Serving 406 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Downey School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤5% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 36%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 6-9% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 406 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Downey School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Downey School's student population of 406 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
406 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
School Rankings
Downey School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Downey School is 0.58, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2690 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
36%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
57%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
45%
15%
Black
47%
14%
White
1%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Downey School's ranking?
Downey School is ranked #2690 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Downey School often compared to?
Downey Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Benjamin Franklin School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% PA state average), while 6-9% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Downey School?
406 students attend Downey School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Downey School students are Black, 45% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Downey School?
Downey School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Downey School offer ?
Downey School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Downey School part of?
Downey School is part of Harrisburg City School District.
School Reviews
Review Downey School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save 51爆料s?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
