The top reported proficiency rate is 98% in Science. The lowest is 68% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Corl Street El Sch
Corl Street Elementary is a small K-5 school in the borough of State College serving students in a college-town environment anchored by Penn State's presence. The school enrolls children across all early elementary grades, with the largest classes in fourth and fifth grade.
Academically, Corl Street's students test at a level above the midpoint among Centre County's district schools when proficiency rates across tested subjects are combined. The most recent mathematics and English language arts proficiency data, from the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment in early 2025, both sit near two-thirds of students testing at or above the proficient level. Science proficiency, assessed less recently, was substantially higher. This profile suggests solid foundational work in literacy and numeracy, though reading and math results leave room for growth and may merit conversation with the school about support pathways for students not yet meeting grade-level benchmarks.
The student body is predominantly white and economically diverse. Roughly one-fifth of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. The school draws from a neighborhood that includes Penn State-connected families, faculty children, student-housing renters, and established residential blocks. State College itself is growing rapidly and is publicly reported as a hot housing market; homes are appreciating, and rents are rising. The borough blends downtown walkability with residential neighborhoods and is structured around the academic calendar and university rhythms. School life sits within the urban fabric rather than on an isolated campus.
The State College Area School District, Corl Street's parent district, has raised property taxes for five consecutive years after holding them flat in 2020-21 and 2021-22. The most recent increase was substantial, and the district is planning another significant increase for 2026-27, the maximum allowed under Pennsylvania law. These are recurring changes that compound for homeowners. On the facilities side, Mount Nittany Elementary School, which serves the district's eastern zone, is undergoing expansion and should be ready for the 2026-27 school year. The district is also moving forward with replacing Park Forest Middle School rather than renovating it, a multi-year project that will reshape the middle-school experience for students advancing from Corl Street. These capital projects represent lasting changes to school capacity and the physical learning environment.
Parent-facing details about special education services and English learner support are not available in the data, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those offerings and how they are staffed. The school's location at 235 Corl Street places it within the walkable downtown-adjacent part of State College, a setting where many families walk or bike to school and where civic anchors like Schlow Library and downtown parks are within reach on foot.
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