Photo: Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant) · CC BY-SA 2.5Dover’s public schools score below 62% of Delaware districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 16% of Dover’s students scored proficient, below the Delaware average (29%). The grade covers the public school district serving Dover, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Delaware, not nationally.
From Delaware state tests taken in spring 2022, when 91% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Dover’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 27 Delaware towns with household incomes within a quarter of Dover’s, its schools beat 15%, lower than their 38% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 30% of tested students were proficient in reading and 16% in math, against 42% and 29% statewide; 91% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
88% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 89% across Delaware. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $23,521 per student, against $22,312 across Delaware (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Six elementary schools, then two middle and one high school
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is up 20% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Campus Community School, Academy Of Dover Charter School, Early College School at Del State, Holy Cross School (private), Dover First Christian School (private), Capitol Baptist School (private) and Safwa Academy (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Dover’s grade
C+: better than 38% of Delaware school districts, #28 of 37 Delaware towns. Both inputs trail the Delaware average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Dover, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Dover · depends on your address
Middle School of Innovation
Grades 6–8 · 690 students · 22:1 students per teacher
Middle School of Excellence
Grades 6–8 · 608 students · 26:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Dover · depends on your address
Middle School of Innovation
Grades 6–8 · 690 students · 22:1 students per teacher
Middle School of Excellence
Grades 6–8 · 608 students · 26:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Dover · depends on your address
Middle School of Innovation
Grades 6–8 · 690 students · 22:1 students per teacher
Middle School of Excellence
Grades 6–8 · 608 students · 26:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Dover
Dover High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,812 students · 21:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Dover
Dover High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,812 students · 21:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Dover
Dover High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,812 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Dover’s public schools are run by Capital School District, which also serves Cheswold, Hartly, Leipsic and Little Creek. Parts of Dover (20% of its land) are served by Caesar Rodney instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Dover vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Delaware towns that share Dover’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Dover | C+ | Capital |
Every school in Dover
21 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Delaware’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
1 duplicate private-school records merged.
Questions about Dover’s schools
Are Dover’s schools good?
On Delaware’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Dover children attend score below 62% of Delaware’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #28 of 37 Delaware towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 15%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Dover in?
Capital School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 6,491 students in 14 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Dover are served by Caesar Rodney.
Where do Dover kids go to high school?
Dover High School, with 1,812 students; its own test results earn a B.
What is Dover’s graduation rate?
88% of the class of 2023 in Capital School District graduated in four years, against 89% across Delaware.
How much does Dover spend per student?
$23,521 in Capital School District (FY2024), against $22,312 across Delaware. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Dover?
Yes: Holy Cross School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 369 students), Dover First Christian School (religious, grades PK–8, 48 students), Capitol Baptist School (religious, grades K–12, 24 students) and Safwa Academy (religious, grades 3–10, 19 students). Dover also has 3 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Dover families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Dover → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Delaware. Stars are from neighbors.