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Needs Improvement

#2696 of 2,842 schools in PA

Based on limited data

Northwest Area Primary Sch

Elementary School · Northwest Area SD

417 Shickshinny Lake Rd, Shickshinny, PA 18655

Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on PA statewide data. Learn more

Enrollment

221

Student-Teacher

22.1:1

Score

3.9

Grades

Pre-K – 2nd

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Shickshinny

#3 of 3

public schools

Pennsylvania elementary schools

#1,545 of 1,625

In district

#3 of 3

Northwest Area SD

About Northwest Area Primary Sch

Northwest Area Primary School is a small elementary school located in the rural community of Shickshinny, Pennsylvania. Serving preschool through second grade students, the school has an enrollment of 221 pupils and employs ten full-time equivalent teachers. The student-to-teacher ratio at Northwest Area Primary School is 22.1:1.

While academic performance data is not available to provide specific test score results or rankings, the school focuses on nurturing early learning skills and fostering a supportive educational environment for young learners. With limited resources for detailed test scores, it’s clear that the community values hands-on teaching methods and personalized attention in a rural setting where students benefit from small class sizes. Northwest Area Primary School is nestled in a peaceful, close-knit neighborhood of Shickshinny, offering children a nurturing environment to begin their educational journey.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Northwest Area Primary Sch is 22.1:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Located in a rural area, Northwest Area Primary 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

Partial Profile · 2/3 metrics
Student ProgressNot Available

Requires 2+ years of test data

Academics6.3Above Average49%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.·Area estimate · Based on PA state average
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment1.6Significantly Below Average51%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$20,331

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

60.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Component weights adjusted due to data availability.

Test Scores

Test score data not yet available for this school.

How Northwest Area Primary Sch Compares

See how Northwest Area Primary Sch performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.9/10
5th percentile in PA
Academic
6.3/10
6.3/10
Environment
1.6/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
60%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers

Location

417 Shickshinny Lake Rd, Shickshinny, PA 18655

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Northwest Area Primary Sch may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. L R Appleman El Sch (rated 9.5/10, 7.6 miles away, in nearby Benton), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lake-Noxen El Sch (rated 8.8/10, 14.6 miles away, in nearby Lehman), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Ross El Sch (rated 8.4/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Lehman), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Shickshinny, see our Shickshinny schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Northwest Area HS Shickshinny 2.4 mi 6.0
Ross El Sch Lehman 6.8 mi 8.4
Northwest Area Intermediate Sch Shickshinny 6.5 mi 8.2
Berwick Area HS Berwick 8.6 mi 5.8
Berwick Area MS Berwick 8.7 mi 6.6
Salem El Sch Berwick 8.8 mi 7.1
NEW STORY SCHOOL Berwick 9.4 mi 5.6
West Berwick El Sch Berwick 9.6 mi 4.7
Nescopeck El Sch Nescopeck 9.8 mi 6.1
L R Appleman El Sch Benton 7.6 mi 9.5
Benton Area MS Benton 7.7 mi 7.4
Benton Area HS Benton 7.7 mi 4.6
Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School Bloomsburg 13.2 mi 5.9
Central Columbia El Sch Bloomsburg 13.3 mi 8.3
Central Columbia MS Bloomsburg 13.6 mi 6.8
Central Columbia SHS Bloomsburg 13.7 mi 7.2
Lake-Noxen El Sch Lehman 14.6 mi 8.8
Lake-Lehman JSHS Lehman 13.6 mi 6.5
Kennedy Early Childhood Center Nanticoke 12.6 mi 4.5
GNA El Ctr Nanticoke 12.6 mi 3.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 18655 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$68,362

Median Home Value

$167,000

Median Rent

$889/mo

Population

5,789

College Educated

17.1%

Homeownership

83.6%

Avg Commute

36.4 min

Poverty Rate

7.4%

Median Age

47.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Northwest Area Primary Sch has a median household income of $68,362. It is a community where 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $167,000, with a median rent of $889/month. The local poverty rate of 7.4% is relatively low. The average commute in the area is 36 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Baker El Sch Altoona, PA 3.9
Philadelphia Montessori CS Philadelphia, PA 3.9
Priestley Sch Northumberland, PA 3.9
Wright Richard R Sch Philadelphia, PA 3.9
Charles Kelly El Sch Drexel Hill, PA 4.0
Hartranft John F Sch Philadelphia, PA 3.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Northwest Area Primary Sch

What grades does Northwest Area Primary Sch serve?

Northwest Area Primary Sch serves students in grades Pre-K through 2nd.

How many students attend Northwest Area Primary Sch?

Northwest Area Primary Sch has an enrollment of approximately 221 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Northwest Area Primary Sch?

The student-teacher ratio at Northwest Area Primary Sch is 22.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Northwest Area Primary Sch rank in PA?

Northwest Area Primary Sch is ranked #2696 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is Northwest Area Primary Sch's MySchoolScout rating?

Northwest Area Primary Sch has a composite rating of 3.9 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.

Is Northwest Area Primary Sch a charter school?

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

Is Northwest Area Primary Sch a Title I school?

No, Northwest Area Primary Sch is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northwest Area Primary Sch?

60.2% of students at Northwest Area Primary 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 →

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 2nd
Enrollment
221
Student-Teacher Ratio
22.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Free/Reduced Lunch
60.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Luzerne County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Northwest Area SD
District Enrollment
916
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,504
District Rank
#3 of 3

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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