Dauphin County school districts

Dauphin County, PA has 14 school districts, each with its unique strengths and characteristics. In this article, we will explore some of the most prominent school districts in the county and what they have to offer.

Central Dauphin School District
600 Rutherford Rd
Harrisburg, PA 17109

Central Dauphin School District is a dynamic, suburban community of over 95,000 residents with a total student membership of approximately 12,000 students. It is located northeast of the city of Harrisburg within the County of Dauphin in south central Pennsylvania. The school district is the 8th largest school district in the Commonwealth and is the largest of the 10 school districts located in the county. Encompassing an area of 118.2 square miles, the district is comprised of three boroughs (Dauphin, Paxtang and Penbrook) and four townships (Lower Paxton, Middle Paxton, Swatara and West Hanover). Students attend one of 13 elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools, and are transported from urban, suburban and rural areas. Central Dauphin School District strives to provide “quality to the core” educational opportunities to ensure that all students achieve success.

Harrisburg City School District
2101 North Front St Bldg 2
Harrisburg, PA 17110

The Harrisburg School District serves approximately 7,000 students in 16 schools. The district’s diverse student population is known for its commitment to equity and social justice. It offers a variety of programs and services to support student success, including after-school programs, counseling services, and career and technical education courses.

Lower Dauphin School District
291 E Main St
Hummelstown, PA 17036

Our staff of 500 caring, dedicated individuals strives every day to ensure that each of our students achieves their full potential.Lower Dauphin has a long-standing tradition of excellence. Our students shine as artists, athletes, citizens, musicians, and as scholars. By design, our district programs provide students with the opportunity to fully explore their potential.We are justifiably proud of all of our students and their achievements. Our 3,500 students inspire our district staff, and the community at large, every day.The mission of the district is to provide students with a safe and supportive environment, enabling them to engage in a quality education that empowers them to be successful in their next step in life.

Middletown Area School District
55 W Water St
Middletown, PA 17057

The Middletown Area School District serves approximately 2,500 students in four schools. The district is known for its commitment to personalized learning and offers a variety of programs and services to support student success, including after-school programs, special education services, and career and technical education courses.

Millersburg Area School District
799 Center St
Millersburg, PA 17061

The Millersburg Area School District is a small, rural, public school district located in the northwestern portion of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. It encompasses the borough of Millersburg and Upper Paxton Township. Millersburg Area School District encompasses approximately 32 square miles (83 km²). According to 2007 local census data, it served a resident population of 6,420. By the 2010 federal census data, the district’s resident population grew to 6,721. The educational attainment levels for the Millersburg Area School District population (25 years old and over) were 82.1% high school graduates and 13.5% college graduates.

Great Schools.org Millersburg Area

Steelton-Highspire School District
250 Reynders St
Steelton, PA 17113

The Steelton-Highspire School District serves approximately 1,200 students in three schools. The district is known for its small class sizes and personalized approach to education. The Steelton-Highspire School District is a diminutive, urban public school district located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. It encompasses the boroughs of Steelton and Highspire, both industrial suburbs of the City of Harrisburg. The district encompasses approximately 2 square miles (5.2 km²) and is located on the eastern bank of the Susquehanna River. According to the 2020 United States census, it serves a resident population of 9,004. The educational attainment levels for the Steelton-Highspire School District population (25 years old and over) were 89% high school graduates and 11% college graduates.

Great Schools.org Steelton-Highspire

Susquehanna Township School District
3550 Elmerton Ave
Harrisburg, PA 17110

The Susquehanna Township School District serves approximately 3,200 students in five schools. The district is known for its strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses and a gifted education program. Susquehanna Township School District is comprised of five campuses, an administration building, two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Derry Township School District
30 East Granada Ave
PO Box 898
Hershey, PA 17033

Derry Township School District is an award-winning public school system located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Our community enjoys a legacy that began with founder Milton S. Hershey. The district serves approximately 3,100 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade residing in Derry Township, Dauphin County.

Hershey Elementary School – Home to our students in Grades K-5, including the Early Childhood Center – a special space for our youngest learners. Hershey Elementary School is a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School.
Hershey Middle School – Home to students in Grades 6-8, Hershey Middle School is the cornerstone of the district, facilitating student transition from a self-contained elementary school setting to a dynamic high school curriculum.
Hershey High School – Home for students in Grades 9-12, Hershey High School is consistently ranked among the top public high schools in Pennsylvania and the nation.

Halifax Area School District
3940 Peters Mountain Rd
Halifax, PA 17032

School Demographics:
Current student enrollment is approximately 1008 and professional school staff number over 105. The district has three schools: Halifax Elementary School for grades Pre K-4, Halifax Middle School for grades 5-8, and for grades 9-12, Halifax High School. Our Enders-Fisherville Elementary and Halifax Elementary School were consolidated in 2019.

School Budget Information:
The community is supportive of local education efforts and generates nearly $6.8 million in revenues each year toward the school district’s annual budget of approximately $19 million.

Academic Summary:
Approximately 70 percent of high school graduates continue their education at two and four year post-secondary institutions. Remaining students enter employment, the military, or apprenticeship programs. Halifax students participate in state and national testing programs including the PSSA, NOCTI, Keystone Exams, and College Board Exams.

Upper Dauphin Area School District
5668 State Route 209
Lykens, PA 17048

Upper Dauphin Area School District operates three schools: Upper Dauphin Area Elementary School, Upper Dauphin Area Middle School, and Upper Dauphin Area High School. Approximately 1100 students attend these 3 schools. The Upper Dauphin Area School District is comprised of Berrysburg Borough, Elizabethville Borough, Gratz Borough, Jefferson Township, Lykens Borough, Lykens Township, Mifflin Township, Pillow Borough, and Washington Township. It is situated in the northeastern section of Dauphin County.

Williams Valley School District
10330 Route 209 Rd
Tower City, PA 17980

The Williams Valley School District is a small, rural public school district(approximately 1000 students) located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. The district is highly fragmented, encompassing the boroughs of Williamstown and Tower City as well as the townships of Porter, Rush, Williams, and Wiconisco. The district encompasses approximately 62 square miles.

Dauphin County Technical School
6001 Locust Lane
Harrisburg, PA 17109

Dauphin County Technical School, a public school located in Harrisburg, PA, serves grade(s) 9-12. They teach a variety of trades. Dauphin County Technical School is a public school located in Harrisburg, PA. It has 1,125 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.

Great Schools.org/Dauphin County Tech

In conclusion, Dauphin County, PA is home to several school districts, each with its own unique strengths and characteristics. Whether you are looking for a district with strong academics, personalized learning, or a commitment to equity and social justice, there is a district in Dauphin County that can meet your needs.