North Star Central Elementary School

Summary:

North Star Central Elementary School is a public elementary school serving 376 students in grades PK-4 in Boswell, PA, which is part of the North Star School District.

North Star Central Elementary School consistently outperforms the state and district averages on PSSA tests, with an impressive 88.9% of students proficient or better in Math, 81.5% in English Language Arts, and 97% in Science. The school ranks exceptionally high for its performance with specific student subgroups, ranking 49th out of 1,236 Pennsylvania elementary schools for its white student population and 2nd out of 1,414 Pennsylvania elementary schools for its low socioeconomic status students. North Star Central Elementary School has been ranked 45th out of 1,534 Pennsylvania elementary schools and received a 5-star rating, the highest possible, from SchoolDigger.

When compared to nearby schools, North Star Central Elementary School stands out as a high-performing institution. For example, Greater Johnstown Elementary School, located about 12 miles away, has significantly lower proficiency rates in Math, Science, and English Language Arts. North Star Central Elementary School has shown a steady improvement in its statewide ranking over the years, moving from the 567th position in 2018-2019 to the 45th position in 2022-2023, indicating the school's continuous efforts to enhance its educational offerings and student outcomes.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-4

1215 Morris Ave
Boswell, PA 15531-1230

(814) 629-5627

District: North Star School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
45^th of 1,534 Pennsylvania Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $16,717

Students who attend North Star Central Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	North Star East Middle School
High:	North Star High School

Student/teacher ratio: 9.7

Number of students: 376

Racial breakdown:

White:

98.9%

African American:

0.3%

Hispanic:

0.3%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 100%

See top rated Pennsylvania elementary schools

Compare North Star Central Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details North Star Central Elementary School ranks better than 97.1% of elementary schools in Pennsylvania. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 92.74. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (98.9%), African American (0.3%), Hispanic (0.3%). (See more...)

Compare Details 100% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at North Star Central Elementary School is 9.7. (See more...)

Compare North Star Central Elementary School employs 38.6 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at North Star Central Elementary School is $16,717.

Schooldigger 2023 Rankings:

North Star Central Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks North Star Central Elementary School 45^th of 1534 Pennsylvania public elementary schools. (See North Star Central Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

White students:

North Star School District:

SchoolDigger ranks North Star School District 235^th of 606 Pennsylvania school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for North Star Central Elementary School.

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Rank History for North Star Central Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at North Star Central Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile
2004	23.57	1064^th	1308	18.7%
2005	33.95	1005^th	1299	22.6%
2006	43.23	1086^th	1545	29.7%
2007	63.52	648^th	1555	58.3%
2008	68.28	529^th	1551	65.9%
2009	68.31	510^th	1549	67.1%
2010	70.78	478^th	1579	69.7%
2011	74.55	355^th	1597	77.8%
2012	75.39	372^nd	1599	76.7%
2013	74.36	387^th	1519	74.5%
2014	76.09	323^rd	1467	78.0%
2015	72.90	410^th	1474	72.2%
2016	75.32	381^st	1554	75.5%
2017	71.49	470^th	1547	69.6%
2018	70.31	492^nd	1530	67.8%
2019	67.22	567^th	1544	63.3%
2021	78.58	285^th	1433	80.1%
2022	83.51	228^th	1534	85.1%
2023	92.74	45^th	1534	97.1%

See the entire list of Pennsylvania Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at North Star Central Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	97.73	2^nd	1414	99.9%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for White students at North Star Central Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	90.41	49^th	1236	96.0%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for White 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.

Data source: Pennsylvania Dept of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Friday, October 21, 2011

I am thrilled with this school. The programs and teachers are outstanding. Close Quote

