sch score 65% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

40.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 61.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
47.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 66.5% (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
77%
2010
Math
87%
ELA
72%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2013
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
57%
2015
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
62%
2017
Math
52%
ELA
57%
2018
Math
57%
ELA
67%
2019
Math
57%
ELA
67%
2020*
Math
47%
ELA
67%
2021*
Math
47%
ELA
67%
2022
Math
44.8%
ELA
55.9%
2024
Math
64.6%
ELA
64.5%

* 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: 7.1/10.

How Fairfield Area EL Sch Compares

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

Overall Score
7.5/10
74th percentile in PA
Academic
8.3/10
Excellent
Growth
7.1/10
Very Good
Environment
7.3/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
41%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
32 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
19.8%

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

4842 Fairfield Rd, Fairfield, PA 17320

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Fairfield Area EL Sch may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Emmitsburg Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 5.7 miles away, in nearby Emmitsburg), with a very similar rating. Another option is Franklin Twp El Sch (rated 6.8/10, 7.1 miles away, in nearby Cashtown), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Vida CS (rated 6.8/10, 9.0 miles away, in nearby Gettysburg), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Fairfield, see our Fairfield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 9.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Fairfield Area HS Fairfield 0.3 mi 7.0
Fairfield Area MS Fairfield 0.3 mi 4.8
Emmitsburg Elementary Emmitsburg 5.7 mi 7.7
MOTHER SETON SCHOOL Emmitsburg 5.9 mi 5.2
Franklin Twp El Sch Cashtown 7.1 mi 6.8
WELLSPRING CHRISTIAN FAMILY SCHOOL Sabillasville 7.0 mi 2.5
Sabillasville Environmental School Sabillasville 7.9 mi 5.9
Cascade Elementary Cascade 7.6 mi 5.1
ABRAXAS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM South Mountain 7.8 mi 8.5
South Mountain Secure Trmnt Un South Mountain 7.8 mi
ABRAXAS YOUTH CENTER South Mountain 7.9 mi 7.8
Catoctin High Thurmont 9.8 mi 5.5
Lincoln El Sch Gettysburg 8.5 mi 5.6
Gettysburg Area MS Gettysburg 8.6 mi 5.7
James Gettys El Sch Gettysburg 9.0 mi 6.7
Thurmont Middle Thurmont 11.0 mi 4.8
Vida CS Gettysburg 9.0 mi 6.8
Thurmont Elementary Thurmont 11.2 mi 6.0
Thurmont Primary Thurmont 11.4 mi 5.8
GETTYSBURG SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SCHOOL Gettysburg 9.6 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17320 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$87,321

Median Home Value

$283,000

Median Rent

$1,252/mo

Population

8,103

College Educated

26%

Homeownership

88.4%

Avg Commute

35.9 min

Poverty Rate

9.8%

Median Age

45.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Buckingham El Sch Buckingham, PA 7.5
CASKEY TORAH ACADEMY OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA Wynnewood, PA 7.5
Coudersport Area El Sch Coudersport, PA 7.5
Don Gill El Sch Wellsboro, PA 7.5
Dover Area El Sch Dover, PA 7.5
Edgar Fahs Smith STEAM Academy York, PA 7.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Fairfield Area EL Sch

What grades does Fairfield Area EL Sch serve?

Fairfield Area EL Sch serves students in grades Kindergarten through 4th.

How many students attend Fairfield Area EL Sch?

Fairfield Area EL Sch has an enrollment of approximately 364 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Fairfield Area EL Sch?

The student-teacher ratio at Fairfield Area EL Sch is 11.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Fairfield Area EL Sch rank in PA?

Fairfield Area EL Sch ranks #752 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Fairfield Area EL Sch's MySchoolScout rating?

Fairfield Area EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 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 Fairfield Area EL Sch?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Fairfield Area EL Sch has 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Fairfield Area EL Sch a charter school?

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

Is Fairfield Area EL Sch a Title I school?

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

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

40.9% of students at Fairfield Area 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
18 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
21 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Enrollment
364
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
32
Free/Reduced Lunch
40.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Adams County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
19.8%

District

Fairfield Area SD
District Enrollment
940
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,642
District Rank
#1 of 3

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