Elk County Schools & Education
Elk County, Pennsylvania
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
74/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
91.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
91.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 90.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,108
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,336
School Score
74/100
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
#30
of 67 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Elk County
School Verdict
Elk County is a high-performing district with a school score of 74/100 and a graduation rate of 91.3%, reflecting strong academic outcomes.
Funding Context
Elk County spends $10,108 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 Elk County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 3% above the Pennsylvania average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 1.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 2% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Elk County, Pennsylvania
A Small-Scale Rural School System
Elk County operates 10 public schools across just 3 districts, serving 3,181 students. The system is concise, with 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools serving the entire region.
High Graduation Success in Rural Pennsylvania
Elk County achieves a 91.3% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. The county invests $10,108 per pupil, achieving a school score of 60.9 that perfectly matches the Pennsylvania state average.
Saint Marys Area Leads Local Education
Saint Marys Area SD is the largest district, educating 1,863 students in 5 schools. Ridgway Area and Johnsonburg Area districts manage the rest of the student population, and there are no charter schools in the county.
Close-Knit Schools in a Quiet Rural Setting
With an average school size of just 318 students, Elk County offers one of the most personalized learning environments in the state. Most schools are rural, with the largest campus, St Marys Area Senior High, hosting only 609 students.
Peaceful Living Near High-Performing Schools
If you are looking for a quiet lifestyle where your children can succeed in small classes, Elk County is a hidden gem. Look for properties near Saint Marys to stay close to the county's primary educational and community hubs.
School Overview
Total Schools
10
in Elk County
Total Enrollment
3,181
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Elk County
Saint Marys Area SD
Ridgway Area SD
Johnsonburg Area SD
10 Public Schools in Elk County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Marys Area SHS | Saint Marys Area SD | 9–12 | High | 609 |
| South St Marys Street El Sch | Saint Marys Area SD | PK–5 | Primary | 577 |
| St Marys Area MS | Saint Marys Area SD | 6–8 | Middle | 426 |
| Francis S Grandinetti El Sch | Ridgway Area SD | KG–5 | Primary | 362 |
| Johnsonburg Area El Sch | Johnsonburg Area SD | PK–6 | Primary | 290 |
| Johnsonburg Area HS | Johnsonburg Area SD | 7–12 | High | 252 |
| Ridgway Area HS | Ridgway Area SD | 9–12 | High | 212 |
| Ridgway Area MS | Ridgway Area SD | 6–8 | Middle | 202 |
| Fox Twp El Sch | Saint Marys Area SD | KG–5 | Primary | 166 |
| Bennetts Valley El Sch | Saint Marys Area SD | KG–5 | Primary | 85 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,108
State avg $10,336
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Elk County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Elk County?
How much does Elk County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Elk County, Pennsylvania — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Elk County, Pennsylvania?
Elk County operates 10 public schools across just 3 districts, serving 3,181 students. The system is concise, with 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools serving the entire region.
How do schools in Elk County perform academically?
Elk County achieves a 91.3% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. The county invests $10,108 per pupil, achieving a school score of 60.9 that perfectly matches the Pennsylvania state average.
What are the major school districts in Elk County, Pennsylvania?
Saint Marys Area SD is the largest district, educating 1,863 students in 5 schools. Ridgway Area and Johnsonburg Area districts manage the rest of the student population, and there are no charter schools in the county.
What is the school experience like in Elk County?
With an average school size of just 318 students, Elk County offers one of the most personalized learning environments in the state. Most schools are rural, with the largest campus, St Marys Area Senior High, hosting only 609 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Elk County, Pennsylvania?
If you are looking for a quiet lifestyle where your children can succeed in small classes, Elk County is a hidden gem. Look for properties near Saint Marys to stay close to the county's primary educational and community hubs.
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.