| Metric | Plum Borough School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,582 | 3,700 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 5 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $21,400/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 8/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plum Borough School District (this district) | 8/10 | 78th | 3,582 |
| Fox Chapel Area School District | 10/10 | 99th | 4,700 |
| North Allegheny School District | 10/10 | 90th | 4,569 |
| Peters Township School District | NR | — | 4,800 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 459 rated districts in PA → 78th percentile → 8/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Plum Borough School District
Plum Borough School District serves zip code 15239, covering Plum Borough, Pennsylvania with grades Kindergarten – 12th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Pennsylvania spend approximately $21,400 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), well above the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Districts at this funding level typically offer smaller class sizes, broader elective and extracurricular programs, stronger technology infrastructure, and more competitive teacher salaries. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At 5 schools serving grades Kindergarten – 12th, Plum Borough School District qualifies as a mid-sized district serving students from Kindergarten – 12th. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 8/10 Rating
With a rating of 8/10 (good), Plum Borough School District ranks among Pennsylvania’s above-average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Pennsylvania is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Plum Borough School District ranks among the highest-performing public school districts in Pennsylvania on state assessments, with reading and math proficiency rates in roughly the top 10–20% statewide. Homes in and around zip code 15239 often carry a measurable premium relative to neighboring areas served by lower-rated districts. Families moving here for academic strength will find a district whose students test well above the state norm. Even within top-rated districts, individual school performance varies — confirm your specific school assignments directly with the district.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 15239
Children in zip code 15239 are assigned to Plum Borough School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Kindergarten – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 15239, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Plum Borough School District at (412)795-0100 or visit www.pbsd.k12.pa.us. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Pennsylvania districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Plum Borough
For families considering a purchase in the Plum Borough area, district assignment matters financially. Because Plum Borough School District serves zip code 15239, homes in and around zip code 15239 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Pennsylvania, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Plum Borough School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 15239.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Plum Borough School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 15239 data.