Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0Allentown’s public schools score below 88% of Pennsylvania districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in Allentown’s districts is 10%, below the Pennsylvania average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Allentown, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Pennsylvania, not nationally.
From Pennsylvania 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.
Allentown’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 1333 Pennsylvania towns with household incomes within a quarter of Allentown’s, its schools beat 2%, lower than their 12% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 24% of tested students were proficient in reading and 10% in math, against 55% and 36% statewide; 91% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
77% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $19,222 per student, against $21,758 across Pennsylvania (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
14 elementary schools, then four middle and three high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Roberto Clemente CS, Lincoln Leadership Academy CS, Executive Education Academy CS, Arts Academy Elementary CS, Allentow Central Catholic High School. (private), St. John Vianney Regional School (private), Cai Learning Academy (private), Grace Montessori School (private), Mercy Special Learning Center (private) and Stepping Stones Christian School (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 Allentown’s grade
D: better than 12% of Pennsylvania school districts, #1,013 of 1,037 Pennsylvania towns. Both inputs trail the Pennsylvania 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 Allentown, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Allentown · depends on your address
William Allen HS
Grades 9–12 · 3,074 students · 20:1 students per teacher
Louis E Dieruff HS
Grades 9–12 · 1,914 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Building 21 Allentown
Grades 9–12 · 415 students · 16:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Allentown · depends on your address
William Allen HS
Grades 9–12 · 3,074 students · 20:1 students per teacher
Louis E Dieruff HS
Grades 9–12 · 1,914 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Building 21 Allentown
Grades 9–12 · 415 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Allentown’s public schools are run by Allentown City School District. Parts of Allentown (6% of its land) are served by Parkland 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
Allentown vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Pennsylvania towns that share Allentown’s borders.
Every school in Allentown
33 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Pennsylvania’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Allentown’s schools
Are Allentown’s schools good?
On Pennsylvania’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Allentown children attend score below 88% of Pennsylvania’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D Schools grade, #1,013 of 1,037 Pennsylvania towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 2%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Allentown in?
Allentown City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 16,674 students in 23 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Allentown are served by Parkland.
Where do Allentown kids go to high school?
One of 3 high schools, depending on your address: William Allen HS, Louis E Dieruff HS and Building 21 Allentown.
What is Allentown’s graduation rate?
77% of the class of 2023 in Allentown City School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania.
How much does Allentown spend per student?
$19,222 in Allentown City School District (FY2024), against $21,758 across Pennsylvania. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Allentown?
Yes: Allentow Central Catholic High School. (Catholic, grades 9–12, 627 students), St. John Vianney Regional School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 224 students), Cai Learning Academy (nonsectarian, grades K–5, 78 students), Grace Montessori School (religious, grades PK–6, 73 students), Mercy Special Learning Center (Catholic, grades , 46 students) and Stepping Stones Christian School (religious, grades 2–11, 12 students). Allentown also has 4 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Allentown families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Allentown → 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 Pennsylvania. Stars are from neighbors.