Heights/Murray Elementary School

Summary:

Heights/Murray Elementary School is a public elementary school in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, serving 837 students in grades K-5. The school is part of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, which is ranked 457 out of 610 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Academically, Heights/Murray Elementary consistently ranks in the bottom 20% of Pennsylvania elementary schools, with significantly below-average performance on PSSA tests. In the 2023-2024 school year, only 28.1% of students were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to the state average of 53%. The school's diverse student population, with 100% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, likely contributes to these challenges. However, the school's performance for African American and Hispanic students is relatively better compared to their overall ranking, suggesting some support for these subgroups.

Compared to nearby schools, such as Solomon/Plains Elementary School and Dr. David W. Kistler Elementary School, which also serve high-poverty populations, Heights/Murray Elementary generally performs worse on academic measures. Schools in the neighboring Hanover Area School District and Wyoming Valley West School District, such as Lyndwood Elementary School and Dana Elementary Center, have slightly better academic performance and lower percentages of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.


Detail:

Public K-5

 1 S Sherman St
       Wilkes Barre, PA  18702-5910


(570) 826-7256

District: Wilkes-Barre Area School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
1247th of 1,526 Pennsylvania Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $14,585 Help


Students who attend Heights/Murray Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    G A R Middle School

Student/teacher ratio:  18.7 Help
Number of students:  837

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
55.8%
African American:
20.4%
White:
13.5%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  100% Help


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 Compare Heights/Murray Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Heights/Murray Elementary School ranks worse than 81.7% of elementary schools in Pennsylvania. It also ranks last among 5 ranked elementary schools in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 17.82. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Heights/Murray Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (55.8%), African American (20.4%), White (13.5%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 100% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Heights/Murray Elementary School is 18.7. 3 elementary schools in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Heights/Murray Elementary School employs 44.6 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Heights/Murray Elementary School is $14,585. 3 elementary schools in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Heights/Murray Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Heights/Murray Elementary School 1247th of 1526 Pennsylvania public elementary schools. (See Heights/Murray Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Wilkes-Barre Area School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Wilkes-Barre Area School District 457th of 610 Pennsylvania school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Heights/Murray Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at Heights/Murray Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 45.86 814th 1302 37.5%
2004 75.82 334th 1308 74.5%
2005 56.97 684th 1299 47.3%
2006 46.57 1030th 1545 33.3%
2007 33.35 1218th 1555 21.7%
2008 36.14 1198th 1551 22.8%
2009 30.87 1274th 1549 17.8%
2010 14.19 1421st 1579 10.0%
2011 22.03 1381st 1597 13.5%
2012 8.42 1472nd 1599 7.9%
2013 10.55 1350th 1519 11.1%
2014 5.95 1349th 1467 8.0%
2015 8.14 1334th 1474 9.5%
2016 8.20 1402nd 1554 9.8%
2017 7.62 1396th 1547 9.8%
2018 8.04 1388th 1530 9.3%
2019 5.48 1444th 1544 6.5%
2021 10.31 1252nd 1433 12.6%
2022 8.61 1382nd 1534 9.9%
2023 14.84 1278th 1534 16.7%
2024 17.82 1247th 1526 18.3%
See the entire list of Pennsylvania Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Heights/Murray Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 29.58 146th 196 25.5%
2024 31.10 150th 200 25.0%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Heights/Murray Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 26.18 1093rd 1414 22.7%
2024 29.26 1083rd 1432 24.4%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Heights/Murray Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 17.82 1224th 1488 17.7%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Heights/Murray Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 15.44 950th 1043 8.9%
2024 13.97 1009th 1084 6.9%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Heights/Murray Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 18.51 1215th 1495 18.7%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Heights/Murray Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 40.94 239th 437 45.3%
2024 50.78 184th 437 57.9%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Heights/Murray Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 40.38 262nd 432 39.4%
2024 42.71 256th 454 43.6%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Heights/Murray Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 13.18 1142nd 1236 7.6%
2024 11.45 1147th 1229 6.7%
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.

Heights/Murray 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:
No reviews have been submitted!


Enrollment information for Heights/Murray Elementary School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 721 104 1 6 1 n/a n/a 0 833
1989 691 93 1 1 1 n/a n/a 0 787
1990 701 86 5 1 0 n/a n/a 0 793
1991 717 86 7 3 1 n/a n/a 0 814
1992 702 77 10 5 3 n/a n/a 0 797
1993 677 78 9 3 0 n/a n/a 0 767
1994 667 79 12 5 0 n/a n/a 0 763
1995 660 92 17 5 0 n/a n/a 0 774
1996 660 92 17 5 0 n/a n/a 0 774
1997 640 102 14 14 0 n/a n/a 0 770
1998 523 118 10 14 0 n/a n/a 0 665
1999 514 138 11 18 1 n/a n/a 0 682
2000 458 170 6 27 3 n/a n/a 0 664
2001 435 160 8 18 2 n/a n/a 0 623
2002 477 197 9 63 1 n/a n/a 0 747
2003 477 197 9 63 1 n/a n/a 0 747
2004 425 196 8 64 1 n/a n/a 0 694
2005 401 215 8 88 1 n/a n/a 0 713
2006 360 207 9 77 0 n/a n/a 0 653
2007 349 205 6 93 1 n/a n/a 0 654
2008 369 198 6 110 0 n/a n/a 2 685
2009 334 204 10 134 1 n/a n/a 11 694
2010 340 202 13 145 2 n/a n/a 30 732
2011 349 214 8 162 1 0 7 0 741
2012 290 196 9 180 1 0 13 0 689
2013 287 194 12 219 0 0 19 0 731
2014 240 225 11 240 0 5 39 0 760
2015 209 237 9 252 4 0 60 0 771
2016 198 215 10 288 4 1 70 0 786
2017 167 220 5 326 3 1 71 0 793
2018 158 220 6 346 3 0 89 0 822
2019 162 226 3 403 2 0 90 0 886
2020 161 210 2 422 1 0 83 0 879
2021 139 196 5 456 3 0 85 0 884
2022 116 175 9 432 2 0 70 0 804
2023 113 171 4 467 2 0 80 0 837

