Carbon County Schools & Education
Carbon County, Pennsylvania
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
79/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
92.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 90.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,843
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,336
School Score
79/100
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
#23
of 67 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Carbon County
School Verdict
Carbon County is a high-performing district with a school score of 79/100 and a graduation rate of 92.6%, reflecting strong academic outcomes.
Funding Context
Carbon County spends $9,843 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 Carbon County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 10% above the Pennsylvania average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 2.3 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 5% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Carbon County, Pennsylvania
A Consolidated System of Rural Schools
Carbon County features 18 public schools organized into six school districts, serving a total of 8,359 students. The system is balanced between eight elementary schools, four middle schools, and six high schools. This compact infrastructure serves a growing population in the Pocono foothills.
Outperforming State Averages in Graduation
The county reports a 92.6% graduation rate, beating the Pennsylvania average of 90.3% and the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $9,843 is slightly below the state average, the county still maintains a school score of 61.0. This indicates a high level of academic efficiency given the available resources.
Lehighton and Jim Thorpe Lead the Way
Lehighton Area School District is the largest in the county, educating 2,171 students across three schools. Jim Thorpe Area and Palmerton Area are also significant, serving 1,760 and 1,631 students respectively. Traditional public schools are the only option here, as the county currently hosts zero charter schools.
Rural Roots with Suburban Influence
Carbon's schools are primarily located in rural (8) and suburban (7) settings, reflecting the county's transitional geography. The average school size is 464 students, with Lehighton Area Elementary Center serving as the largest campus with 998 students. This scale offers a balance between comprehensive resources and a community feel.
Family-Friendly Living in the Foothills
For families looking to move to the Carbon County area, the local school districts offer consistent performance and strong community ties. The high graduation rates are a significant draw for those prioritizing their children's secondary education. Consider how proximity to districts like Jim Thorpe can impact your lifestyle and property value.
School Overview
Total Schools
18
in Carbon County
Total Enrollment
8,359
students
School Districts
6
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
6 School Districts in Carbon County
Lehighton Area SD
Panther Valley SD
Jim Thorpe Area SD
Palmerton Area SD
Weatherly Area SD
Carbon Career & Technical Institute
18 Public Schools in Carbon County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lehighton Area Elementary Center | Lehighton Area SD | PK–5 | Primary | 998 |
| Panther Valley JSHS | Panther Valley SD | 7–12 | High | 771 |
| Lehighton Area HS | Lehighton Area SD | 9–12 | High | 660 |
| L B Morris El Sch | Jim Thorpe Area SD | PK–8 | Primary | 624 |
| Panther Valley El Sch | Panther Valley SD | KG–3 | Primary | 622 |
| Penn-Kidder Campus | Jim Thorpe Area SD | PK–8 | Primary | 571 |
| Jim Thorpe Area HS | Jim Thorpe Area SD | 9–12 | High | 565 |
| Lehighton Area MS | Lehighton Area SD | 6–8 | Middle | 513 |
| Palmerton Area HS | Palmerton Area SD | 9–12 | High | 482 |
| Panther Valley Intermediate Sch | Panther Valley SD | 4–6 | Middle | 417 |
| S S Palmer El Sch | Palmerton Area SD | 2–6 | Primary | 403 |
| Carbon Career & Technical Institute | Carbon Career & Technical Institute | 9–12 | Vocational | 394 |
| Towamensing El Sch | Palmerton Area SD | KG–6 | Primary | 324 |
| Weatherly Area El Sch | Weatherly Area SD | PK–5 | Primary | 308 |
| Palmerton Area JHS | Palmerton Area SD | 7–8 | Middle | 267 |
| Weatherly Area SHS | Weatherly Area SD | 9–12 | High | 159 |
| Parkside Education Center | Palmerton Area SD | KG–1 | Primary | 155 |
| Weatherly Area MS | Weatherly Area SD | 6–8 | Middle | 126 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,843
State avg $10,336
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Carbon County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Carbon County?
How much does Carbon County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Carbon County, Pennsylvania — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Carbon County, Pennsylvania?
Carbon County features 18 public schools organized into six school districts, serving a total of 8,359 students. The system is balanced between eight elementary schools, four middle schools, and six high schools. This compact infrastructure serves a growing population in the Pocono foothills.
How do schools in Carbon County perform academically?
The county reports a 92.6% graduation rate, beating the Pennsylvania average of 90.3% and the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $9,843 is slightly below the state average, the county still maintains a school score of 61.0. This indicates a high level of academic efficiency given the available resources.
What are the major school districts in Carbon County, Pennsylvania?
Lehighton Area School District is the largest in the county, educating 2,171 students across three schools. Jim Thorpe Area and Palmerton Area are also significant, serving 1,760 and 1,631 students respectively. Traditional public schools are the only option here, as the county currently hosts zero charter schools.
What is the school experience like in Carbon County?
Carbon's schools are primarily located in rural (8) and suburban (7) settings, reflecting the county's transitional geography. The average school size is 464 students, with Lehighton Area Elementary Center serving as the largest campus with 998 students. This scale offers a balance between comprehensive resources and a community feel.
How can I find homes near good schools in Carbon County, Pennsylvania?
For families looking to move to the Carbon County area, the local school districts offer consistent performance and strong community ties. The high graduation rates are a significant draw for those prioritizing their children's secondary education. Consider how proximity to districts like Jim Thorpe can impact your lifestyle and property value.
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.