- Benjamin Franklin Sch — Grades PK–5 · 678 students
- Melrose Sch — Grades K–5 · 536 students
- Foose Sch — Grades PK–5 · 522 students
- Scott at Lincoln School — Grades K–5 · 484 students
- Downey Sch — Grades PK–5 · 405 students
- Steele School — Grades K–5 · 362 students
- Camp Curtin Academy — Grades 6–8 · 724 students
- Marshall Math Science Academy — Grades 6–8 · 408 students
- Rowland Academy — Grades 7–8 · 353 students
- Harrisburg HS — Grades 9–12 · 1,343 students
- Harrisburg HS - SciTech Cmp — Grades 9–12 · 347 students
- Cougar Academy — Grades K–12 · 300 students
- Marshall Academy
| Metric | Harrisburg City School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 6,404 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 12 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $18,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg City School District (this district) | 1/10 | 1st | 6,404 |
| Ringgold School District | 1/10 | 9th | 2,638 |
| New Brighton Area School District | 2/10 | 15th | 1,304 |
| Highlands School District | 2/10 | 15th | 2,218 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 459 rated districts in PA → 1st percentile → 1/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Harrisburg City School District
Harrisburg City School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 17120 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Serving students from K–12, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 17120. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
With a rating of 1/10 (poor), Harrisburg City School District ranks among Pennsylvania’s low-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 the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 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.
Harrisburg City 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 17120
Children in zip code 17120 are assigned to Harrisburg City School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 17120, 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 Harrisburg City 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 Harrisburg
For families considering a purchase in the Harrisburg area, district assignment matters financially. Because Harrisburg City School District serves zip code 17120, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 17120. 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 Harrisburg City 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 17120.
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, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Harrisburg City School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 17120 data.