Photo: Mavisd · CC BY-SA 3.0Oil City’s public schools score below 62% of Pennsylvania districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 25% of Oil City’s students scored proficient, below the Pennsylvania average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Oil City, 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.
Oil City’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 1041 Pennsylvania towns with household incomes within a quarter of Oil City’s, its schools beat 32%, lower than their 38% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 47% of tested students were proficient in reading and 25% in math, against 55% and 36% statewide; 93% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
90–94% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania (the state reports Oil City’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $16,073 per student, against $21,758 across Pennsylvania (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one elementary, one middle and one high school
From grade 2 the district’s path is Seventh Street Sch, then Oil City Area MS, then Oil City SHS. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Venango Region Catholic School (private) is 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 Oil City’s grade
C+: better than 38% of Pennsylvania school districts, #808 of 1,037 Pennsylvania towns. Graduation is above the Pennsylvania average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Oil City, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Oil City
Smedley Street Sch
Grades K–1 · 103 students · 9:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Oil City
Smedley Street Sch
Grades K–1 · 103 students · 9:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Oil City
Seventh Street Sch
Grades 2–4 · 152 students · 11:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Oil City
Seventh Street Sch
Grades 2–4 · 152 students · 11:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Oil City
Seventh Street Sch
Grades 2–4 · 152 students · 11:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Oil City
Oil City Area MS
Grades 5–8 · 528 students · 12:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Oil City
Oil City Area MS
Grades 5–8 · 528 students · 12:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Oil City
Oil City Area MS
Grades 5–8 · 528 students · 12:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Oil City
Oil City Area MS
Grades 5–8 · 528 students · 12:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Oil City
Oil City SHS
Grades 9–12 · 611 students · 15:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Oil City
Oil City SHS
Grades 9–12 · 611 students · 15:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Oil City
Oil City SHS
Grades 9–12 · 611 students · 15:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Oil City
Oil City SHS
Grades 9–12 · 611 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Oil City’s public schools are run by Oil City Area School District, which also serves Cornplanter, Oakland and Rouseville. 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
Oil City vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Pennsylvania towns that share Oil City’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Oil City | C+ | Oil City Area |
| Cranberry | B | Cranberry Area |
| Cornplanter | C+ | Oil City Area |
| Sugarcreek | B | Valley Grove |
Every school in Oil City
5 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).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Venango Technology Center). 1 duplicate private-school records merged.
Questions about Oil City’s schools
Are Oil City’s schools good?
On Pennsylvania’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Oil City children attend score below 62% of Pennsylvania’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #808 of 1,037 Pennsylvania towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 32%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Oil City in?
Oil City Area School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 1,794 students in 5 schools (2024–25).
Where do Oil City kids go to high school?
Oil City SHS, with 611 students; its own test results earn a C.
What is Oil City’s graduation rate?
90–94% of the class of 2023 in Oil City Area School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania.
How much does Oil City spend per student?
$16,073 in Oil City Area School District (FY2024), against $21,758 across Pennsylvania. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Oil City?
Yes: Venango Region Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–12, 155 students).
Parents talk
What Oil City families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Oil City → 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.