Enrollment information for North Star Central Elementary School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1988	299	0	0	0	2	n/a	n/a	0	301
1989	325	0	1	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	326
1990	315	0	1	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	316
1991	298	0	1	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	299
1992	295	0	1	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	296
1993	291	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	291
1994	285	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	285
1995	276	0	0	0	2	n/a	n/a	0	278
1996	276	0	0	0	2	n/a	n/a	0	278
1997	260	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	260
1998	244	0	0	2	0	n/a	n/a	0	246
1999	238	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	238
2000	216	1	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	217
2001	209	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	209
2002	167	1	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	168
2003	167	1	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	168
2004	394	7	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	401
2005	366	1	1	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	368
2006	385	1	1	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	387
2007	351	0	1	1	0	n/a	n/a	0	353
2008	317	1	1	1	0	n/a	n/a	0	320
2009	395	2	2	1	0	n/a	n/a	7	407
2010	398	2	1	1	0	n/a	n/a	8	410
2011	401	3	0	2	0	0	9	0	415
2012	393	3	0	4	0	0	7	0	407
2013	412	2	2	4	0	0	9	0	429
2014	431	0	1	3	0	0	8	0	443
2015	448	0	1	4	0	0	6	0	459
2016	454	0	0	3	0	0	7	0	464
2017	440	1	0	4	0	0	10	0	455
2018	414	1	0	2	0	0	9	0	426
2019	403	0	0	2	0	0	7	0	412
2020	393	0	0	1	0	0	9	0	403
2021	364	1	2	0	0	0	1	0	368
2022	355	3	0	0	0	1	2	0	361
2023	372	1	0	1	0	1	1	0	376

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 North Star Central Elementary School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	301	14.8	20.3	n/a
1989	326	14.8	22.0	n/a
1990	316	14.8	21.3	0
1991	299	14.8	20.2	n/a
1992	296	18.0	16.4	n/a
1993	291	14.0	20.8	n/a
1994	285	14.0	20.4	n/a
1995	278	16.0	17.4	n/a
1996	278	16.0	17.4	n/a
1997	260	15.0	17.3	n/a
1998	246	15.0	16.4	n/a
1999	238	15.0	15.9	n/a
2000	217	15.0	14.5	59
2001	209	15.5	13.5	60.8
2002	168	12.3	13.7	45.2
2003	168	12.3	13.7	45.2
2004	401	32.7	12.3	24.2
2005	368	32.9	11.2	20.7
2006	387	34.6	11.2	47.5
2007	353	32.4	10.9	53.8
2008	320	33.1	9.7	59.1
2009	407	37.8	10.8	48.8
2010	410	37.8	10.8	48.8
2011	415	35.3	11.7	51.8
2012	407	32.3	12.5	52.6
2013	429	30.3	14.1	50.8
2014	443	30.6	14.4	46.7
2015	459	34.0	13.5	49.7
2016	464	36.0	12.8	48.9
2017	455	36.3	12.5	49.5
2018	426	37.1	11.4	53.5
2019	412	37.6	10.9	53.2
2020	403	38.5	10.4	52.9
2021	368	39.6	9.2	99.2
2022	361	39.4	9.1	99.2
2023	376	38.6	9.7	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 North Star Central Elementary School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	301	14.8	20.3	n/a
1989	326	14.8	22.0	n/a
1990	316	14.8	21.3	0
1991	299	14.8	20.2	n/a
1992	296	18.0	16.4	n/a
1993	291	14.0	20.8	n/a
1994	285	14.0	20.4	n/a
1995	278	16.0	17.4	n/a
1996	278	16.0	17.4	n/a
1997	260	15.0	17.3	n/a
1998	246	15.0	16.4	n/a
1999	238	15.0	15.9	n/a
2000	217	15.0	14.5	59
2001	209	15.5	13.5	60.8
2002	168	12.3	13.7	45.2
2003	168	12.3	13.7	45.2
2004	401	32.7	12.3	24.2
2005	368	32.9	11.2	20.7
2006	387	34.6	11.2	47.5
2007	353	32.4	10.9	53.8
2008	320	33.1	9.7	59.1
2009	407	37.8	10.8	48.8
2010	410	37.8	10.8	48.8
2011	415	35.3	11.7	51.8
2012	407	32.3	12.5	52.6
2013	429	30.3	14.1	50.8
2014	443	30.6	14.4	46.7
2015	459	34.0	13.5	49.7
2016	464	36.0	12.8	48.9
2017	455	36.3	12.5	49.5
2018	426	37.1	11.4	53.5
2019	412	37.6	10.9	53.2
2020	403	38.5	10.4	52.9
2021	368	39.6	9.2	99.2
2022	361	39.4	9.1	99.2
2023	376	38.6	9.7	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 North Star Central Elementary School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$585 (4.2%)	$13,184 (95.8%)	$13,769
2020	$620 (4.5%)	$13,215 (95.5%)	$13,834
2021	$999 (6.7%)	$13,988 (93.3%)	$14,987
2022	$2,190 (13.1%)	$14,528 (86.9%)	$16,717

