Photo: User:Cards84664 · CC BY-SA 4.0Erie’s public schools score below 91% of Pennsylvania districts on tests and graduation
In Erie, 13% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Pennsylvania average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Erie, 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 95% 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.
Erie’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 681 Pennsylvania towns with household incomes within a quarter of Erie’s, its schools beat 1%, lower than their 9% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 25% of tested students were proficient in reading and 13% in math, against 55% and 36% statewide; 95% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
72% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $17,805 per student, against $21,758 across Pennsylvania (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Ten elementary schools, then three middle and two high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Robert Benjamin Wiley Community CS, Perseus House CS of Excellence, Cathedral Preparatory School (private), Mercyhurst Preparatory School (private), St. Luke School (private), St. James Elementary (private), Erie Day School (private), Bethel Christian School (private), Blessed Sacrament School (private), Elizabeth Lee Black Barber National Institute (private), Dr. Gertrude A Barber Center, Inc (private) and Luther Memorial 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 Erie’s grade
D: better than 9% of Pennsylvania school districts, #1,024 of 1,037 Pennsylvania towns. Both inputs trail the Pennsylvania average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Erie, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Erie · depends on your address
Woodrow Wilson MS
Grades 6–8 · 769 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Strong Vincent MS
Grades 6–8 · 711 students · 12:1 students per teacher
East MS
Grades 6–8 · 672 students · 12:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Erie · depends on your address
Woodrow Wilson MS
Grades 6–8 · 769 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Strong Vincent MS
Grades 6–8 · 711 students · 12:1 students per teacher
East MS
Grades 6–8 · 672 students · 12:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Erie · depends on your address
Woodrow Wilson MS
Grades 6–8 · 769 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Strong Vincent MS
Grades 6–8 · 711 students · 12:1 students per teacher
East MS
Grades 6–8 · 672 students · 12:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Erie · depends on your address
Erie HS
Grades 9–12 · 2,501 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Northwest PA Collegiate Academy
Grades 9–12 · 750 students · 14:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Erie · depends on your address
Erie HS
Grades 9–12 · 2,501 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Northwest PA Collegiate Academy
Grades 9–12 · 750 students · 14:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Erie · depends on your address
Erie HS
Grades 9–12 · 2,501 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Northwest PA Collegiate Academy
Grades 9–12 · 750 students · 14:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Erie · depends on your address
Erie HS
Grades 9–12 · 2,501 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Northwest PA Collegiate Academy
Grades 9–12 · 750 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Erie’s public schools are run by Erie City School District. 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
Erie vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Pennsylvania towns that share Erie’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | D | Erie City |
| Millcreek | A− | Millcreek Township |
| Wesleyville | B | Iroquois |
| Lawrence Park | B | Iroquois |
| Harborcreek | A | Harbor Creek |
Every school in Erie
27 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 Erie’s schools
Are Erie’s schools good?
On Pennsylvania’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Erie children attend score below 91% of Pennsylvania’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D Schools grade, #1,024 of 1,037 Pennsylvania towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 1%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Erie in?
Erie City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 10,473 students in 15 schools (2024–25).
Where do Erie kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: Erie HS and Northwest PA Collegiate Academy.
What is Erie’s graduation rate?
72% of the class of 2023 in Erie City School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania.
How much does Erie spend per student?
$17,805 in Erie City School District (FY2024), against $21,758 across Pennsylvania. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Erie?
Yes: Cathedral Preparatory School (Catholic, grades 9–12, 665 students), Mercyhurst Preparatory School (Catholic, grades 9–12, 416 students), St. Luke School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 310 students), St. James Elementary (Catholic, grades PK–8, 210 students), Erie Day School (nonsectarian, grades PK–8, 203 students), Bethel Christian School (religious, grades PK–12, 196 students), Blessed Sacrament School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 189 students), Elizabeth Lee Black Barber National Institute (special education, grades PK–12, 172 students), Dr. Gertrude A Barber Center, Inc (special education, grades PK–12, 172 students) and Luther Memorial Academy (religious, grades K–8, 92 students). Erie also has 2 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Erie families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Erie → 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.