Paxtang Elementary School

Summary:

Paxtang Elementary School is a public elementary school serving 294 students in grades K-5 in the Central Dauphin School District in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The school faces significant challenges, as it consistently ranks in the bottom half of Pennsylvania elementary schools and has a very high percentage of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Paxtang Elementary's performance is consistently below the state and district averages in both math and English language arts (ELA) on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) exams. For example, in 2023-2024, only 36.7% of Paxtang students were proficient or better in math, compared to 40.4% statewide and 35.6% in the Central Dauphin School District. In ELA, only 44.3% of Paxtang students were proficient or better, compared to 53% statewide and 51.5% in the district. However, the school performs better in science, with 77.2% of students proficient or better in 2023-2024, compared to 65.8% statewide and 65.4% in the district.

When compared to other Central Dauphin elementary schools in the area, such as South Side Elementary, Tri-Community Elementary, and Phillips Elementary, Paxtang's performance is generally lower, even though these schools also serve high-poverty populations. However, Paxtang's performance is significantly better than schools in the neighboring Harrisburg City School District, which has an even higher poverty rate. Despite these comparisons, Paxtang Elementary's performance has declined over the past several years, suggesting the school may be facing increasing challenges in serving its high-needs student population.


Detail:

Public K-5

 3530 Rutherford St
       Harrisburg, PA  17111-1852


(717) 561-1781

District: Central Dauphin School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
1020th of 1,526 Pennsylvania Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $16,635 Help


Students who attend Paxtang Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Swatara Middle School
High:    Central Dauphin East Senior High School

Student/teacher ratio:  16.4 Help
Number of students:  280

Racial breakdown:

African American:
27.5%
White:
23.6%
Hispanic:
20.7%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  100% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Paxtang Elementary School ranks worse than 66.8% of elementary schools in Pennsylvania. It also ranks 8th among 13 ranked elementary schools in the Central Dauphin School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 38.89. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Paxtang Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: African American (27.5%), White (23.6%), Hispanic (20.7%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 100% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Paxtang Elementary School is 16.4. 11 elementary schools in the Central Dauphin School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Paxtang Elementary School employs 17 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Paxtang Elementary School is $16,635, which is the 2nd highest among 13 elementary schools in the Central Dauphin School District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Paxtang Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Paxtang Elementary School 1020th of 1526 Pennsylvania public elementary schools. (See Paxtang Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:


Central Dauphin School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Central Dauphin School District 372nd of 610 Pennsylvania school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Paxtang Elementary School?

Rank History for Paxtang Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at Paxtang Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 76.23 327th 1302 74.9%
2004 86.36 128th 1308 90.2%
2005 71.65 372nd 1299 71.4%
2006 70.85 453rd 1545 70.7%
2007 67.23 558th 1555 64.1%
2008 47.90 1021st 1551 34.2%
2009 36.78 1194th 1549 22.9%
2010 34.05 1252nd 1579 20.7%
2011 43.65 1149th 1597 28.1%
2012 50.72 1039th 1599 35.0%
2013 57.38 836th 1519 45.0%
2014 47.12 984th 1467 32.9%
2015 42.86 971st 1474 34.1%
2016 35.74 1115th 1554 28.2%
2017 27.53 1189th 1547 23.1%
2018 33.01 1128th 1530 26.3%
2019 29.42 1155th 1544 25.2%
2021 23.08 1125th 1433 21.5%
2022 35.64 1073rd 1534 30.1%
2023 42.49 983rd 1534 35.9%
2024 38.89 1020th 1526 33.2%
See the entire list of Pennsylvania Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Paxtang Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 48.73 794th 1414 43.8%
2024 35.02 1013th 1432 29.3%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Paxtang Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 52.71 790th 1488 46.9%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Paxtang Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 35.67 1035th 1495 30.8%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Data source: test scores: Pennsylvania Dept of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Paxtang Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Pennsylvania Dept of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Friday, September 13, 2019

