Photo: BigCheddah · CC BY-SA 4.0Reading’s public schools score below 96% of Pennsylvania districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in Reading’s districts is 7%, below the Pennsylvania average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Reading, 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.
Reading’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 22% of tested students were proficient in reading and 7% in math, against 55% and 36% statewide; 93% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
69% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $16,836 per student, against $21,758 across Pennsylvania (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
13 elementary schools, then five middle and one high school
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is down 6% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Berks Catholic High School (private), St. Margaret School (private), St. Peter School (private), Fairview Christian School (private), New Story Schools (private), Reading SDA Jr. Academy (private) and Opportunities 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 Reading’s grade
D−: better than 4% of Pennsylvania school districts, #1,033 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 Reading, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Reading
Reading SHS
Grades 9–12 · 4,879 students · 20:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Reading
Reading SHS
Grades 9–12 · 4,879 students · 20:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Reading
Reading SHS
Grades 9–12 · 4,879 students · 20:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Reading
Reading SHS
Grades 9–12 · 4,879 students · 20:1 students per teacher
Reading’s public schools are run by Reading 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
Reading vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Pennsylvania towns that share Reading’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | D− | Reading |
| Cumru | B− | Governor Mifflin |
| West Reading | B+ | Wyomissing Area |
| Kenhorst | B− | Governor Mifflin |
| Wyomissing | B | Wyomissing Area K–12 · Wilson K–12 |
| Muhlenberg | C | Muhlenberg |
| Lower Alsace | C− | Antietam |
| Bern | A− | Schuylkill Valley |
| Mount Penn | C− | Antietam |
Every school in Reading
26 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 Reading’s schools
Are Reading’s schools good?
On Pennsylvania’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Reading children attend score below 96% of Pennsylvania’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D− Schools grade, #1,033 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 Reading in?
Reading School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 16,423 students in 19 schools (2024–25).
Where do Reading kids go to high school?
Reading SHS, with 4,879 students; its own test results earn a D.
What is Reading’s graduation rate?
69% of the class of 2023 in Reading School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania.
How much does Reading spend per student?
$16,836 in Reading School District (FY2024), against $21,758 across Pennsylvania. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Reading?
Yes: Berks Catholic High School (Catholic, grades 9–12, 613 students), St. Margaret School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 201 students), St. Peter School (Catholic, grades K–8, 198 students), Fairview Christian School (religious, grades K–12, 147 students), New Story Schools (special education, grades K–12, 105 students), Reading SDA Jr. Academy (religious, grades PK–10, 73 students) and Opportunities School (special education, grades 2–8, 20 students).
Parents talk
What Reading families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Reading → 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.