Best Public Schools in Zip Code 16602

The 16602 zip code area of Altoona, Pennsylvania is home to 8 schools, including 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and 1 alternative school. The data reveals a diverse range of academic performance and student demographics across these institutions.

Among the standout schools in the area is Baker Elementary School, which consistently outperforms the district and state averages on PSSA tests. This 4-star school is ranked 296 out of 1,526 Pennsylvania elementary schools. In contrast, Penn-Lincoln Elementary School struggles, with proficiency rates 10-20 percentage points below the state average. The Central Pennsylvania Digital Learning Foundation Charter School, an alternative virtual school, also stands out for its unique model and student population, managing a strong graduation rate despite lower academic performance.

The Altoona Area School District as a whole is rated 2 out of 5 stars by SchoolDigger, but individual school ratings range from 1 to 4 stars, highlighting the variability in performance within the district. This disparity is likely influenced by factors such as student demographics and resource allocation, as evidenced by the wide range in per-student spending across the schools. Addressing these gaps and learning from the successes of the top-performing schools will be crucial for improving educational outcomes in the 16602 zip code area.