Best Public Schools in Zip Code 17851

The 17851 zip code area is home to three schools - Mount Carmel Area Elementary School, Mount Carmel Area High School, and Mount Carmel Area JH - all part of the Mount Carmel Area School District. Unfortunately, these schools appear to be consistently underperforming compared to state averages on key metrics like test scores, graduation rates, and dropout rates.

Across all three schools, proficiency rates on PSSA/Keystone exams are significantly lower than state averages, particularly in math. Mount Carmel Area Elementary School has the lowest math proficiency at just 24.9%, compared to the state average of 39.3%. Similarly, Mount Carmel Area High School has the lowest proficiency rates on Keystone Algebra I (23.9%) and Biology (40%) exams, well below state averages. Graduation and dropout rates at the high school also lag behind state benchmarks.

A key factor contributing to the schools' underperformance is the high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, ranging from 74.24% at the high school to 100% at the junior high. This suggests that targeted interventions and support programs may be necessary to help these students succeed. Additionally, the schools' predominantly white student populations compared to the state's more diverse demographics raise potential equity concerns that warrant further analysis. Overall, the data paints a concerning picture for the Mount Carmel Area School District, and addressing the systemic challenges should be a top priority.