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Below Average

#2270 of 2,846 schools in PA

Paxtang EL Sch

Elementary School · Central Dauphin SD

3530 Rutherford St, Harrisburg, PA 17111

Enrollment

280

Student-Teacher

16.5:1

Score

4.6

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,270 of 2,846

In Harrisburg

#21 of 40

public schools

In district

#13 of 19

Central Dauphin SD

Equity

7.0 / 10

Very Good

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Paxtang EL Sch

4.6/10

Elementary School in Harrisburg · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

The Circle School

7.3/10

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

Harrisburg Catholic Elementry School

7.5/10

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

About Paxtang EL Sch

Paxtang EL Sch is a public elementary school in Harrisburg, PA, part of Central Dauphin SD. Paxtang EL Sch serves approximately 280 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 16.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Paxtang EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 out of 10 and ranks #2,270 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Paxtang EL Sch show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.1 pts below district
  • This school 4.6 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.7
  • PA avg 6.4

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.0Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.91 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.3Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency36.7% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency44.3% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-14.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-11.5 pts
Overall Proficiency41% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+7.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile47th
Resources & Environment3.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,486
Chronic Absenteeism17.5%

Paxtang EL Sch — Students at Paxtang EL Sch score 40% 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 44.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
46.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 49.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
53.3% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 36 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
72%
ELA
57%
2010
Math
82%
ELA
62%
2011
Math
77%
ELA
62%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
67%
2013
Math
67%
ELA
67%
2014
Math
42%
ELA
57%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
47%
2016
Math
37%
ELA
42%
2017
Math
32%
ELA
52%
2018
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2020*
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2022
Math
32.2%
ELA
45.8%
2024
Math
36.5%
ELA
43.5%

* 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: 4.0/10.

How Paxtang EL Sch Compares

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

Overall Score
4.6/10
20th percentile in PA
Academic
6.3/10
Average
Growth
4.0/10
Below Average
Environment
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
17 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
17.5%

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

3530 Rutherford St, Harrisburg, PA 17111

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Paxtang EL Sch may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. HARRISBURG CATHOLIC ELEMENTRY SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST CATHERINE LABOURE SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST MARGARET MARY SCHOOL (rated 6.9/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Harrisburg, see our Harrisburg schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.8 mi
School Distance Rating
THE CIRCLE SCHOOL Harrisburg 0.6 mi 7.3
HARRISBURG CATHOLIC ELEMENTRY SCHOOL Harrisburg 0.7 mi 7.5
ST CATHERINE LABOURE SCHOOL Harrisburg 0.8 mi 7.3
Marshall Math Science Academy Harrisburg 1.0 mi 2.7
Marshall Academy Harrisburg 1.0 mi 4.7
Harrisburg HS Harrisburg 1.1 mi 3.6
Reach Cyber CS Harrisburg 1.1 mi 5.4
Susquehanna Twp MS Harrisburg 1.4 mi 2.3
Lawnton El Sch Harrisburg 1.2 mi 4.4
Steelton-Highspire HS Steelton 1.5 mi 2.7
MERAKEY EDUCATION & AUTISM CENTER Harrisburg 1.5 mi
Melrose Sch Harrisburg 1.3 mi 4.6
Swatara MS Steelton 1.6 mi 4.5
Steelton-Highspire El Sch Steelton 1.8 mi 2.7
ST MARGARET MARY SCHOOL Harrisburg 1.7 mi 6.9
Scott Sch Harrisburg 1.4 mi 4.4
Rowland Academy Harrisburg 1.5 mi 3.7
Tri-Community El Sch Steelton 2.0 mi 4.6
HANSEL & GRETEL EARLY LEARNING CENTER Harrisburg 1.7 mi
South Side El Sch Harrisburg 1.8 mi 4.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17111 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$84,314

Median Home Value

$225,500

Median Rent

$1,309/mo

Population

35,818

College Educated

33.3%

Homeownership

67.5%

Avg Commute

21.5 min

Poverty Rate

6.7%

Median Age

38.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Allen Dr Ethel Sch Philadelphia, PA 4.6
Chambers Hill El Sch Harrisburg, PA 4.6
Ferndale El Sch Johnstown, PA 4.6
Frances Willard #32 Scranton, PA 4.6
Indian Valley El Sch Reedsville, PA 4.6
Line Mountain El Sch Trevorton, PA 4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Paxtang EL Sch

What grades does Paxtang EL Sch serve?

Paxtang EL Sch serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Paxtang EL Sch?

Paxtang EL Sch has an enrollment of approximately 280 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Paxtang EL Sch?

The student-teacher ratio at Paxtang EL Sch is 16.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Paxtang EL Sch rank in PA?

Paxtang EL Sch ranks #2,270 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Paxtang EL Sch's MySchoolScout rating?

Paxtang EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.6 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 Paxtang EL Sch?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Paxtang EL Sch has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Paxtang EL Sch a charter school?

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

Is Paxtang EL Sch a Title I school?

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

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

100.0% of students at Paxtang 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
51 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
36 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
280
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
17
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Dauphin County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
17.5%

District

Central Dauphin SD
District Enrollment
12,543
Schools in District
19
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,486
District Rank
#13 of 19

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