Very Good
#959 of 2,846 schools in PA
Top 34% in state
Mcdowell HS
High School · Millcreek Township SD
3580 West 38th St, Erie, PA 16506
Enrollment
2,161
Student-Teacher
15.4:1
Score
7.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,161
Student-Teacher
15.4:1
Score
7.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#959 of 2,846
In Erie
#14 of 34
public schools
In district
#7 of 9
Millcreek Township SD
Academic growth
9.4 / 10
Excellent
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Mcdowell HS
High School in Erie · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
South Hills Child Development Center Inc
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Grandview EL Sch
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Mcdowell HS
Mcdowell HS is a public high school in Erie, PA, part of Millcreek Township SD. Mcdowell HS serves approximately 2,161 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 15.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Mcdowell HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 out of 10 and ranks #959 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Mcdowell HS show 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 7.2 · Very Good
- PA avg 6.6
What Parents Should Know
Mcdowell HS is a large school: 2,161 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Mcdowell HS — Students at Mcdowell HS score 67% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
48.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 28 test records from PA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 9.4/10.
How Mcdowell HS Compares
See how Mcdowell HS 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
3580 West 38th St, Erie, PA 16506
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Mcdowell HS may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ERIE DAY SCHOOL (rated 8.6/10, 3.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Asbury El Sch (rated 7.8/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Fairview), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, VILLA MARIA ACADEMY (rated 7.8/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Erie, see our Erie schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| SOUTH HILLS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER INC Erie | 0.1 mi | — |
| Grandview El Sch Erie | 0.8 mi | 7.7 |
| OUR LADY OF PEACE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Erie | 1.6 mi | 5.6 |
| ST JUDE SCHOOL Erie | 2.3 mi | 5.6 |
| COMMUNITY COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Erie | 1.9 mi | 6.9 |
| Asbury El Sch Fairview | 2.2 mi | 7.8 |
| Montessori Regional CS Erie | 2.3 mi | 3.5 |
| Walnut Creek MS Fairview | 2.3 mi | 7.2 |
| VILLA MARIA ACADEMY Erie | 2.5 mi | 7.8 |
| Tracy El Sch Erie | 2.5 mi | 7.2 |
| Westlake MS Erie | 2.1 mi | 5.2 |
| LEADERSHIP CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Fairview | 2.5 mi | 5.4 |
| BETHEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Erie | 2.4 mi | 7.1 |
| Harding Sch Erie | 3.2 mi | 2.4 |
| Grover Cleveland El Sch Erie | 2.8 mi | 3.9 |
| Strong Vincent MS Erie | 3.6 mi | 5.4 |
| ST GEORGE GRADE SCHOOL Erie | 3.0 mi | 5.6 |
| ERIE DAY SCHOOL Erie | 3.7 mi | 8.6 |
| Perry El Sch Erie | 3.6 mi | 2.9 |
| ERIE FIRST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Erie | 3.7 mi | 7.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 16506 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$84,021
Median Home Value
$224,200
Median Rent
$1,176/mo
Population
24,190
College Educated
39.4%
Homeownership
69.7%
Avg Commute
18.1 min
Poverty Rate
7.8%
Median Age
44
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Central Dauphin SHS Harrisburg, PA | 7.2 |
| Franklin Towne CHS Philadelphia, PA | 7.2 |
| McCaskey Campus Lancaster, PA | 7.2 |
| Souderton Area HS Souderton, PA | 7.2 |
| Dallastown Area SHS Dallastown, PA | 7.3 |
| Penn Manor HS Millersville, PA | 7.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mcdowell HS
What grades does Mcdowell HS serve?
Mcdowell HS serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Mcdowell HS?
Mcdowell HS has an enrollment of approximately 2,161 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Mcdowell HS?
The student-teacher ratio at Mcdowell HS is 15.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Mcdowell HS rank in PA?
Mcdowell HS ranks #959 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Mcdowell HS's MySchoolScout rating?
Mcdowell HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 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 Mcdowell HS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Mcdowell HS has 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Mcdowell HS a charter school?
No, Mcdowell HS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Mcdowell HS a Title I school?
No, Mcdowell HS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mcdowell HS?
48.2% of students at Mcdowell HS 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
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,161
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 140
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 48.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize Suburb
- County
- Erie County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 26.4%
- Phone
- (814) 835-5403
- 4-Year Graduation
- 92.0%
Resources & Links
District
Millcreek Township SD- District Enrollment
- 6,393
- Schools in District
- 9
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,522
- District Rank
- #7 of 9
Other Schools in This District
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