Best 18702 Pennsylvania Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 4,026 students in 18702, PA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 18702, PA are Bear Creek Community Charter School, Dr David W Kistler Elementary School and Heights/murray Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 18702 have an average math proficiency score of 18% (versus the Pennsylvania public elementary school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 54% statewide average). Elementary schools in 18702, PA have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public elementary school average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Best 18702, PA Public Elementary Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bear Creek Community Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
30 Charter School Way
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 820-4070
Gr: K-8 | 604 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #22.
Dr David W Kistler Elementary School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
301 Old River Rd
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 826-7230
Gr: K-5 | 961 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #33.
Heights/murray Elementary School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1 S Sherman St
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 826-7256
Gr: K-5 | 838 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #44.
Dodson Elementary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 10%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
13 Hillard St
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 235-6894
Gr: K-5 | 522 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #55.
G A R Middle School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
250 South Grant Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 826-7165
Gr: 6-8 | 1,101 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 87%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 18702, PA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 18702, PA include Bear Creek Community Charter School, Dr David W Kistler Elementary School and Heights/murray Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 18702?
5 public elementary schools are located in 18702.
What is the racial composition of students in 18702?
18702 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public elementary schools average of 43% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links