Data source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on North Star Central 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 567^th of 1544 Elementary schools	Ranks 45^th of 1534 Elementary schools	33.8%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade Math (North Star Central Elementary School)	71.8	94.1	22.3%
3rd Grade Math (Pennsylvania)	56	51.7	4.3%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (North Star Central Elementary School)	76.5	80.9	4.4%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)	61.9	54	7.9%
4th Grade Math (North Star Central Elementary School)	49.3	83.6	34.3%
4th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)	46.2	46.5	0.3%
4th Grade Science (North Star Central Elementary School)	86.6	97	10.4%
4th Grade Science (Pennsylvania)	77.8	74.1	3.7%
4th Grade English Language Arts (North Star Central Elementary School)	66.7	82.1	15.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)	63.6	51.8	11.8%
All Grades Math (North Star Central Elementary School)	61.3	88.9	27.6%
All Grades Math (Pennsylvania)	42.4	39.3	3.1%
All Grades Science (North Star Central Elementary School)	86.6	97	10.4%
All Grades Science (Pennsylvania)	68	65.6	2.4%
All Grades English Language Arts (North Star Central Elementary School)	71.9	81.5	9.6%
All Grades English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)	60.9	53.8	7.1%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	412	376	8.7%
African American	0	1
American Indian	0	0
Asian	0	0
Hispanic	2	1	50%
Pacific Islander	0	1
White	403	372	7.7%
Two or More Races	7	1	85.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	53.2%	100%	46.8%

