Bethlehem Area SD

Bethlehem Area SD is a mid-sized urban district in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, serving 12,973 students across 22 schools with a student-teacher ratio of 13.5:1. The district experienced minimal enrollment decline of 0.5% in the prior year, suggesting relative stability. Academically, proficiency rates fall below state averages, with 30.2% of students meeting math standards compared to the state average of 43.3%, and 36.1% meeting reading standards versus 49.8% statewide. The graduation rate stands at 86.0%, below Pennsylvania's average of 89.5%, while the dropout rate of 1.4% remains relatively low. Chronic absenteeism affects 15.4% of students.

The district serves a diverse student population: 54.7% are economically disadvantaged, 19.3% receive special education services, and 9.8% are English learners. Racially, the enrollment is 47.1% Hispanic, 37.0% White, 11.2% Black, and 2.9% Asian. Financially, the district's per-pupil spending of $21,090 significantly exceeds the state average of $10,570. With a total budget of $337.1 million, the district relies heavily on local funding (67.4%), supplemented by state contributions (28.3%) and federal support (4.3%). This funding structure suggests a district operating with substantial resources relative to peer averages, despite academic outcomes trailing state performance.