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Needs Improvement

#2783 of 2,846 schools in PA

Sylvan Heights Science Cs

Elementary School · Sylvan Heights Science CS

915 S 13th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104

Charter

Enrollment

209

Student-Teacher

16.1:1

Score

2.7

Grades

Kindergarten – 4th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,783 of 2,846

In Harrisburg

#38 of 40

public schools

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Sylvan Heights Science Cs

2.7/10

Elementary School in Harrisburg · grades Kindergarten – 4th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Foose Sch

4.3/10

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

Rowland Academy

3.7/10

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

About Sylvan Heights Science Cs

Sylvan Heights Science Cs is a public elementary school in Harrisburg, PA, part of Sylvan Heights Science CS. Sylvan Heights Science Cs serves approximately 209 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-4th, and has a 16.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Sylvan Heights Science Cs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.7 out of 10 and ranks #2,783 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Sylvan Heights Science Cs show 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 39% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares3.7 pts below PA schools
  • This school 2.7 · Needs Improvement
  • PA avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Sylvan Heights Science Cs is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

37% of students at Sylvan Heights Science Cs 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 metrics
Student Progress1.9Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.92 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.1Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency19.2% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency31.6% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-32.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-24.2 pts
Overall Proficiency25% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-8.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile22th
Resources & Environment2.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,972
Chronic Absenteeism37.3%

Sylvan Heights Science Cs — Students at Sylvan Heights Science Cs score 25% proficient, which is below 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 31.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
47.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 39.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
53.5% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 34 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
67%
ELA
62%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
72%
ELA
62%
2012
Math
67%
ELA
62%
2013
Math
62%
ELA
52%
2014
Math
17%
ELA
42%
2015
Math
22%
ELA
32%
2016
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2017
Math
17%
ELA
22%
2018
Math
17%
ELA
47%
2019
Math
17%
ELA
47%
2020*
Math
7.5%
ELA
17%
2021*
Math
7.5%
ELA
17%
2022
Math
9.9%
ELA
14.6%
2024
Math
19.4%
ELA
31.7%

* 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: 1.9/10.

How Sylvan Heights Science Cs Compares

See how Sylvan Heights Science Cs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
2.7/10
2th percentile in PA
Academic
4.1/10
Below Average
Growth
1.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.4/10
Needs Improvement

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
37.3%

Location

915 S 13th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sylvan Heights Science Cs may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. ST STEPHEN'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL (rated 7.6/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is HARRISBURG CATHOLIC ELEMENTRY SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, HARRISBURG CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Harrisburg, see our Harrisburg schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Foose Sch Harrisburg 0.1 mi 4.3
Rowland Academy Harrisburg 0.7 mi 3.7
Scott Sch Harrisburg 0.7 mi 4.4
LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Harrisburg 0.8 mi 6.6
Melrose Sch Harrisburg 0.8 mi 4.6
JOSHUA LEARNING CENTER Harrisburg 0.9 mi
Cougar Academy Harrisburg 1.2 mi 6.2
Harrisburg HS - SciTech Cmp Harrisburg 1.0 mi 7.6
Premier Arts and Science CS Harrisburg 1.3 mi 4.6
Capital Area School for the Arts CS Harrisburg 1.1 mi 7.8
Marshall Math Science Academy Harrisburg 1.4 mi 2.7
Marshall Academy Harrisburg 1.4 mi 4.7
HANSEL & GRETEL EARLY LEARNING CENTER Harrisburg 1.6 mi
ST THERESA SCHOOL New Cumberland 1.5 mi 6.4
ST STEPHEN'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Harrisburg 1.3 mi 7.6
HARRISBURG CATHOLIC ELEMENTRY SCHOOL Harrisburg 1.4 mi 7.5
Harrisburg HS Harrisburg 1.5 mi 3.6
New Cumberland MS New Cumberland 1.7 mi 6.7
Downey Sch Harrisburg 1.7 mi 4.1
HARRISBURG CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Harrisburg 1.4 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
McDaniel Delaplaine Sch Philadelphia, PA 2.7
John Adams #4 Scranton, PA 2.6
Catalyst Academy CS Pittsburgh, PA 2.9
Glenside El Sch Reading, PA 2.9
Martin Sch New Kensington, PA 2.3
Welsh John Sch Philadelphia, PA 2.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sylvan Heights Science Cs

What grades does Sylvan Heights Science Cs serve?

Sylvan Heights Science Cs serves students in grades Kindergarten through 4th.

How many students attend Sylvan Heights Science Cs?

Sylvan Heights Science Cs has an enrollment of approximately 209 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Sylvan Heights Science Cs?

The student-teacher ratio at Sylvan Heights Science Cs is 16.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Sylvan Heights Science Cs rank in PA?

Sylvan Heights Science Cs ranks #2,783 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Sylvan Heights Science Cs's MySchoolScout rating?

Sylvan Heights Science Cs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.7 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 Sylvan Heights Science Cs?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Sylvan Heights Science Cs has 31% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 39% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Sylvan Heights Science Cs a charter school?

Yes, Sylvan Heights Science Cs is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Sylvan Heights Science Cs a Title I school?

No, Sylvan Heights Science Cs is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sylvan Heights Science Cs?

100.0% of students at Sylvan Heights Science Cs 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
63 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
35 Some Transit
Bike Score
56 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Enrollment
209
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
13
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Dauphin County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
37.3%

District

Sylvan Heights Science CS
District Enrollment
209
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,972
District Rank
#1 of 1

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