Below Average
#2457 of 2,842 schools in PA
South Buffalo EL Sch
Elementary School · Freeport Area SD
562 Freeport Rd, Freeport, PA 16229
Enrollment
211
Student-Teacher
12.4:1
Score
4.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
211
Student-Teacher
12.4:1
Score
4.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Freeport
#3 of 4
public schools
Pennsylvania elementary schools
#1,420 of 1,625
In district
#3 of 4
Freeport Area SD
Academic performance
7.6 / 10
Very strong
About South Buffalo EL Sch
South Buffalo El Sch is a regular public elementary school located in Freeport, Pennsylvania, nestled in a rural area near the town center. Serving kindergarten through fifth grade, South Buffalo El Sch currently enrolls 211 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12.4:1, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention from its team of 17 full-time equivalent teachers. The school's academic performance is noteworthy, though there is room for improvement.
With a MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 out of 10 and a state ranking at the 53rd percentile among Pennsylvania schools, South Buffalo El Sch focuses on student development across all grades. In reading and ELA, 77% of students are proficient or above, while in math, 54% have reached proficiency levels. South Buffalo El Sch is part of a close-knit community where the rural setting offers a peaceful environment for learning and growth.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, South Buffalo 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
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South Buffalo EL Sch — Students at South Buffalo EL Sch score 60% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
43.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 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: 1.8/10.
How South Buffalo EL Sch Compares
See how South Buffalo EL Sch performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 62% (2019) to 47% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 82% (2019) to 72% (2021).
Location
562 Freeport Rd, Freeport, PA 16229
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Buffalo EL Sch may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. David Leech El Sch (rated 8.0/10, 6.1 miles away, in nearby Leechburg), which scores notably higher. Another option is Kiski Area North Primary Sch (rated 7.2/10, 7.0 miles away, in nearby Leechburg), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Bon Air El Sch (rated 6.4/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Lower Burrell), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Freeport, see our Freeport schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Freeport Area MS Freeport | 2.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Freeport Area SHS Freeport | 2.7 mi | 7.5 |
| Buffalo El Sch Freeport | 4.8 mi | 3.6 |
| MERAKEY EDUCATION CENTER Leechburg | 5.7 mi | — |
| Leechburg Area MS Leechburg | 6.1 mi | 7.9 |
| David Leech El Sch Leechburg | 6.1 mi | 8.0 |
| Leechburg Area HS Leechburg | 6.1 mi | 9.0 |
| ST JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL Natrona Heights | 6.4 mi | 7.3 |
| Highlands SHS Natrona Heights | 6.6 mi | 5.6 |
| Highlands MS Natrona Heights | 6.8 mi | 6.8 |
| Kiski Area North Primary Sch Leechburg | 7.0 mi | 7.2 |
| Highlands Early Childhood Center Brackenridge | 7.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Kiski Area IHS Vandergrift | 7.6 mi | 3.6 |
| Kiski Area HS Vandergrift | 7.7 mi | 5.7 |
| Burrell HS Lower Burrell | 8.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Bon Air El Sch Lower Burrell | 8.4 mi | 6.4 |
| Charles A Huston MS Lower Burrell | 8.5 mi | 3.9 |
| Stewart El Sch Lower Burrell | 8.4 mi | 3.2 |
| Highlands El Sch Tarentum | 8.3 mi | 4.6 |
| LUTHERAN CHURCH SCHOOLS Worthington | 9.6 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 16229 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$74,792
Median Home Value
$206,300
Median Rent
$781/mo
Population
4,900
College Educated
27.8%
Homeownership
76.9%
Avg Commute
29.4 min
Poverty Rate
10.3%
Median Age
45
Community Profile
The community surrounding South Buffalo EL Sch has a median household income of $74,792. It is an area where 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $206,300, with a median rent of $781/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.3%. The average commute for residents is 29 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 |
|---|---|
| Barrett El Sch Homestead, PA | 4.6 |
| Moore Sch Pittsburgh, PA | 4.6 |
| Sheffield Area El Sch Sheffield, PA | 4.6 |
| Avis El Sch Jersey Shore, PA | 4.5 |
| Inquiry CS Philadelphia, PA | 4.5 |
| Propel CS-Hazelwood Pittsburgh, PA | 4.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Buffalo EL Sch
What grades does South Buffalo EL Sch serve?
South Buffalo EL Sch serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend South Buffalo EL Sch?
South Buffalo EL Sch has an enrollment of approximately 211 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Buffalo EL Sch?
The student-teacher ratio at South Buffalo EL Sch is 12.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Buffalo EL Sch rank in PA?
South Buffalo EL Sch is ranked #2457 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is South Buffalo EL Sch's MySchoolScout rating?
South Buffalo EL Sch has a composite rating of 4.6 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 South Buffalo EL Sch?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, South Buffalo EL Sch has 54.5% math proficiency and 77.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is South Buffalo EL Sch a charter school?
No, South Buffalo EL Sch is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Buffalo EL Sch a Title I school?
No, South Buffalo EL Sch is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Buffalo EL Sch?
43.6% of students at South Buffalo 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.
Explore More Schools
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 211
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 43.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Armstrong County
- Phone
- (724) 295-9510
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Freeport Area SD- District Enrollment
- 1,767
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,165
- District Rank
- #3 of 4
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 methodologyRelated reading
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