| Metric | Reading School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 17,363 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 19 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $12,291/yr | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading School District (this district) | 1/10 | 1st | 17,363 |
| 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 → 1st percentile → 1/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Reading School District
Families in zip code 19602 (Reading, Pennsylvania) are assigned to Reading 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
Reading School District spent $12,291 per student in the 2019–20 school year (U.S. Dept. of Education CCD finance data), 32% below Pennsylvania’s statewide $18,000 estimate. Of the district’s 2019 graduating cohort of 1,176 students, an estimated 71% earned a diploma within four years (EDFacts adjusted cohort graduation rate).
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 19 schools, Reading School District operates as a large district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 17,363 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
Reading School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 1/10, placing it in the low-rated tier. 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.
Reading School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Pennsylvania on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 19602
Children in zip code 19602 are assigned to Reading 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 19602, 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 Reading School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. 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 Reading
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Reading School District serves zip code 19602, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 19602. 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 Reading 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 19602.
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 Reading School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 19602 data.