Dauphin County Schools & Education
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
School Score
41/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
76.2%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
76.2%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 90.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,874
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,336
School Score
41/100
Higher = better
State avg 72/100
State School Rank
#66
of 67 counties (1 = best)
Explore Dauphin County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
A Large and Diverse Educational Hub
Dauphin County hosts 73 public schools across 18 districts, serving a massive 64,486 students. This includes 39 elementary, 15 middle, and 16 high schools, reflecting the county's role as a major regional center.
Navigating Challenges in Graduation and Scoring
The county faces a 76.2% graduation rate, which is below the state average of 90.3%. Districts spend $8,874 per pupil and maintain a composite school score of 50.3, matching the national median score.
Central Dauphin and the Charter School Impact
Central Dauphin SD is the largest traditional district with 12,393 students. However, the county also hosts 7 charter schools, including the massive Commonwealth Charter Academy which enrolls over 20,000 students.
Urban and Suburban Learning on a Large Scale
Most schools are in suburban (43) or city (17) settings, with an average enrollment of 883 students. Large campuses like Central Dauphin Senior High serve nearly 2,000 students, offering a broad range of programs and facilities.
Exploring Diverse Educational Paths in Dauphin
From massive cyber charters to traditional suburban districts, Dauphin County offers more variety than most other regions. Families should research specific school boundaries in the Central Dauphin or Lower Dauphin areas when browsing for homes.
School Overview
Total Schools
73
in Dauphin County
Total Enrollment
64,486
students
School Districts
18
districts
Charter Schools
7
10% of total
School Type Breakdown
18 School Districts in Dauphin County
Commonwealth Charter Academy CS
Central Dauphin SD
Reach Cyber CS
Harrisburg City SD
Lower Dauphin SD
Derry Township SD
Susquehanna Township SD
Middletown Area SD
Steelton-Highspire SD
Dauphin County Technical School
73 Public Schools in Dauphin County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Charter Academy CS | Commonwealth Charter Academy CS | KG–12 | Charter | 20,355 |
| Reach Cyber CS | Reach Cyber CS | KG–12 | Charter | 6,918 |
| Central Dauphin SHS | Central Dauphin SD | 9–12 | High | 1,975 |
| Central Dauphin East SHS | Central Dauphin SD | 9–12 | High | 1,590 |
| Harrisburg HS | Harrisburg City SD | 9–12 | High | 1,230 |
| Dauphin County Technical School | Dauphin County Technical School | 9–12 | Vocational | 1,125 |
| Hershey HS | Derry Township SD | 9–12 | High | 1,093 |
| Lower Dauphin HS | Lower Dauphin SD | 9–12 | High | 1,085 |
| Lower Dauphin MS | Lower Dauphin SD | 6–8 | Middle | 883 |
| Central Dauphin MS | Central Dauphin SD | 6–8 | Middle | 848 |
| Thomas W Holtzman Jr El Sch | Susquehanna Township SD | 3–5 | Primary | 820 |
| Linglestown MS | Central Dauphin SD | 6–8 | Middle | 808 |
| Benjamin Franklin Sch | Harrisburg City SD | PK–5 | Primary | 786 |
| Central Dauphin East MS | Central Dauphin SD | 6–8 | Middle | 779 |
| Sara Lindemuth El Sch | Susquehanna Township SD | KG–2 | Primary | 755 |
| Middletown Area HS | Middletown Area SD | 9–12 | High | 747 |
| Susquehanna Twp HS | Susquehanna Township SD | 9–12 | High | 743 |
| Steelton-Highspire El Sch | Steelton-Highspire SD | KG–6 | Primary | 738 |
| Hershey MS | Derry Township SD | 6–8 | Middle | 731 |
| Susquehanna Twp MS | Susquehanna Township SD | 6–8 | Middle | 723 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,874
State avg $10,336
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania?
Dauphin County hosts 73 public schools across 18 districts, serving a massive 64,486 students. This includes 39 elementary, 15 middle, and 16 high schools, reflecting the county's role as a major regional center.
How do schools in Dauphin County perform academically?
The county faces a 76.2% graduation rate, which is below the state average of 90.3%. Districts spend $8,874 per pupil and maintain a composite school score of 50.3, matching the national median score.
What are the major school districts in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania?
Central Dauphin SD is the largest traditional district with 12,393 students. However, the county also hosts 7 charter schools, including the massive Commonwealth Charter Academy which enrolls over 20,000 students.
What is the school experience like in Dauphin County?
Most schools are in suburban (43) or city (17) settings, with an average enrollment of 883 students. Large campuses like Central Dauphin Senior High serve nearly 2,000 students, offering a broad range of programs and facilities.
How can I find homes near good schools in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania?
From massive cyber charters to traditional suburban districts, Dauphin County offers more variety than most other regions. Families should research specific school boundaries in the Central Dauphin or Lower Dauphin areas when browsing for homes.
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.