| Metric | Capital School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 6,396 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 13 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $16,500/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital School District (this district) | 2/10 | 12th | 6,396 |
| Appoquinimink School District | 10/10 | 94th | 12,804 |
| Cape Henlopen School District | 10/10 | 99th | 6,336 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 16 rated districts in DE → 12th percentile → 2/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- South Dover Elementary School — Grades K–4 · 577 students
- William Henry Middle School — Grades 5–5 · 432 students
- Towne Point Elementary School — Grades K–4 · 341 students
- North Dover Elementary School — Grades K–4 · 333 students
- East Dover Elementary School — Grades K–4 · 331 students
- Booker T. Washington Elementary School — Grades K–4 · 314 students
- Fairview Elementary School — Grades K–4 · 287 students
- Hartly Elementary School — Grades K–4 · 240 students
- Capital Early Childhood Center — Grades PK–PK · 145 students
- Middle School of Innovation — Grades 6–8 · 690 students
- Middle School of Excellence — Grades 6–8 · 608 students
- Dover High School — Grades 9–12 · 1,812 students
- Kent County Community School — Grades PK–12 · 274 students
- Kent County Secondary ILC — Grades K–12 · 107 students
About Capital School District
Capital School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 19904 in Dover, Delaware. Serving students from K–12, 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 2/10 Rating
With a rating of 2/10 (poor), Capital School District ranks among Delaware’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 Delaware is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Capital School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Delaware benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 19904
Children in zip code 19904 are assigned to Capital 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 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, 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 Capital School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 19904 data.