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Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. A school shapes not only a child's academic growth but also their social development, emotional well-being, and future opportunities. Researching schools thoroughly allows parents to make an informed choice that aligns with their child's needs, learning style, and long-term success. The value of this research cannot be overstated, as it impacts nearly every aspect of a child's formative years.

Ensuring Academic Excellence and the Right Learning Environment Not all schools offer the same quality of education. Researching schools helps parents identify institutions with strong academic programs, experienced teachers, and a curriculum that matches their child's learning style. Some children thrive in structured, traditional settings, while others may benefit from progressive or alternative education models (such as Montessori, Waldorf, or project-based learning). By evaluating test scores, graduation rates, college acceptance statistics, and teaching methodologies, parents can select a school that fosters academic success.

Additionally, some schools specialize in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), arts, or vocational training. If a child shows a particular talent or interest, finding a school that nurtures those strengths can be life-changing.
Assessing School Culture and Social Development A school's environment plays a crucial role in a child's emotional and social growth. Researching a school's culture-through visits, parent reviews, and discussions with current families-helps parents gauge whether it promotes inclusivity, kindness, and positive behavior. Schools with strong anti-bullying policies, mental health support, and extracurricular activities contribute to a child's confidence and interpersonal skills.

For example, a shy child might benefit from a smaller school with close-knit peer groups, while an outgoing child might thrive in a larger, more diverse setting. Understanding a school's values (such as emphasis on collaboration vs. competition) ensures alignment with family priorities.
Safety and Well-Being A school's safety policies are non-negotiable. Researching factors such as campus security, emergency protocols, and staff training helps parents feel confident in their child's physical and emotional safety. Schools with strong counseling services, anti-harassment policies, and a supportive atmosphere can make a significant difference in a child's mental health.
Extracurricular Opportunities and Personal Growth Beyond academics, schools offer clubs, sports, arts, and leadership programs that shape well-rounded individuals. Researching these opportunities allows parents to choose a school where their child can explore passions, develop new skills, and build confidence. A school with strong music programs, robotics teams, or debate clubs could ignite a lifelong interest or career path.
Logistical and Financial Considerations Practical factors-such as location, transportation, school hours, and tuition costs-play a major role in decision-making. Researching public vs. private, charter, or magnet schools helps families assess affordability and convenience. Some schools offer scholarships, before/after-school care, or flexible schedules that fit working parents' needs.
Long-Term Impact on Future Opportunities A strong educational foundation opens doors to higher education and career paths. Researching a school's alumni success, college counseling, and partnerships with local businesses or universities can give a child a competitive edge.

Conclusion

Investing time in researching schools empowers parents to make the best choice for their child's unique needs. A well-chosen school fosters academic achievement, personal growth, and lifelong success, making the effort invaluable. By thoroughly evaluating options, parents can ensure their child thrives in an environment that nurtures their potential.

The following report contains those schools that are completely or partially within the county.

Where available, the school's name contains a link to that school's website.

Elementary Schools

School Name	Grade Span		Grades				Student	Ethnicity					Metrics
^*no website available↑↓	Lowest↑↓	Highest↑↓	PK-K↑↓	1-5↑↓	6-8↑↓	9-12↑↓	Totals↑↓	% White↑↓	% Black↑↓	% Asian↑↓	% Latino↑↓	% Other↑↓	% Free Lunch↑↓	Teacher Ratio↑↓
Aliquippa El Sch	KG	06	60	319	83	0	462	10.39	65.80	0.00	8.23	15.58	0.65	9.83
Baden Academy Cs	KG	06	90	436	77	0	603	56.05	27.20	0.00	2.32	14.43	65.51	15.46
Big Beaver El Sch^*	KG	05	63	251	0	0	314	65.29	11.46	0.00	6.69	16.56	100.00	12.69
Blackhawk Intermediate Sch^*	KG	04	113	616	0	0	729	91.08	1.37	0.41	2.19	4.94	39.23	16.42
Center Grange Primary School^*	PK	02	173	310	0	0	483	79.92	9.11	0.41	5.59	4.97	32.30	13.23
Central El Sch^*	PK	05	106	350	0	0	456	34.21	33.33	0.00	3.95	28.51	100.00	13.47
College Square El Sch^*	KG	02	145	288	0	0	433	90.07	3.23	2.31	2.77	1.62	26.33	12.83
Dutch Ridge El Sch^*	03	06	0	476	143	0	619	93.05	1.13	0.48	1.94	3.39	20.84	17.22
Economy El Sch^*	PK	05	107	351	0	0	458	89.30	4.80	0.22	2.40	3.28	100.00	15.22
Fairview El Sch^*	PK	05	74	261	0	0	335	90.15	1.49	0.00	1.19	7.16	49.25	14.52
Freedom Area El Sch^*	KG	04	80	356	0	0	436	89.68	1.38	0.23	3.44	5.28	54.59	12.03
Highland El Sch^*	PK	05	73	230	0	0	303	54.46	30.36	0.66	0.66	13.86	100.66	12.14
Hopewell El Sch^*	KG	04	63	262	0	0	325	87.38	1.85	0.92	5.23	4.62	39.38	14.91
Independence El Sch^*	KG	04	41	197	0	0	238	89.92	2.52	0.00	2.94	4.62	47.48	12.96
Margaret Ross El Sch^*	KG	04	36	171	0	0	207	85.02	5.31	0.00	1.93	7.73	44.93	13.52
Midland El/ms^*	PK	08	36	127	67	0	230	52.17	24.35	0.00	5.65	17.83	100.00	13.86
New Brighton Area El Sch^*	KG	05	102	499	0	0	601	67.39	8.32	0.00	4.16	20.13	100.00	12.83
Patterson Primary Sch^*	KG	02	47	97	0	0	144	92.36	2.08	1.39	1.39	2.78	34.72	12.86
Provident Cs - West	01	04	0	23	0	0	23	78.26	4.35	8.70	0.00	8.70	34.78	4.60
Riverside El Sch^*	PK	05	124	522	0	0	646	95.82	1.08	0.00	1.70	1.39	47.83	15.16
Rochester Area Elementary School^*	KG	05	56	286	0	0	342	63.45	16.67	0.58	4.68	14.62	100.00	10.05
South Side El Sch^*	PK	05	80	352	0	0	432	95.37	0.00	0.23	0.93	3.47	37.50	12.54
State Street El Sch^*	PK	05	50	198	0	0	248	70.16	18.55	0.00	0.00	11.29	100.00	13.85
Todd Lane El Sch^*	03	05	0	477	0	0	477	86.79	7.13	1.05	2.31	2.73	40.46	13.07

