The top reported proficiency rate is 79% in Science. The lowest is 45% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Nottingham School
Nottingham School serves third and fourth graders in Oxford Area School District, a small rural district spanning multiple township campuses in Chester County. The school sits in Oxford, a historic borough with a walkable downtown that has grown steadily and now hosts multiple new-construction residential developments around it.
The student body reflects the demographic character of the region. About half the enrollment is white, a substantial share is Hispanic or Latino, and the remainder includes Asian American, Black, and multiracial students. A very substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating economic pressure across the enrollment. Data on special education enrollment and English learner status was not available.
In Pennsylvania's 2024-25 assessments, the school's performance showed a divided picture. Math proficiency hovered just under half of tested students, and English language arts proficiency was similar, with roughly four in ten students reaching proficient levels in each subject. Science performance was notably stronger; testing from 2022-23 showed proficiency rates around four-fifths. No average scale scores or trend data were provided for English language arts and math, so the direction of recent change cannot be assessed.
Among districts in Chester County, Nottingham's overall proficiency index across tested subjects falls below the county midpoint. A parent may want to discuss with the district what literacy and numeracy supports are in place for students still building skills in these areas.
Oxford Area School District is planning a multi-year facilities modernization. In late 2024, the board reviewed options for substantial capital renovation, with engineering studies flagging aging HVAC systems at several schools including Nottingham (among the oldest in the district), along with roofing, flooring, and other infrastructure work. The district's financial advisors indicated the district can absorb this scale of borrowing with minimal budget impact through restructuring. This means building conditions will likely improve across the coming years, though renovation work may create temporary disruptions during construction.
Oxford itself is a small, dense borough with a historic downtown anchored by monthly First Friday events and annual celebrations, plus compact public parking and walkable commercial blocks. The surrounding area has become active in new residential construction, with several subdivision projects underway targeting first-time buyers and active adults. Population has grown steadily, and the borough and county are investing in transit facilities and downtown programming. Housing values in the Oxford area reflect the broader Chester County market, which sits above state and national medians.
The school operates within the regular public school model with no charter or magnet designation. Directory information lists it as a standalone elementary serving only these two grade levels, meaning families will transition students to the district's middle school after fourth grade.
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