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 Heights/Murray Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 833 44.9 18.5 n/a
1989 787 45.0 17.4 n/a
1990 793 44.5 17.8 0
1991 814 5.0 162.8 n/a
1992 797 43.0 18.5 n/a
1993 767 38.0 20.2 n/a
1994 763 36.0 21.2 n/a
1995 774 43.0 18.0 n/a
1996 774 43.0 18.0 n/a
1997 770 45.0 17.1 n/a
1998 665 41.0 16.2 n/a
1999 682 37.0 18.4 n/a
2000 664 41.0 16.2 67.3
2001 623 38.0 16.4 60.4
2002 747 44.9 16.6 61.8
2003 747 44.9 16.6 61.8
2004 694 42.9 16.2 59.1
2005 713 44.5 16.0 64.8
2006 653 46.3 14.1 74.4
2007 654 43.6 15.0 83.2
2008 685 88.2 7.8 76.1
2009 694 49.4 14.0 79.9
2010 732 49.4 14.7 90.6
2011 741 51.5 14.3 85
2012 689 52.4 13.1 85.5
2013 731 52.2 13.9 86
2014 760 49.0 15.5 83.9
2015 771 52.0 14.8 99.6
2016 786 53.0 14.8 100
2017 793 48.9 16.2 99.6
2018 822 49.9 16.4 100
2019 886 50.0 17.7 99.9
2020 879 48.9 17.9 100
2021 884 49.9 17.7 99.7
2022 804 46.2 17.3 99.6
2023 837 44.6 18.7 100

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 Heights/Murray Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 833 44.9 18.5 n/a
1989 787 45.0 17.4 n/a
1990 793 44.5 17.8 0
1991 814 5.0 162.8 n/a
1992 797 43.0 18.5 n/a
1993 767 38.0 20.2 n/a
1994 763 36.0 21.2 n/a
1995 774 43.0 18.0 n/a
1996 774 43.0 18.0 n/a
1997 770 45.0 17.1 n/a
1998 665 41.0 16.2 n/a
1999 682 37.0 18.4 n/a
2000 664 41.0 16.2 67.3
2001 623 38.0 16.4 60.4
2002 747 44.9 16.6 61.8
2003 747 44.9 16.6 61.8
2004 694 42.9 16.2 59.1
2005 713 44.5 16.0 64.8
2006 653 46.3 14.1 74.4
2007 654 43.6 15.0 83.2
2008 685 88.2 7.8 76.1
2009 694 49.4 14.0 79.9
2010 732 49.4 14.7 90.6
2011 741 51.5 14.3 85
2012 689 52.4 13.1 85.5
2013 731 52.2 13.9 86
2014 760 49.0 15.5 83.9
2015 771 52.0 14.8 99.6
2016 786 53.0 14.8 100
2017 793 48.9 16.2 99.6
2018 822 49.9 16.4 100
2019 886 50.0 17.7 99.9
2020 879 48.9 17.9 100
2021 884 49.9 17.7 99.7
2022 804 46.2 17.3 99.6
2023 837 44.6 18.7 100

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 Heights/Murray Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,216 (10.2%) $10,716 (89.8%) $11,932
2020 $853 (6.7%) $11,836 (93.3%) $12,690
2021 $1,552 (11.4%) $12,081 (88.6%) $13,633
2022 $4,534 (31.1%) $10,051 (68.9%) $14,585

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Heights/Murray 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 1444th of 1544 Elementary schoolsRanks 1278th of 1534 Elementary schools
 10.2%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Math (Heights/Murray Elementary School)16.726.8
 10.1%
   3rd Grade Math (Pennsylvania)5651.7
 4.3%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Heights/Murray Elementary School)35.124.2
 10.9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)61.954
 7.9%
4th Grade Math (Heights/Murray Elementary School)520.8
 15.8%
   4th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)46.246.5
 0.3%
4th Grade Science (Heights/Murray Elementary School)48.858.3
 9.5%
   4th Grade Science (Pennsylvania)77.874.1
 3.7%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Heights/Murray Elementary School)22.323.9
 1.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)63.651.8
 11.8%
5th Grade Math (Heights/Murray Elementary School)4.814
 9.2%
   5th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)4342.7
 0.3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Heights/Murray Elementary School)27.930.8
 2.9%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)58.553.6
 4.9%
All Grades Math (Heights/Murray Elementary School)7.720.5
 12.8%
   All Grades Math (Pennsylvania)42.439.3
 3.1%
All Grades Science (Heights/Murray Elementary School)48.858.3
 9.5%
   All Grades Science (Pennsylvania)6865.6
 2.4%
All Grades English Language Arts (Heights/Murray Elementary School)26.626.4
 0.2%
   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 Students886837
 5.5%
African American226171
 24.3%
American Indian22
Asian34
 33.3%
Hispanic403467
 15.9%
Pacific Islander00
White162113
 30.2%
Two or More Races9080
 11.1%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients99.9%100%
 0.1%


Schools Near Heights/Murray Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Heights/Murray Elementary School

Students who attend Heights/Murray Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : G A R Middle School

In the 2022-23 school year, 837 students attended Heights/Murray Elementary School.

Students at Heights/Murray Elementary School are 56% Hispanic, 20% African American, 14% White, 10% Two or more races.

Heights/Murray Elementary School ranks in the bottom 18.3% of Pennsylvania elementary schools.


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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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