Erie County Schools & Education
Erie County, Pennsylvania
School Score
55/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
86.1%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.1%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 90.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,364
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,336
School Score
55/100
Higher = better
State avg 72/100
State School Rank
#63
of 67 counties (1 = best)
Explore Erie County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Erie County, Pennsylvania
A Diverse Educational Landscape in Erie
Erie County supports a robust network of 68 public schools serving over 35,500 students across 18 districts. The infrastructure includes 36 elementary, 16 middle, and 16 high schools to provide a complete K-12 pipeline. This large-scale system balances urban density with expansive suburban and rural reaches.
Evaluating Results and Educational Investment
The county's graduation rate sits at 86.1%, trailing the Pennsylvania state average of 90.3% but remaining competitive with the national average of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure is $9,364, which is significantly lower than the national average of $13,000. Despite tighter budgets, Erie maintains a school score of 56.6, outpacing the national median of 50.0.
Spotlight on Erie’s Largest School Districts
Erie City School District leads the county with 15 schools and 10,061 students, followed by Millcreek Township with over 6,300 students. Charter schools account for 5.9% of the local options, with four active campuses providing specialized alternatives. These large districts serve as the primary educational hubs for the region's diverse population.
A Mix of Urban Centers and Rural Classrooms
Students attend a variety of settings, ranging from 18 city-based schools to 20 rural and 20 suburban campuses. While the average school size is 523 students, Erie High School serves as a massive hub for 2,317 learners. This variety ensures that families can find everything from large-scale high school experiences to intimate rural elementary settings.
Find Your Home Near Erie's Top Schools
As you search for properties in Erie County, consider the impact of proximity to high-performing districts like Millcreek Township. School quality is a major driver of long-term property value and community stability in the Great Lakes region. Explore neighborhoods that offer the perfect balance of academic excellence and local charm.
School Overview
Total Schools
68
in Erie County
Total Enrollment
35,548
students
School Districts
18
districts
Charter Schools
4
6% of total
School Type Breakdown
18 School Districts in Erie County
Erie City SD
Millcreek Township SD
General McLane SD
Harbor Creek SD
Fort LeBoeuf SD
Fairview SD
Corry Area SD
Girard SD
North East SD
Wattsburg Area SD
68 Public Schools in Erie County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie HS | Erie City SD | 9–12 | High | 2,317 |
| McDowell HS | Millcreek Township SD | 9–12 | High | 2,205 |
| Woodrow Wilson MS | Erie City SD | 6–8 | Middle | 756 |
| Northwest PA Collegiate Academy | Erie City SD | 9–12 | High | 753 |
| Strong Vincent MS | Erie City SD | 6–8 | Middle | 729 |
| Fairview El Sch | Fairview SD | KG–4 | Primary | 717 |
| General McLane HS | General McLane SD | 9–12 | High | 698 |
| Fort LeBoeuf SHS | Fort LeBoeuf SD | 9–12 | High | 663 |
| Grandview El Sch | Millcreek Township SD | KG–5 | Primary | 659 |
| East MS | Erie City SD | 6–8 | Middle | 654 |
| James W Parker MS | General McLane SD | 5–8 | Middle | 652 |
| Harbor Creek Senior HS | Harbor Creek SD | 9–12 | High | 614 |
| Corry Area HS | Corry Area SD | 9–12 | High | 613 |
| Perseus House CS of Excellence | Perseus House CS of Excellence | 6–12 | Charter | 610 |
| Belle Valley El Sch | Millcreek Township SD | PK–5 | Primary | 610 |
| Harding Sch | Erie City SD | PK–5 | Primary | 590 |
| Fairview HS | Fairview SD | 9–12 | High | 588 |
| Montessori Regional CS | Montessori Regional CS | KG–8 | Charter | 583 |
| Elk Valley El Sch | Girard SD | PK–4 | Primary | 573 |
| Fairview MS | Fairview SD | 5–8 | Middle | 571 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,364
State avg $10,336
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Erie County, Pennsylvania — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Erie County, Pennsylvania?
Erie County supports a robust network of 68 public schools serving over 35,500 students across 18 districts. The infrastructure includes 36 elementary, 16 middle, and 16 high schools to provide a complete K-12 pipeline. This large-scale system balances urban density with expansive suburban and rural reaches.
How do schools in Erie County perform academically?
The county's graduation rate sits at 86.1%, trailing the Pennsylvania state average of 90.3% but remaining competitive with the national average of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure is $9,364, which is significantly lower than the national average of $13,000. Despite tighter budgets, Erie maintains a school score of 56.6, outpacing the national median of 50.0.
What are the major school districts in Erie County, Pennsylvania?
Erie City School District leads the county with 15 schools and 10,061 students, followed by Millcreek Township with over 6,300 students. Charter schools account for 5.9% of the local options, with four active campuses providing specialized alternatives. These large districts serve as the primary educational hubs for the region's diverse population.
What is the school experience like in Erie County?
Students attend a variety of settings, ranging from 18 city-based schools to 20 rural and 20 suburban campuses. While the average school size is 523 students, Erie High School serves as a massive hub for 2,317 learners. This variety ensures that families can find everything from large-scale high school experiences to intimate rural elementary settings.
How can I find homes near good schools in Erie County, Pennsylvania?
As you search for properties in Erie County, consider the impact of proximity to high-performing districts like Millcreek Township. School quality is a major driver of long-term property value and community stability in the Great Lakes region. Explore neighborhoods that offer the perfect balance of academic excellence and local charm.
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.