School District of Lancaster Homes for Sale

Things to Do in the Lancaster School District 

One of the most popular things that tourists and residents of Lancaster alike enjoy is learning more about the Amish community. There are several tours and other sights in the area such as the Amish Experience F/X Theater, The People’s Place Quilt Museum and the Mennonite Information Center where you can learn more about this traditional community. 

Additional things to see and do in the area include visiting The Ephrata Cloister, which is a popular historic site that features historic 18th-century buildings, or The National Watch and Clock Museum. Nearby Park City Center is home to the Lancaster’s largest indoor shopping center with more than 150 retailers and numerous dining options inside. Lancaster is also home to an abundance of locally owned restaurants that include everything from budget-friendly diners and pizzerias to fine dining establishments for a special night out. 

Exploring The School District of Lancaster County

The School District of Lancaster opened in 1836. It is the second oldest school district in the state of Pennsylvania.  As an urban school district, it serves racially and economically diverse populations. Of its students, 60% are Hispanic, 17% African American, 13% Caucasian, and 10% Asian or other race.  Roughly 80% live at 185% or below the Federal Poverty Level. The School District of Lancaster is the largest district in the area, with close to 12,000 students. The district is run by a nine-member school board.  All the members serve four-year terms. Their purpose is to formulate and evaluate the policies necessary to run the school district. According to their website, The School District of Lancaster views all of its students as lifelong learners. They strive to meet the needs of each student through a variety of approaches.  The district regularly assesses its schools for student progress. They review the effectiveness of the curriculum and instruction, and offer any academic support students may need. This is done to prepare the students for college and any future careers. According to statewide testing, 25% of the students are proficient in math and 38% in reading.  The district employs about 1,620 staff members. This includes administrators, teachers, counselors, and support staff. The staff work together to meet the needs of this diverse student body.

Elementary Schools

Lancaster operates 12 elementary schools that house K-5 or K-6.  All of them have a smaller size, between 400 and 600 students, and a student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1 or 15:1.  This smaller size is ideal for younger children. Lancaster also has one school, Martin Elementary, that houses grades K-8.  Martin Elementary is a slightly larger school. It has about 650 students, and a slightly larger student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1.

Middle Schools

There are 4 middle schools in Lancaster that house grades 6-8 or 6-9.  Each has a student population of around 600 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1 or 11:1.  At all four middle schools, many of the students are behind grade level. The schools are working to implement changes that will bring student performance up to grade level.

High Schools

One high school campus in Lancaster is home to its two high schools: J.P. McCaskey High School and McCaskey East High School.  The two serve a total student population of just over 2,500 students.  The goal of both schools is preparation: to prepare students to be successful, resourceful,  and productive. They want their students to be thriving citizens who meet their full potential as lifelong learners.  Both schools offer honors courses, Advanced Placement courses, and an International Baccalaureate program. There are dual enrollment options at several local colleges.  They also offer Career and Technology Education. Some of the paths include:

Computer Systems Technology

HVAC/R

Culinary Arts

Veterinary Assistant

Architectural CAD/Design

Early Childhood Education

Medical Assistant

Photography & Digital Imaging

Alternative Schools

Lancaster recognizes that not all students learn in the same way, come from the same backgrounds, or have the same needs.  To offer opportunities to all students in the district, Lancaster has a few alternative options. These are: Phoenix Academy, Buehrle Alternative School, and a Cyber Program.  Phoenix Academy is a small public magnet school with just over 300 students in grades 6-12.  Buehrle Alternative is for students in grades 6-11 with behavioral problems. They can offer help for students who have struggled in a traditional classroom.  The Cyber Program allows students to advance their learning online.

What the Lancaster School District Has to Offer 

The Lancaster School District has a lot to offer families moving to the area. Lancaster is a pleasant community that is rich in tradition and history. If you are interested in relocating to a new home within the Lancaster School District, contact Jeremy Ganse Home Selling Team today. We look forward to helping you and your family find your new home.