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Below Average

#2185 of 2,846 schools in PA

Thomas Jefferson EL Sch

Elementary School · Bethlehem Area SD

404 E North St, Bethlehem, PA 18018

Enrollment

246

Student-Teacher

11.7:1

Score

4.8

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,185 of 2,846

In Bethlehem

#17 of 24

public schools

In district

#15 of 22

Bethlehem Area SD

School environment

8.5 / 10

Excellent

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Thomas Jefferson EL Sch

4.8/10

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

Lehigh Valley Dual Language Cs

4.4/10

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

Liberty HS

5.1/10

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

About Thomas Jefferson EL Sch

Thomas Jefferson EL Sch is a public elementary school in Bethlehem, PA, part of Bethlehem Area SD. Thomas Jefferson EL Sch serves approximately 246 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 11.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Thomas Jefferson EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #2,185 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Thomas Jefferson EL Sch show 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.2 pts below district
  • This school 4.8 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.0
  • PA avg 6.4

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.3Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.79 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.2Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency19.6% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency26.5% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-31.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-29.3 pts
Overall Proficiency23% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)40% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-17.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
Resources & Environment8.5Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,564
Chronic Absenteeism16.7%

Thomas Jefferson EL Sch — Students at Thomas Jefferson EL Sch score 23% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

83.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 39.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
46.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 46.8% (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
72%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
57%
2012
Math
62%
ELA
52%
2013
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2014
Math
32%
ELA
47%
2015
Math
52%
ELA
57%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2017
Math
37%
ELA
47%
2018
Math
22%
ELA
47%
2019
Math
22%
ELA
47%
2020*
Math
30%
ELA
49.5%
2021*
Math
30%
ELA
49.5%
2022
Math
28.5%
ELA
41.3%
2024
Math
20.6%
ELA
27.7%

* 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: 4.3/10.

How Thomas Jefferson EL Sch Compares

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

Overall Score
4.8/10
23th percentile in PA
Academic
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.3/10
Below Average
Environment
8.5/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
83%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
21 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
16.7%

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

404 E North St, Bethlehem, PA 18018

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Thomas Jefferson EL Sch may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Calypso El Sch (rated 8.0/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is HOLY INFANCY SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST ANNE SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Bethlehem, see our Bethlehem schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Lehigh Valley Dual Language CS Bethlehem 0.3 mi 4.4
Liberty HS Bethlehem 0.5 mi 5.1
Northeast MS Bethlehem 0.6 mi 3.9
MORAVIAN ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL Bethlehem 0.6 mi 7.2
ST ANNE SCHOOL Bethlehem 0.8 mi 7.1
Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts Bethlehem 0.8 mi 8.0
William Penn El Sch Bethlehem 0.8 mi 5.3
HOLY INFANCY SCHOOL Bethlehem 1.0 mi 7.3
Donegan El Sch Bethlehem 0.9 mi 3.1
Broughal MS Bethlehem 1.2 mi 3.9
A CHILD'S CHOICE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Bethlehem 1.0 mi
Lincoln El Sch Bethlehem 1.4 mi 6.4
Marvine El Sch Bethlehem 1.4 mi 6.4
Spring Garden El Sch Bethlehem 1.7 mi 6.9
Freemansburg El Sch Freemansburg 1.5 mi 4.0
Calypso El Sch Bethlehem 1.5 mi 8.0
Nitschmann MS Bethlehem 1.6 mi 4.6
COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY Bethlehem 1.9 mi 6.2
ST NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX ACADEMY Bethlehem 1.9 mi
ST NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX ACADEMY Bethlehem 1.9 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 18018 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$71,968

Median Home Value

$224,000

Median Rent

$1,261/mo

Population

32,253

College Educated

37.1%

Homeownership

54.2%

Avg Commute

21.2 min

Poverty Rate

15.9%

Median Age

39.5

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Buchanan El Sch Chambersburg, PA 4.8
George A Ferrell El Sch Picture Rocks, PA 4.8
Highlands Early Childhood Center Brackenridge, PA 4.8
Juniata Valley El Sch Alexandria, PA 4.8
Morris Robert Sch Philadelphia, PA 4.8
North Dickinson El Sch Carlisle, PA 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Thomas Jefferson EL Sch

What grades does Thomas Jefferson EL Sch serve?

Thomas Jefferson EL Sch serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Thomas Jefferson EL Sch?

Thomas Jefferson EL Sch has an enrollment of approximately 246 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Thomas Jefferson EL Sch?

The student-teacher ratio at Thomas Jefferson EL Sch is 11.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Thomas Jefferson EL Sch rank in PA?

Thomas Jefferson EL Sch ranks #2,185 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Thomas Jefferson EL Sch's MySchoolScout rating?

Thomas Jefferson EL Sch has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 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 Thomas Jefferson EL Sch?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Thomas Jefferson EL Sch has 40% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Thomas Jefferson EL Sch a charter school?

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

Is Thomas Jefferson EL Sch a Title I school?

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

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

83.3% of students at Thomas Jefferson 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
72 Very Walkable
Transit Score
40 Some Transit
Bike Score
58 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
246
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
21
Free/Reduced Lunch
83.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Northampton County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
16.7%

District

Bethlehem Area SD
District Enrollment
12,864
Schools in District
22
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,564
District Rank
#15 of 22

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