Schools Near North Star Central Elementary School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2023)				Ranking (2022)				PSSA Math (2023)					PSSA Science (2023)		PSSA English Language Arts (2023)					Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	SchoolDigger Rating (2023)	Average Standard Score (2022)	Statewide Rank (2022)	State Percentile (2022)	Rank Change from Previous Year	PSSA Math 3rd Grade	PSSA Math 4th Grade	PSSA Math 5th Grade	PSSA Math 6th Grade	PSSA Math All Grades	PSSA Science 4th Grade	PSSA Science All Grades	PSSA English Language Arts 3rd Grade	PSSA English Language Arts 4th Grade	PSSA English Language Arts 5th Grade	PSSA English Language Arts 6th Grade	PSSA English Language Arts All Grades	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
North Star Central Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-4	1215 Morris Ave	Boswell	15531	Somerset County	North Star School District	No	No	No	Yes	(814) 629-5627	376	39	9.7	100.0%	372 (98.9%)	1 (0.3%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	1 (0.3%)	92.7	45^th of 1534 public elementary schools	97.1%		83.5	228^th of 1534 public elementary schools	85.1%	183	94.1	83.6			88.9	97.0	97.0	80.9	82.1			81.5	$16,717	$2,190	$14,528
Conemaugh Township Area Elementary School	Public	K-5	1516 Tire Hill Rd	Johnstown	15905	Cambria County	Conemaugh Township Area School District	No	No	No	Yes	(814) 479-4080	389	32	12.0	48.8%	370 (95.1%)	2 (0.5%)	5 (1.3%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	11 (2.8%)	86.8	162^nd of 1534 public elementary schools	89.4%		87.5	148^th of 1534 public elementary schools	90.4%	14	85.9	66.0	70.7		74.5	94.0	94.0	84.2	66.0	73.9		75.0	$16,069	$1,320	$14,748
Maple Ridge Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-2	105 New Centerville Rd	Somerset	15501	Somerset County	Somerset Area School District	No	No	No	Yes	(814) 445-6677	522	40	12.9	53.4%	483 (92.5%)	4 (0.8%)	14 (2.7%)	2 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	19 (3.6%)								(n/a)													$17,672	$1,787	$15,885
Eagle View Elementary School	Public	3-5	191 Discovery Ln	Somerset	15501	Somerset County	Somerset Area School District	No	No	No	Yes	(814) 444-8455	428	38	11.2	58.9%	387 (90.4%)	2 (0.5%)	17 (4.0%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	21 (4.9%)	63.1	635^th of 1534 public elementary schools	58.6%		68.4	532^nd of 1534 public elementary schools	65.3%	103	50.7	57.7	53.2		53.8	87.6	87.6	49.3	60.8	60.1		56.5	$16,586	$1,851	$14,735
Mellon Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	559 Bell Street	Ligonier	15658	Westmoreland County	Ligonier Valley School District	No	No	No	No	(724) 238-5663	389	27	14.2	100.0%	368 (94.6%)	4 (1.0%)	5 (1.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	12 (3.1%)	73.4	419^th of 1534 public elementary schools	72.7%		63.2	618^th of 1534 public elementary schools	59.7%	199	69.0	55.8	46.3		56.4	88.3	88.3	67.2	79.1	63.7		68.8	$17,733	$1,823	$15,910
Cairnbrook Elementary School	Public	K-6	235 McGregor Ave	Cairnbrook	15924	Somerset County	Shade-Central City School District	No	No	No	Yes	(814) 754-5021	166	17	9.6	100.0%	164 (98.8%)	1 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.6%)	41.5	997^th of 1534 public elementary schools	35.0%		56.8	751^st of 1534 public elementary schools	51.0%	246	50.0	16.0	40.0	44.5	36.3	80.0	80.0	47.6	40.0	44.0	38.9	42.7	$22,775	$3,053	$19,722
Westmont Hilltop Elementary School	Public	K-6	827 Diamond Blvd	Johnstown	15905	Cambria County	Westmont Hilltop School District	No	No	No	Yes	(814) 255-8707	739	51	14.6	47.4%	598 (80.9%)	26 (3.5%)	35 (4.7%)	9 (1.2%)	2 (0.3%)	1 (0.1%)	68 (9.2%)	73.5	418^th of 1534 public elementary schools	72.8%		61.4	653^rd of 1534 public elementary schools	57.4%	235	58.8	62.0	50.5	46.8	54.2	86.0	86.0	59.5	74.8	59.0	75.3	67.7	$12,353	$1,245	$11,108
Shanksville-Stonycreek Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1325 Corner Stone Rd	Shanksville	15560	Somerset County	Shanksville-Stonycreek School District	No	No	No	Yes	(814) 267-4649	134	12	11.1	50.7%	133 (99.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.7%)	59	723^rd of 1534 public elementary schools	52.9%		53.5	826^th of 1534 public elementary schools	46.2%	103	36.3	52.7	30.0		39.4	94.7	94.7	50.0	84.2	65.0		65.6	$199	$19	$180
Ferndale Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-6	100 Dartmouth Ave	Johnstown	15905	Cambria County	Ferndale Area School District	No	No	No	Yes	(814) 535-6724	306	27	11.1	99.3%	208 (68.0%)	40 (13.1%)	24 (7.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	34 (11.1%)	37.7	1055^th of 1534 public elementary schools	31.2%		44	982^nd of 1534 public elementary schools	36.0%	73	37.9	23.5	35.6	22.3	29.8	85.3	85.3	28.5	34.3	48.9	54.0	42.8	$15,791	$1,193	$14,598
Windber Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	421 Sugar Maple Dr	Windber	15963	Somerset County	Windber Area School District	No	No	No	Yes	(814) 467-4567	620	39	15.9	56.3%	578 (93.2%)	5 (0.8%)	13 (2.1%)	2 (0.3%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (3.2%)	73.9	408^th of 1534 public elementary schools	73.4%		59.6	699^th of 1534 public elementary schools	54.4%	291	62.5	59.5	57.6		59.6	85.7	85.7	59.7	65.5	70.7		65.9	$11,043	$1,116	$9,927

Frequently Asked Questions about North Star Central Elementary School

What is the racial makeup of North Star Central Elementary School?

Students at North Star Central Elementary School are 99% White.

How many students attend North Star Central Elementary School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 376 students attended North Star Central Elementary School.

Is North Star Central Elementary School a good school?

Yes! North Star Central Elementary School is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 45^th of 1534 Pennsylvania elementary schools.

What schools do graduates of North Star Central Elementary School attend?

Students who attend North Star Central Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : North Star East Middle School
High : North Star High School

What district is North Star Central Elementary School in?

North Star School District

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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.