Fulton Opera House · Photo: Scanlan · CC BY-SA 3.0Lancaster’s public schools score below 87% of Pennsylvania districts on tests and graduation
In Lancaster, 14% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Pennsylvania average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Lancaster, 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 93% 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.
Lancaster’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 1862 Pennsylvania towns with household incomes within a quarter of Lancaster’s, its schools beat 1%, lower than their 13% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 28% of tested students were proficient in reading and 14% in math, against 55% and 36% statewide; 93% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
76% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $24,706 per student, against $21,758 across Pennsylvania (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Nine elementary schools, then four middle and two high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
La Academia Partnership CS, New School Montessori (private), Sacred Heart of Jesus School (private), Stone Independent School (private), Resurrection Catholic School (private), Anchor Christian Academy (private), Solvit Academy (private), Solvit Academy Inc (private) and Wonder 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 Lancaster’s grade
D: better than 13% of Pennsylvania school districts, #1,006 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 Lancaster, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Lancaster · depends on your address
McCaskey Campus
Grades 9–12 · 2,600 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Phoenix Academy
Grades 6–12 · 305 students · 12:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Lancaster · depends on your address
McCaskey Campus
Grades 9–12 · 2,600 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Phoenix Academy
Grades 6–12 · 305 students · 12:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Lancaster · depends on your address
McCaskey Campus
Grades 9–12 · 2,600 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Phoenix Academy
Grades 6–12 · 305 students · 12:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Lancaster · depends on your address
McCaskey Campus
Grades 9–12 · 2,600 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Phoenix Academy
Grades 6–12 · 305 students · 12:1 students per teacher
Lancaster’s public schools are run by Lancaster School District, which also serves Lancaster. Parts of Lancaster (2% of its land) are served by Lampeter-Strasburg 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
Lancaster vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Pennsylvania towns that share Lancaster’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Lancaster | D | Lancaster |
| Manheim | A | Manheim Township |
| West Lampeter | A | Lampeter-Strasburg |
| East Lampeter | B+ | Conestoga Valley |
Every school in Lancaster
23 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 Lancaster’s schools
Are Lancaster’s schools good?
On Pennsylvania’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Lancaster children attend score below 87% of Pennsylvania’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D Schools grade, #1,006 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 Lancaster in?
Lancaster School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 9,901 students in 19 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Lancaster are served by Lampeter-Strasburg.
Where do Lancaster kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: McCaskey Campus and Phoenix Academy.
What is Lancaster’s graduation rate?
76% of the class of 2023 in Lancaster School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania.
How much does Lancaster spend per student?
$24,706 in Lancaster School District (FY2024), against $21,758 across Pennsylvania. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Lancaster?
Yes: New School Montessori (nonsectarian, grades PK–8, 225 students), Sacred Heart of Jesus School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 173 students), Stone Independent School (nonsectarian, grades 7–12, 115 students), Resurrection Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 115 students), Anchor Christian Academy (religious, grades 7–12, 113 students), Solvit Academy (nonsectarian, grades K–7, 35 students), Solvit Academy Inc (nonsectarian, grades K–7, 31 students) and Wonder Academy (religious, grades K, 17 students). Lancaster also has 1 charter school, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Lancaster families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Lancaster → 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.