Open Quote We've had an excellent experience at Paxtang Elementary with our children. It is a diverse school, both racially and economically, and the staff do a great job bringing the school together and educating the kids. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Paxtang Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 310 17 6 3 0 n/a n/a 0 336
1989 329 19 11 7 0 n/a n/a 0 366
1990 327 16 12 13 0 n/a n/a 0 368
1991 176 3 8 5 0 n/a n/a 0 192
1992 187 6 4 7 0 n/a n/a 0 204
1993 220 10 4 6 0 n/a n/a 0 240
1994 205 11 6 16 0 n/a n/a 0 238
1995 201 22 15 8 0 n/a n/a 0 246
1996 201 22 15 8 0 n/a n/a 0 246
1997 192 21 14 4 0 n/a n/a 0 231
1998 203 30 13 10 0 n/a n/a 0 256
1999 187 36 10 10 0 n/a n/a 0 243
2000 163 36 12 16 0 n/a n/a 0 227
2001 167 44 8 12 0 n/a n/a 0 231
2002 167 42 18 33 0 n/a n/a 0 260
2003 167 42 18 33 0 n/a n/a 0 260
2004 170 46 14 42 0 n/a n/a 0 272
2005 153 53 13 27 0 n/a n/a 0 246
2006 135 41 21 33 1 n/a n/a 0 231
2007 148 44 25 35 0 n/a n/a 0 252
2008 119 44 23 34 0 n/a n/a 0 220
2009 122 44 22 38 0 n/a n/a 7 233
2010 115 38 22 42 0 n/a n/a 20 237
2011 91 31 22 53 1 0 23 0 221
2012 93 30 23 49 2 0 20 0 217
2013 84 35 28 34 2 0 30 0 213
2014 79 42 34 45 2 0 28 0 230
2015 79 46 26 59 3 0 30 0 243
2016 76 56 41 65 2 0 26 0 266
2017 68 56 45 66 1 0 24 0 260
2018 71 68 49 75 0 0 30 0 293
2019 79 62 20 67 0 0 22 0 250
2020 75 54 21 54 0 0 25 0 229
2021 67 51 18 40 0 0 19 0 195
2022 63 50 19 41 0 0 18 0 191
2023 76 78 56 51 2 0 31 0 294
2024 66 77 46 58 3 0 30 0 280

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Paxtang Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 336 18.4 18.2 n/a
1989 366 26.0 14.0 n/a
1990 368 22.3 16.5 0
1991 192 15.9 12.0 n/a
1992 204 15.5 13.1 n/a
1993 240 15.0 16.0 n/a
1994 238 16.0 14.9 n/a
1995 246 14.0 17.6 n/a
1996 246 14.0 17.6 n/a
1997 231 15.0 15.4 n/a
1998 256 18.0 14.2 n/a
1999 243 17.0 14.3 n/a
2000 227 17.0 13.4 16.3
2001 231 16.0 14.4 16.5
2002 260 18.2 14.3 35.4
2003 260 18.2 14.3 35.4
2004 272 19.0 14.3 25
2005 246 18.0 13.7 37.4
2006 231 18.2 12.7 40.7
2007 252 19.8 12.7 40.9
2008 220 18.1 12.2 43.6
2009 233 19.0 12.2 44.7
2010 237 19.9 11.9 51.2
2011 221 18.6 11.8 42.5
2012 217 18.8 11.5 42.9
2013 213 17.2 12.3 48.4
2014 230 17.3 13.2 54.8
2015 243 17.0 14.2 59.7
2016 266 18.0 14.7 66.9
2017 260 19.3 13.4 66.9
2018 293 18.7 15.6 100
2019 250 19.4 12.8 100
2020 229 19.5 11.7 100
2021 195 18.8 10.3 100
2022 191 15.7 12.1 98.4
2023 294 20.8 14.1 99.7
2024 280 17.0 16.4 100

