Penbrook’s public schools score below 61% of Pennsylvania districts on tests and graduation
The grade covers the public school district serving Penbrook, 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 94% 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.
Penbrook’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 1800 Pennsylvania towns with household incomes within a quarter of Penbrook’s, its schools beat 26%, lower than their 39% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 55% of tested students were proficient in reading and 32% in math, against 55% and 36% statewide; 94% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
87% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $16,282 per student, against $21,758 across Pennsylvania (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
13 elementary schools, then four middle and two high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is up 5% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Margaret Mary 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 Penbrook’s grade
C+: better than 39% of Pennsylvania school districts, #781 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 Penbrook, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Penbrook · depends on your address
Central Dauphin SHS
Grades 9–12 · 1,966 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Harrisburg
Central Dauphin East SHS
Grades 9–12 · 1,573 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Harrisburg
10th grade in Penbrook · depends on your address
Central Dauphin SHS
Grades 9–12 · 1,966 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Harrisburg
Central Dauphin East SHS
Grades 9–12 · 1,573 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Harrisburg
11th grade in Penbrook · depends on your address
Central Dauphin SHS
Grades 9–12 · 1,966 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Harrisburg
Central Dauphin East SHS
Grades 9–12 · 1,573 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Harrisburg
12th grade in Penbrook · depends on your address
Central Dauphin SHS
Grades 9–12 · 1,966 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Harrisburg
Central Dauphin East SHS
Grades 9–12 · 1,573 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Harrisburg
Penbrook’s public schools are run by Central Dauphin School District, which also serves Dauphin, Lower Paxton, Middle Paxton and Paxtang and others. 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.
Close to the state in reading
Penbrook vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Pennsylvania towns that share Penbrook’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Penbrook | C+ | Central Dauphin |
Every school in Penbrook
20 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 Penbrook’s schools
Are Penbrook’s schools good?
On Pennsylvania’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Penbrook children attend score below 61% of Pennsylvania’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #781 of 1,037 Pennsylvania towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 26%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Penbrook in?
Central Dauphin School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 12,389 students in 19 schools (2024–25).
Where do Penbrook kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: Central Dauphin SHS and Central Dauphin East SHS.
What is Penbrook’s graduation rate?
87% of the class of 2023 in Central Dauphin School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania.
How much does Penbrook spend per student?
$16,282 in Central Dauphin School District (FY2024), against $21,758 across Pennsylvania. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Penbrook?
Yes: St. Margaret Mary School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 205 students).
Parents talk
What Penbrook families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Penbrook → 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.