Best Public Schools in Zip Code 15312

The 15312 zip code area is home to two schools - Avella Elementary Center and Avella Area Junior/Senior High School, both part of the Avella Area School District. While the elementary school demonstrates strong academic performance, particularly in science and English language arts, the high school faces challenges in mathematics. However, the high school boasts a high graduation rate and low dropout rate, suggesting a focus on student success.

Avella Elementary Center stands out for its relatively high proficiency rates in PSSA Science (69.7% vs. 65.6% state average) and English Language Arts (59.2% vs. 53.8% state average), as well as its strong 3rd-grade PSSA performance. Despite a high percentage of students eligible for free/reduced lunch (57.14%), the school is able to achieve above-average test scores in several subjects. In contrast, Avella Area Junior/Senior High School lags behind the district and state averages in PSSA Math for all grades, though it performs better in PSSA Science and ELA.

While Avella Area Junior/Senior High School boasts a solid 92.3% four-year graduation rate and a low 0.4% dropout rate, its significant underperformance in Keystone Algebra I exams compared to the district and state averages is a concern. The higher per-student spending at the high school ($25,243) compared to the elementary school ($18,735) does not appear to directly translate to better academic outcomes, suggesting the need to examine resource allocation and utilization. Additionally, the relatively low racial diversity in both schools, with over 94% white student populations, may warrant exploration of strategies to promote greater inclusivity and representation within the school communities.