Middle/Secondary Schools

School Name↑↓	Lowest↑↓	Highest↑↓	1-5↑↓	6-8↑↓	Total↑↓	% White↑↓	% Black↑↓	% Asian↑↓	% Latino↑↓	% Other↑↓	Free Lunch↑↓	Teacher Ratio↑↓
Ambridge Area Ms^*	06	08	0	475	475	73.26	14.74	0.00	0.42	11.58	100.00	14.81
Beaver Area Ms^*	07	08	0	309	309	91.26	0.32	2.59	2.91	2.91	26.21	15.90
Beaver Falls Ms^*	06	08	0	344	344	46.22	26.16	0.00	4.07	23.55	100.29	11.39
Central Valley Ms^*	06	08	0	525	525	86.10	6.29	0.38	2.48	4.76	35.24	11.82
Freedom Area Ms^*	05	08	76	280	356	90.45	1.40	0.28	1.69	6.18	55.34	11.69
Highland Ms^*	05	08	184	515	699	90.99	1.43	0.57	2.58	4.43	36.05	15.62
Hopewell Jhs^*	05	08	190	455	645	85.89	4.19	0.00	2.79	7.13	43.88	13.67
New Brighton Area Ms^*	06	08	0	282	282	68.44	7.45	0.35	3.55	20.21	100.00	10.60
Riverside Ms^*	06	08	0	322	322	95.65	0.93	0.93	0.93	1.55	52.80	15.71
Rochester Ms^*	06	08	0	174	174	70.11	14.94	0.00	4.02	10.92	100.00	10.99
South Side Ms^*	06	08	0	189	189	97.35	0.53	0.00	0.53	1.59	22.75	10.18

High Schools

School Name↑↓	Lowest↑↓	Highest↑↓	6-8↑↓	9-12↑↓	Total↑↓	% White↑↓	% Black↑↓	% Asian↑↓	% Latino↑↓	% Other↑↓	Free Lunch↑↓	Teacher Ratio↑↓
Aliquippa Jshs^*	07	12	151	279	430	13.02	71.16	0.00	6.98	8.84	0.70	12.84
Ambridge Area Hs^*	09	12	0	693	693	76.19	18.33	0.43	0.43	4.62	100.00	19.25
Beaver Area Shs^*	09	12	0	626	626	91.85	2.56	2.08	2.08	1.44	28.91	15.06
Beaver Falls Area Shs^*	09	12	0	480	480	47.50	26.67	0.42	3.33	22.08	100.00	15.09
Blackhawk Hs^*	09	12	0	766	766	93.73	1.70	0.65	1.57	2.35	33.42	15.12
Central Valley Hs^*	09	12	0	723	723	84.51	8.71	0.97	2.77	3.04	36.38	15.52
Freedom Area Shs^*	09	12	0	357	357	91.60	0.00	0.28	2.52	5.60	54.62	11.41
Hopewell Shs^*	09	12	0	625	625	90.56	2.88	0.80	2.40	3.36	39.04	13.92
Lincoln Park Performing Arts Cs	07	12	175	527	702	75.93	10.54	0.28	2.85	10.40	24.36	17.34
Midland Innovation & Technology Cs	09	12	0	127	127	58.27	37.80	2.36	1.57	0.00	0.00	14.11
New Brighton Area Hs^*	09	12	0	375	375	76.27	5.33	0.80	4.53	13.07	100.00	11.18
Riverside Hs	09	12	0	451	451	96.45	0.22	0.00	2.00	1.33	45.23	13.88
Rochester High School^*	09	12	0	227	227	63.88	24.67	0.88	1.76	8.81	100.00	13.01
South Side Hs^*	09	12	0	279	279	97.49	0.00	0.00	0.00	2.51	27.24	11.96
Western Beaver Co Jshs^*	06	12	141	206	347	91.93	0.29	0.00	2.59	5.19	40.92	10.84

Vocational and Career Schools

School Name↑↓	Lowest↑↓	Highest↑↓	PK-K↑↓	1-5↑↓	6-8↑↓	9-12↑↓	Total↑↓	% White↑↓	% Black↑↓	% Asian↑↓	% Latino↑↓	% Other↑↓	Free Lunch↑↓	Teacher Ratio↑↓
Beaver County Career & Technology Center	09	12	0	0	0	11	11	100.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	72.73	0.46

Sources: STI: PopStats and STI: Colossus, National Center for Education Statistics

Elementary Schools

Middle/Secondary Schools

High Schools

Vocational and Career Schools

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