Photo: Ugen64 at English Wikipedia · Public domainSwarthmore’s public schools outscore 95% of Pennsylvania districts
On the state math tests, 61% of Swarthmore’s students scored proficient, above the Pennsylvania average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Swarthmore, 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 97% 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.
Swarthmore’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 310 Pennsylvania towns with household incomes within a quarter of Swarthmore’s, its schools beat 78%, lower than their 95% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 80% and math 61% in spring 2022, against 55% and 36% statewide; 95% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $23,671 per student, against $21,758 across Pennsylvania (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 6 the district’s path is Strath Haven MS, then Strath Haven HS. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Geoge Crothers Memorial 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 Swarthmore’s grade
A+: better than 95% of Pennsylvania school districts, #64 of 1,037 Pennsylvania towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Pennsylvania average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Swarthmore, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Swarthmore
Swarthmore-Rutledge Sch
Grades K–5 · 560 students · 13:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Swarthmore
Swarthmore-Rutledge Sch
Grades K–5 · 560 students · 13:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Swarthmore
Swarthmore-Rutledge Sch
Grades K–5 · 560 students · 13:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Swarthmore
Swarthmore-Rutledge Sch
Grades K–5 · 560 students · 13:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Swarthmore
Swarthmore-Rutledge Sch
Grades K–5 · 560 students · 13:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Swarthmore
Swarthmore-Rutledge Sch
Grades K–5 · 560 students · 13:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Swarthmore
Strath Haven MS
Grades 6–8 · 868 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Wallingford
7th grade in Swarthmore
Strath Haven MS
Grades 6–8 · 868 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Wallingford
8th grade in Swarthmore
Strath Haven MS
Grades 6–8 · 868 students · 12:1 students per teacher · in Wallingford
9th grade in Swarthmore
Strath Haven HS
Grades 9–12 · 1,175 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Wallingford
10th grade in Swarthmore
Strath Haven HS
Grades 9–12 · 1,175 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Wallingford
11th grade in Swarthmore
Strath Haven HS
Grades 9–12 · 1,175 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Wallingford
12th grade in Swarthmore
Strath Haven HS
Grades 9–12 · 1,175 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Wallingford
Swarthmore’s public schools are run by Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, which also serves Nether Providence, Rose Valley and Rutledge. 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 above the state in reading
Swarthmore vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Pennsylvania towns that share Swarthmore’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Swarthmore | A+ | Wallingford-Swarthmore |
| Nether Providence | A+ | Wallingford-Swarthmore |
| Springfield | A+ | Springfield |
| Ridley | C+ | Ridley |
Every school in Swarthmore
4 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 Swarthmore’s schools
Are Swarthmore’s schools good?
By Pennsylvania’s own tests, yes: the public schools Swarthmore children attend outscore 95% of Pennsylvania’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A+ Schools grade, #64 of 1,037 Pennsylvania towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 78%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Swarthmore in?
Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 3,691 students in 5 schools (2024–25).
Where do Swarthmore kids go to high school?
Strath Haven HS in Wallingford, with 1,175 students; its own test results earn an A+.
What is Swarthmore’s graduation rate?
95% of the class of 2023 in Wallingford-Swarthmore School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania.
How much does Swarthmore spend per student?
$23,671 in Wallingford-Swarthmore School District (FY2024), against $21,758 across Pennsylvania. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Swarthmore?
Yes: Geoge Crothers Memorial School (special education, grades K–12, 130 students).
Parents talk
What Swarthmore families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Swarthmore → 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.