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Paxtang Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 336 18.4 18.2 n/a
1989 366 26.0 14.0 n/a
1990 368 22.3 16.5 0
1991 192 15.9 12.0 n/a
1992 204 15.5 13.1 n/a
1993 240 15.0 16.0 n/a
1994 238 16.0 14.9 n/a
1995 246 14.0 17.6 n/a
1996 246 14.0 17.6 n/a
1997 231 15.0 15.4 n/a
1998 256 18.0 14.2 n/a
1999 243 17.0 14.3 n/a
2000 227 17.0 13.4 16.3
2001 231 16.0 14.4 16.5
2002 260 18.2 14.3 35.4
2003 260 18.2 14.3 35.4
2004 272 19.0 14.3 25
2005 246 18.0 13.7 37.4
2006 231 18.2 12.7 40.7
2007 252 19.8 12.7 40.9
2008 220 18.1 12.2 43.6
2009 233 19.0 12.2 44.7
2010 237 19.9 11.9 51.2
2011 221 18.6 11.8 42.5
2012 217 18.8 11.5 42.9
2013 213 17.2 12.3 48.4
2014 230 17.3 13.2 54.8
2015 243 17.0 14.2 59.7
2016 266 18.0 14.7 66.9
2017 260 19.3 13.4 66.9
2018 293 18.7 15.6 100
2019 250 19.4 12.8 100
2020 229 19.5 11.7 100
2021 195 18.8 10.3 100
2022 191 15.7 12.1 98.4
2023 294 20.8 14.1 99.7
2024 280 17.0 16.4 100

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Paxtang Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,628 (10.3%) $14,134 (89.7%) $15,763
2020 $1,884 (11.6%) $14,383 (88.4%) $16,268
2021 $1,555 (8.7%) $16,298 (91.3%) $17,853
2022 $3,064 (18.4%) $13,571 (81.6%) $16,635

Data source: Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Paxtang Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 1155th of 1544 Elementary schoolsRanks 983rd of 1534 Elementary schools
 10.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Math (Paxtang Elementary School)26.835
 8.2%
   3rd Grade Math (Pennsylvania)5651.7
 4.3%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Paxtang Elementary School)3940
 1%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)61.954
 7.9%
4th Grade Math (Paxtang Elementary School)43.246.2
 3%
   4th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)46.246.5
 0.3%
4th Grade Science (Paxtang Elementary School)83.873
 10.8%
   4th Grade Science (Pennsylvania)77.874.1
 3.7%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Paxtang Elementary School)62.144
 18.1%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)63.651.8
 11.8%
5th Grade Math (Paxtang Elementary School)1946.3
 27.3%
   5th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)4342.7
 0.3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Paxtang Elementary School)35.741.4
 5.7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)58.553.6
 4.9%
All Grades Math (Paxtang Elementary School)29.243.6
 14.4%
   All Grades Math (Pennsylvania)42.439.3
 3.1%
All Grades Science (Paxtang Elementary School)83.873
 10.8%
   All Grades Science (Pennsylvania)6865.6
 2.4%
All Grades English Language Arts (Paxtang Elementary School)4541.9
 3.1%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)60.953.8
 7.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students250294
 17.6%
African American6278
 25.8%
American Indian02
Asian2056
 180%
Hispanic6751
 23.9%
Pacific Islander00
White7976
 3.8%
Two or More Races2231
 40.9%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients100%99.7%
 0.3%


Schools Near Paxtang Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Paxtang Elementary School

Students at Paxtang Elementary School are 28% African American, 24% White, 21% Hispanic, 16% Asian, 11% Two or more races, 1% American Indian.

In the 2023-24 school year, 280 students attended Paxtang Elementary School.

Students who attend Paxtang Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Swatara Middle School
High : Central Dauphin East Senior High School

Paxtang Elementary School ranks 1020th of 1526 Pennsylvania elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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