Needs Improvement
#2605 of 2,846 schools in PA
Rowland Academy
Middle School · Harrisburg City SD
1842 Derry Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Enrollment
577
Student-Teacher
19.2:1
Score
3.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
577
Student-Teacher
19.2:1
Score
3.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#2,605 of 2,846
In Harrisburg
#35 of 40
public schools
In district
#10 of 12
Harrisburg City SD
Academic growth
7.1 / 10
Very Good
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Rowland Academy
Middle School in Harrisburg · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Scott Sch
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Melrose Sch
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Rowland Academy
Rowland Academy is a public middle school in Harrisburg, PA, part of Harrisburg City SD. Rowland Academy serves approximately 577 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 19.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Rowland Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 out of 10 and ranks #2,605 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Rowland Academy show 9% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 15% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 3.7 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 3.9
- PA avg 5.4
What Parents Should Know
Test scores at Rowland Academy sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.
59% of students at Rowland Academy were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Rowland Academy — Students at Rowland Academy score 4% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 36 test records from PA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 7.1/10.
How Rowland Academy Compares
See how Rowland Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
1842 Derry Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Rowland Academy may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Marshall Academy (rated 4.7/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Marshall Math Science Academy (rated 2.7/10, 0.8 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Harrisburg, see our Harrisburg schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Sch Harrisburg | 0.1 mi | 4.4 |
| Melrose Sch Harrisburg | 0.3 mi | 4.6 |
| LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Harrisburg | 0.4 mi | 6.6 |
| JOSHUA LEARNING CENTER Harrisburg | 0.5 mi | — |
| Sylvan Heights Science CS Harrisburg | 0.7 mi | 2.7 |
| Foose Sch Harrisburg | 0.7 mi | 4.3 |
| Cougar Academy Harrisburg | 0.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Premier Arts and Science CS Harrisburg | 0.8 mi | 4.6 |
| HANSEL & GRETEL EARLY LEARNING CENTER Harrisburg | 0.9 mi | — |
| Marshall Math Science Academy Harrisburg | 0.8 mi | 2.7 |
| Marshall Academy Harrisburg | 0.8 mi | 4.7 |
| Harrisburg HS Harrisburg | 0.9 mi | 3.6 |
| HARRISBURG CATHOLIC ELEMENTRY SCHOOL Harrisburg | 0.9 mi | 7.5 |
| Harrisburg HS - SciTech Cmp Harrisburg | 1.1 mi | 7.6 |
| Downey Sch Harrisburg | 1.3 mi | 4.1 |
| Capital Area School for the Arts CS Harrisburg | 1.2 mi | 7.8 |
| ST MARGARET MARY SCHOOL Harrisburg | 1.6 mi | 6.9 |
| ST STEPHEN'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Harrisburg | 1.4 mi | 7.6 |
| Benjamin Franklin Sch Harrisburg | 1.5 mi | 4.6 |
| HARRISBURG CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Harrisburg | 1.5 mi | 7.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 17104 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$42,113
Median Home Value
$102,200
Median Rent
$953/mo
Population
19,401
College Educated
17.4%
Homeownership
40.4%
Avg Commute
20.5 min
Poverty Rate
30.5%
Median Age
34.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Brownsville Area MS Brownsville, PA | 3.7 |
| Charles A Huston MS Lower Burrell, PA | 3.7 |
| Richard Allen Preparatory CS Philadelphia, PA | 3.7 |
| Benjamin Franklin MS Levittown, PA | 3.8 |
| Lehman Intermediate Sch Dingmans Ferry, PA | 3.8 |
| Smith MS Quarryville, PA | 3.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Rowland Academy
What grades does Rowland Academy serve?
Rowland Academy serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Rowland Academy?
Rowland Academy has an enrollment of approximately 577 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Rowland Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Rowland Academy is 19.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Rowland Academy rank in PA?
Rowland Academy ranks #2,605 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Rowland Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Rowland Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 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 Rowland Academy?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Rowland Academy has 9% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 15% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Rowland Academy a charter school?
No, Rowland Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Rowland Academy a Title I school?
No, Rowland Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Rowland Academy?
100.0% of students at Rowland Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 577
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 30
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Dauphin County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 58.6%
- Phone
- (717) 703-4500
Resources & Links
District
Harrisburg City SD- District Enrollment
- 6,395
- Schools in District
- 12
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,239
- District Rank
- #10 of 12
Other Schools in This District
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