Best Public Schools in Zip Code 18702

The 18702 zip code area in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is home to 6 schools, including 5 elementary schools and 1 middle school, all part of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. While the district as a whole is ranked 460 out of 606 in the state and has a low 1-star rating, one school in the area stands out as a clear academic leader: Bear Creek Community Charter School.

Bear Creek Community Charter School outperforms the other schools in the 18702 zip code, as well as the district and state averages, across key metrics like math, science, and English language arts proficiency. With a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger and a statewide ranking in the top half of Pennsylvania elementary schools, Bear Creek Community Charter School demonstrates that high-quality education is possible even in a struggling district. The school's smaller class sizes and 0% dropout rate also suggest a strong focus on student support and retention.

In contrast, the traditional public schools in the 18702 area face significant challenges, with math proficiency rates as low as 11.4% and high percentages of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating widespread economic disadvantage. These factors likely contribute to the low overall performance of the district and the stark divide between Bear Creek Community Charter School and its neighboring public schools. Addressing the broader socioeconomic needs of the community will be crucial to improving educational outcomes for all students in the 18702 zip code area.