The top reported proficiency rate is 81% in Science. The lowest is 38% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Purchase Line El Sch
Purchase Line Elementary serves grades pre-kindergarten through sixth grade in Commodore, a small former coal-patch town in Indiana County with a population that has declined over the long term. The school sits on Route 286 on the outskirts of the village rather than in a walkable downtown; Commodore itself is a quiet, auto-dependent place where the historic company houses of the coal era still predominate and most residents own their homes. Employment and services are centered in nearby Indiana Borough.
The school's enrollment is modest, with roughly equal numbers across most grade levels and stronger representation in fourth grade. Every student qualifies for free or reduced price lunch. The student body is predominantly white, with very small numbers of students of color. Data on special education enrollment and English learner status was not available.
On state testing, the school shows a divided picture. In math proficiency for grades three through six, the performance is below the midpoint: less than two in five students tested at proficient or above. English language arts performance is stronger, with roughly one in two students proficient or above. Science results from the most recent available data are considerably higher, with proficiency around four in five. Across all tested subjects, the school's overall proficiency index places it in the top quartile relative to other districts in Indiana County.
The gap between math and ELA, and both subjects below science, suggests some variance in academic support or student readiness across subject areas. A parent might want to explore with the school how elementary math is being taught and what interventions are in place for students not yet proficient in that area.
The district approved a proposed budget for 2025-26 that holds property taxes flat for residents by drawing on the fund balance to cover expenditures. While that holds immediate costs steady, relying on reserves to balance the budget is a practice that affects long-term district stability, and a parent considering a move to the area may want to understand the district's financial trajectory and how sustainable this approach is.
The town itself offers the appeal of a intact, historic residential community with strong owner-occupancy and affordable housing relative to state and national benchmarks. Employment requires a commute to Indiana Borough or beyond. Schools in the area are located on highways rather than in the village center, reflecting the rural character of the region.
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