Best Elementary School in reading

Reading School District, serving ~16,500 students across 13 elementary schools and five middle schools in 2024–25, is one of Pennsylvania’s largest urban districts. The district faces economic challenges: ~93% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch, 27% are English language learners, and 25% receive special education services. Academic proficiency remains low: only ~22% of elementary students are proficient in reading and ~7% in math.

To address this, the district partners with nonprofits offering GED/ESL programs, mentoring, and youth development—alongside launching targeted literacy initiatives in elementary schools. Early results show positive shifts in reading outcomes. By combining community support with instructional focus, Reading is building toward more equitable and effective early learning, making it a city to watch for progress.