| Metric | Capital School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 6,396 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 13 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $23,521/yr | $17,619/yr | ↑ 33% above avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital School District (this district) | 1/10 | 9th | 6,396 |
| Smyrna School District | 5/10 | 41st | 6,067 |
| Caesar Rodney School District | 9/10 | 84th | 8,286 |
| Lake Forest School District | 5/10 | 47th | 3,611 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 16 rated districts in DE → 9th percentile → 1/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- Dover High School — 1.3 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,812 students
- North Dover Elementary School — 1.9 mi · Grades K–4 · 333 students
- Capital Early Childhood Center — 2.4 mi · Grades PK–PK · 145 students
- Fairview Elementary School — 2.6 mi · Grades K–4 · 287 students
- Kent County Community School — 2.6 mi · Grades PK–12 · 274 students
- William Henry Middle School — 2.6 mi · Grades 5–5 · 432 students
- Middle School of Excellence — 2.6 mi · Grades 6–8 · 608 students
- Middle School of Innovation — 2.6 mi · Grades 6–8 · 690 students
About Capital School District
Capital School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 19904 in Dover, Delaware. Serving students from Pre-K–12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 19904. 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 (low-rated), Capital School District ranks among Delaware’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 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 Delaware is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Capital School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Delaware 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 19904
Children in zip code 19904 are assigned to Capital School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 19904, 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 Capital 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 — Delaware 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 Dover
For families considering a purchase in the Dover area, district assignment matters financially. Because Capital School District serves zip code 19904, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 19904. 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 Delaware, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Capital 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 19904.
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 Capital School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 19904 data.