Cambria County Schools & Education
Cambria County, Pennsylvania
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
68/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
90.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 90.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,349
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,336
School Score
68/100
Higher = better
State avg 72/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#43
of 67 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Cambria County
School Verdict
Cambria County performs at an average level with a school score of 68/100 and a solid graduation rate of 90.5%.
Funding Context
Cambria County spends $9,349 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Cambria County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 5% below the Pennsylvania average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 0.2 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 10% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Cambria County, Pennsylvania
A Diverse Network of Local Districts
Cambria County features a fragmented but localized school system with 15 school districts managing just 37 schools. This network serves 16,240 students across 16 elementary, five middle, and 15 high schools. The high number of districts relative to schools ensures that many communities maintain their own local educational identities.
Steady Performance Amid Efficient Spending
The county maintains a 90.5% graduation rate, which aligns with the state average and beats the national benchmark of 87%. Investment remains lean at $9,349 per pupil, roughly $1,000 less than the state average. The resulting school score of 58.9 reflects a competitive academic environment despite lower funding levels.
Johnstown Districts Anchor the Region
Greater Johnstown School District is the largest in the county, educating 2,941 students across four schools. Other significant districts include Central Cambria and Penn Cambria, which serve 1,596 and 1,522 students respectively. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of public students attend traditional district schools.
Small Schools in Traditional Settings
With an average school size of 439 students, Cambria County offers a more personal educational experience than neighboring suburban hubs. The largest facility is Greater Johnstown Elementary School, which enrolls 1,269 students. The locale mix is diverse, spanning 14 rural, 12 town, eight suburban, and three city-based schools.
Community-Focused Living Near Schools
Prospective homeowners in Cambria County often find that school districts serve as the heart of local towns. The area's high graduation rates and small average school sizes are attractive to families seeking a close-knit environment. Use district performance data to narrow your search for the perfect Pennsylvania home.
School Overview
Total Schools
37
in Cambria County
Total Enrollment
16,240
students
School Districts
15
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
15 School Districts in Cambria County
Greater Johnstown SD
Forest Hills SD
Central Cambria SD
Richland SD
Penn Cambria SD
Westmont Hilltop SD
Cambria Heights SD
Portage Area SD
Northern Cambria SD
Conemaugh Valley SD
37 Public Schools in Cambria County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Johnstown El Sch | Greater Johnstown SD | PK–4 | Primary | 1,269 |
| Forest Hills El Sch | Forest Hills SD | PK–6 | Primary | 957 |
| Greater Johnstown SHS | Greater Johnstown SD | 8–12 | High | 894 |
| Richland El Sch | Richland SD | KG–6 | Primary | 811 |
| Forest Hills JSHS | Forest Hills SD | 7–12 | High | 775 |
| Westmont Hilltop El Sch | Westmont Hilltop SD | KG–6 | Primary | 739 |
| Westmont Hilltop JSHS | Westmont Hilltop SD | 7–12 | High | 725 |
| Richland HS | Richland SD | 7–12 | High | 715 |
| Greater Johnstown MS | Greater Johnstown SD | 5–7 | Middle | 660 |
| Penn Cambria HS | Penn Cambria SD | 9–12 | High | 567 |
| Central Cambria HS | Central Cambria SD | 9–12 | High | 559 |
| Cambria Heights El Sch | Cambria Heights SD | PK–5 | Primary | 535 |
| Penn Cambria MS | Penn Cambria SD | 5–8 | Middle | 468 |
| Cambria El Sch | Central Cambria SD | KG–5 | Primary | 450 |
| Portage Area El Sch | Portage Area SD | PK–6 | Primary | 448 |
| Cambria Heights SHS | Cambria Heights SD | 9–12 | High | 437 |
| Conemaugh Valley El Sch | Conemaugh Valley SD | PK–6 | Primary | 392 |
| Central Cambria MS | Central Cambria SD | 6–8 | Middle | 379 |
| Portage Area JSHS | Portage Area SD | 7–12 | High | 359 |
| Glendale JSHS | Glendale SD | 7–12 | High | 340 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,349
State avg $10,336
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Cambria County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Cambria County?
How much does Cambria County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Cambria County, Pennsylvania — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Cambria County, Pennsylvania?
Cambria County features a fragmented but localized school system with 15 school districts managing just 37 schools. This network serves 16,240 students across 16 elementary, five middle, and 15 high schools. The high number of districts relative to schools ensures that many communities maintain their own local educational identities.
How do schools in Cambria County perform academically?
The county maintains a 90.5% graduation rate, which aligns with the state average and beats the national benchmark of 87%. Investment remains lean at $9,349 per pupil, roughly $1,000 less than the state average. The resulting school score of 58.9 reflects a competitive academic environment despite lower funding levels.
What are the major school districts in Cambria County, Pennsylvania?
Greater Johnstown School District is the largest in the county, educating 2,941 students across four schools. Other significant districts include Central Cambria and Penn Cambria, which serve 1,596 and 1,522 students respectively. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of public students attend traditional district schools.
What is the school experience like in Cambria County?
With an average school size of 439 students, Cambria County offers a more personal educational experience than neighboring suburban hubs. The largest facility is Greater Johnstown Elementary School, which enrolls 1,269 students. The locale mix is diverse, spanning 14 rural, 12 town, eight suburban, and three city-based schools.
How can I find homes near good schools in Cambria County, Pennsylvania?
Prospective homeowners in Cambria County often find that school districts serve as the heart of local towns. The area's high graduation rates and small average school sizes are attractive to families seeking a close-knit environment. Use district performance data to narrow your search for the perfect Pennsylvania home.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.