| Metric | Octorara Area School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 2,075 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $18,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octorara Area School District (this district) | 3/10 | 25th | 2,075 |
| Ringgold School District | 1/10 | 9th | 2,638 |
| New Brighton Area School District | 2/10 | 15th | 1,304 |
| Highlands School District | 2/10 | 15th | 2,218 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 459 rated districts in PA → 25th percentile → 3/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Octorara Area School District
Families in zip code 19310 (Atglen, Pennsylvania) are assigned to Octorara Area School District for public education through 12. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Pennsylvania spend approximately $18,000 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), above the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Above-average spending generally translates to more instructional resources per student, stronger program variety at the middle and high school levels, and better-maintained facilities. 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 4 schools serving grades K–12, Octorara Area School District qualifies as a mid-sized district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 2,075 students in total. 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 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), Octorara Area School District ranks among Pennsylvania’s below-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.
Octorara Area School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Pennsylvania benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 19310
Children in zip code 19310 are assigned to Octorara Area School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 19310, 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 Octorara Area School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. 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 Atglen
For families considering a purchase in the Atglen area, district assignment matters financially. Because Octorara Area School District serves zip code 19310, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 19310. 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 Octorara Area 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 19310.
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 Octorara Area School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 19310 data.