Photo: Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0York’s public schools score below 99% of Pennsylvania districts on tests and graduation
In York, 7% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Pennsylvania average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving York, 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.
York’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 18% 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
65% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $21,770 per student, against $21,758 across Pennsylvania (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Seven elementary schools, then one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 9 the district’s path is William Penn SHS. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Crispus Attucks CS, Lincoln CS, York Academy Regional CS, Logos Academy (private), Holy Trinity Catholic School (private), Keystone Christian Academy - York (private), Tidings of Peace Christian School (private) and Grace Words Christian 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 York’s grade
D−: better than 1% of Pennsylvania school districts, last of 1,037 Pennsylvania towns. Both inputs trail the Pennsylvania average; among the 821 Pennsylvania towns with similar household incomes, York’s schools place at the bottom.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve York, with each school’s own grade.
York’s public schools are run by York City 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
York vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Pennsylvania towns that share York’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| York | D− | York City |
| Spring Garden | B+ | York Suburban |
| West Manchester | C+ | West York Area |
| North York | B | Central York |
| Manchester | B | Central York |
| West York | C+ | West York Area |
| Springettsbury | B | Central York K–12 · York Suburban K–12 |
Every school in York
16 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).
1 duplicate private-school records merged.
Questions about York’s schools
Are York’s schools good?
On Pennsylvania’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools York children attend score below 99% of Pennsylvania’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D− Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they place at the bottom. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is York in?
York City School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 6,306 students in 9 schools (2024–25).
Where do York kids go to high school?
William Penn SHS, with 1,681 students; its own test results earn a D.
What is York’s graduation rate?
65% of the class of 2023 in York City School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania.
How much does York spend per student?
$21,770 in York City School District (FY2024), against $21,758 across Pennsylvania. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in York?
Yes: Logos Academy (religious, grades K–12, 201 students), Holy Trinity Catholic School (Catholic, grades PK–6, 100 students), Keystone Christian Academy - York (religious, grades PK–11, 50 students), Tidings of Peace Christian School (religious, grades K–12, 43 students) and Grace Words Christian Academy (religious, grades K–12, 25 students). York also has 3 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What York families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near York → 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.