Lancaster County Schools & Education
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
School Score
68/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
89.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 90.3%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,278
National avg $13,239
State avg $10,336
School Score
68/100
Higher = better
State avg 72/100
State School Rank
#44
of 67 counties (1 = best)
Explore Lancaster County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's Massive Suburban School Network
Lancaster County operates a vast system of 113 public schools serving nearly 64,000 students. This extensive network includes 66 elementary, 26 middle, and 21 high schools managed by 18 separate districts. While large, the county has only one charter school, keeping the focus primarily on traditional public education.
High Investment and Stable Outcomes
The county's school score of 60.3 is on par with the state average, backed by a graduation rate of 89.4%. Per-pupil spending reaches $10,278, nearly matching the Pennsylvania average of $10,336. These figures show a county that invests heavily to maintain performance across its large student population.
Lancaster City and Hempfield Drive Growth
The School District of Lancaster is the largest, serving 10,032 students in 19 schools, followed closely by Hempfield's 10 schools and 7,032 students. McCaskey Campus stands as the largest school in the county with an enrollment of 2,620. Penn Manor also serves a significant population with 5,532 students across 10 locations.
Primarily Suburban with a Rural Edge
Lancaster is a suburban powerhouse with 73 schools in suburban locales, though 22 schools remain in rural settings. The average school size is 565 students, providing a medium-scale feel for most learners. Large high schools like McCaskey and Hempfield (2,268 students) offer a comprehensive, big-campus experience.
Find Your Place in a Top-Tier District
With 18 districts to choose from, Lancaster County provides endless options for families prioritizing education quality. Whether you prefer a suburban neighborhood or a rural homestead, you will find schools that consistently meet state benchmarks. Explore homes in high-demand districts like Hempfield or Penn Manor today.
School Overview
Total Schools
113
in Lancaster County
Total Enrollment
63,856
students
School Districts
18
districts
Charter Schools
1
1% of total
School Type Breakdown
18 School Districts in Lancaster County
Lancaster SD
Hempfield SD
Manheim Township SD
Penn Manor SD
Conestoga Valley SD
Ephrata Area SD
Warwick SD
Elizabethtown Area SD
Solanco SD
Cocalico SD
113 Public Schools in Lancaster County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCaskey Campus | Lancaster SD | 9–12 | High | 2,620 |
| Hempfield SHS | Hempfield SD | 9–12 | High | 2,268 |
| Manheim Twp HS | Manheim Township SD | 9–12 | High | 1,899 |
| Penn Manor HS | Penn Manor SD | 9–12 | High | 1,783 |
| Ephrata SHS | Ephrata Area SD | 9–12 | High | 1,317 |
| Conestoga Valley SHS | Conestoga Valley SD | 9–12 | High | 1,282 |
| Elizabethtown Area SHS | Elizabethtown Area SD | 9–12 | High | 1,249 |
| Warwick SHS | Warwick SD | 9–12 | High | 1,230 |
| Solanco HS | Solanco SD | 9–12 | High | 1,081 |
| Cocalico SHS | Cocalico SD | 9–12 | High | 1,008 |
| Gerald G Huesken MS | Conestoga Valley SD | 6–8 | Middle | 965 |
| Manheim Twp MS | Manheim Township SD | 7–8 | Middle | 955 |
| Lampeter-Strasburg SHS | Lampeter-Strasburg SD | 9–12 | High | 940 |
| Manheim Central SHS | Manheim Central SD | 9–12 | High | 935 |
| Donegal HS | Donegal SD | 9–12 | High | 930 |
| Garden Spot SHS | Eastern Lancaster County SD | 9–12 | High | 926 |
| Landis Run Intermediate School | Manheim Township SD | 5–6 | Middle | 901 |
| Elizabethtown Area MS | Elizabethtown Area SD | 6–8 | Middle | 875 |
| Manheim Central MS | Manheim Central SD | 5–8 | Middle | 848 |
| Donegal Intermediate School | Donegal SD | 3–6 | Primary | 833 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,278
State avg $10,336
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Lancaster County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Lancaster County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?
Lancaster County operates a vast system of 113 public schools serving nearly 64,000 students. This extensive network includes 66 elementary, 26 middle, and 21 high schools managed by 18 separate districts. While large, the county has only one charter school, keeping the focus primarily on traditional public education.
How do schools in Lancaster County perform academically?
The county's school score of 60.3 is on par with the state average, backed by a graduation rate of 89.4%. Per-pupil spending reaches $10,278, nearly matching the Pennsylvania average of $10,336. These figures show a county that invests heavily to maintain performance across its large student population.
What are the major school districts in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?
The School District of Lancaster is the largest, serving 10,032 students in 19 schools, followed closely by Hempfield's 10 schools and 7,032 students. McCaskey Campus stands as the largest school in the county with an enrollment of 2,620. Penn Manor also serves a significant population with 5,532 students across 10 locations.
What is the school experience like in Lancaster County?
Lancaster is a suburban powerhouse with 73 schools in suburban locales, though 22 schools remain in rural settings. The average school size is 565 students, providing a medium-scale feel for most learners. Large high schools like McCaskey and Hempfield (2,268 students) offer a comprehensive, big-campus experience.
How can I find homes near good schools in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?
With 18 districts to choose from, Lancaster County provides endless options for families prioritizing education quality. Whether you prefer a suburban neighborhood or a rural homestead, you will find schools that consistently meet state benchmarks. Explore homes in high-demand districts like Hempfield or Penn Manor today.
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.