- California Area El Sch — 3.0 mi · Grades K–6 · 485 students
- California Area SHS — 3.1 mi · Grades 9–12 · 290 students
- California Area MS — 3.1 mi · Grades 7–8 · 158 students
| Metric | California Area School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 922 | 3,544 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 3 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $17,129/yr | $17,619/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | — | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Area School District (this district) | 2/10 | 12th | 922 |
| Frazier School District | 3/10 | 20th | 1,005 |
| Charleroi School District | 3/10 | 25th | 1,393 |
| Belle Vernon Area School District | 5/10 | 46th | 2,369 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 499 rated districts in PA → 12th percentile → 2/10.
Source: Pennsylvania Dept. of Education PSSA, grades 3–8 ELA & Math, Proficient or Advanced, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About California Area School District
Families in zip code 15434 (Elco, Pennsylvania) are assigned to California Area School District for public education through 12th. 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.
Understanding the 2/10 Rating
With a rating of 2/10 (low-rated), California Area School District ranks among Pennsylvania’s low-rated-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Pennsylvania’s PSSA grades 3–8 ELA & Math assessments (2024–25 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.
California Area 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 15434
Children in zip code 15434 are assigned to California Area School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Kindergarten–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 15434, 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 California Area School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. 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 Elco
For families considering a purchase in the Elco area, district assignment matters financially. Because California Area School District serves zip code 15434, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 15434 and neighboring areas. 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 California Area 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 15434.
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 and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with California Area School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 15434 data.