Serving 961 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Dr David W Kistler Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 17% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 961 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 87%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dr David W Kistler Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Dr David W Kistler Elementary School's student population of 961 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 55 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
961 students
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Motto
'We Are One'
School Rankings
Dr David W Kistler Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dr David W Kistler Elementary School is 0.58, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2351 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
61%
16%
Black
16%
14%
White
13%
60%
Two or more races
9%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dr David W Kistler Elementary School's ranking?
Dr David W Kistler Elementary School is ranked #2351 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Dr David W Kistler Elementary School often compared to?
Dr David W Kistler Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dodson Elementary School, Daniel J Flood Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
17% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 25% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Dr David W Kistler Elementary School?
961 students attend Dr David W Kistler Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Dr David W Kistler Elementary School students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Black, 13% of students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dr David W Kistler Elementary School?
Dr David W Kistler Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Dr David W Kistler Elementary School offer ?
Dr David W Kistler Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Dr David W Kistler Elementary School part of?
Dr David W Kistler Elementary School is part of Wilkes-Barre Area School District.
School Reviews
Review Dr David W Kistler Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
