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Excellent

#24 of 2,842 schools in PA

Top 1% in state

North Star Central EL Sch

Elementary School · North Star SD

1215 Morris Ave, Boswell, PA 15531

Enrollment

398

Student-Teacher

10.5:1

Score

9.3

Grades

Pre-K – 4th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Boswell

#1 of 2

public schools

Pennsylvania elementary schools

#21 of 1,625

In district

#1 of 3

North Star SD

Equity

10.0 / 10

Exceptional

About North Star Central EL Sch

North Star Central Elementary School serves 398 students in Boswell, Pennsylvania, covering pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. It earns a composite score of 9.3 out of 10 — an Exceptional rating — driven by a 9.7 academic score and a standout 9.9 growth score that places it among the strongest-performing elementary schools in the state. The school's student-teacher ratio of 10.5 to 1 supports the kind of individualized instruction that growth numbers at this level demand.

That attention shows in the results: North Star Central ranks 21st out of 1,625 elementary schools in Pennsylvania, outperforming 99 percent of public schools statewide. For a small district school in a rural county, that is a genuinely rare outcome. Among the 2,842 public schools across Pennsylvania — all types, all grade levels — North Star Central sits at number 24.

Parents comparing options in Boswell will find it tops every local alternative. These rankings reflect real academic trajectory, not just starting-line advantage. Families prioritizing measurable learning gains over reputation or zip code will find this school's data among the most compelling in the state.

What Parents Should Know

Located in a rural area, North Star Central EL Sch may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress9.9Exceptional50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+2.45 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendImproving
Academics9.7Exceptional30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency80.6%
Reading/ELA Proficiency77%
Math vs. State Avg+29.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+21.2 pts
Overall Proficiency79%
Expected (poverty-adj.)33%
vs. Expected+45.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile96th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment7.4Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,357

North Star Central EL Sch — Students at North Star Central EL Sch score 79% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 73.2%
School
State
47.0%
ELA Proficiency 75.0%
School
State
53.5%

Based on 10 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2021*
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2024
Math
80.7%
ELA
77%

* 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: 9.9/10.

How North Star Central EL Sch Compares

See how North Star Central EL Sch performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
9.3/10
99th percentile in PA
Academic
9.7/10
9.7/10
Growth
9.9/10
Above average
Environment
7.4/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
38 teachers

Location

1215 Morris Ave, Boswell, PA 15531

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering North Star Central EL Sch may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Eagle View El Sch (rated 8.4/10, 11.3 miles away, in nearby Somerset), with a comparable rating. Another option is Westmont Hilltop El Sch (rated 7.7/10, 12.1 miles away, in nearby Johnstown), a more accessible option. Additionally, Conemaugh Twp Area El Sch (rated 7.4/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Johnstown), a more accessible option. For more schools in Boswell, see our Boswell schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.1 mi
School Distance Rating
North Star HS Boswell 0.3 mi 5.4
North Star East MS Stoystown 6.4 mi 7.0
Conemaugh Twp Area MS/SHS Davidsville 7.0 mi 5.2
JOHNSTOWN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hollsopple 7.7 mi 7.6
Conemaugh Twp Area El Sch Johnstown 8.4 mi 7.4
APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Somerset 9.8 mi
Somerset County Technology Center Somerset 10.5 mi
Somerset Area Jr-Sr HS Somerset 11.1 mi 5.7
Maple Ridge El Sch Somerset 11.2 mi 7.2
Eagle View El Sch Somerset 11.3 mi 8.4
Westmont Hilltop JSHS Johnstown 11.5 mi 5.9
Ferndale Area JSHS Johnstown 10.9 mi 4.8
Westmont Hilltop El Sch Johnstown 12.1 mi 7.7
Greater Johnstown School District's Cyber Academy Johnstown 11.6 mi 3.6
BISHOP MC CORT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Johnstown 12.0 mi 6.6
Ferndale El Sch Johnstown 12.3 mi 4.1
Greater Johnstown El Sch Johnstown 12.7 mi 5.1
Greater Johnstown SHS Johnstown 12.0 mi 4.1
DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC ACADEMY,WEST CAMPUS Johnstown 12.5 mi 6.7
Shanksville-Stonycreek El Sch Shanksville 12.1 mi 5.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 15531 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$52,955

Median Home Value

$122,900

Median Rent

$680/mo

Population

3,625

College Educated

16.6%

Homeownership

77.8%

Avg Commute

28 min

Poverty Rate

14.9%

Median Age

47.6

Community Profile

The community surrounding North Star Central EL Sch has a median household income of $52,955. It is a community where 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $122,900, with a median rent of $680/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.9%. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Choconut Valley El Sch Friendsville, PA 9.3
Cold Spring El Sch Doylestown, PA 9.3
Coudersport Area El Sch Coudersport, PA 9.3
Fallsington El Sch Fallsington, PA 9.3
Hilltop El Sch Aston, PA 9.3
Linntown El Sch Lewisburg, PA 9.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about North Star Central EL Sch

What grades does North Star Central EL Sch serve?

North Star Central EL Sch serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.

How many students attend North Star Central EL Sch?

North Star Central EL Sch has an enrollment of approximately 398 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at North Star Central EL Sch?

The student-teacher ratio at North Star Central EL Sch is 10.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does North Star Central EL Sch rank in PA?

North Star Central EL Sch is ranked #24 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is North Star Central EL Sch's MySchoolScout rating?

North Star Central EL Sch has a composite rating of 9.3 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at North Star Central EL Sch?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, North Star Central EL Sch has 73.2% math proficiency and 75.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is North Star Central EL Sch a charter school?

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

Is North Star Central EL Sch a Title I school?

No, North Star Central EL Sch is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for North Star Central EL Sch?

100.0% of students at North Star Central 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
37 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
23 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR. County-level only.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Enrollment
398
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
38
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Somerset County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

North Star SD
District Enrollment
1,019
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,078
District Rank
#1 of 3

Other Schools in This District

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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