The top reported proficiency rate is 90% in Science. The lowest is 64% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Mcclellan El Sch
McClellan Elementary serves kindergarten through second grade in Pittsburgh as part of West Jefferson Hills School District, a rapidly growing suburban system. The school sits in a mid-sized residential area of Allegheny County where housing values and rents have remained relatively stable even as the broader region sees price activity. The neighborhood itself is middle-income rather than affluent; about a third of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, placing the school in a working- and middle-class attendance zone.
The student body is predominantly white, with Asian students representing a notable secondary population. Enrollment is modest, with roughly equal cohorts across the early grades. State testing data from 2017-18 shows the school's academic profile. In English language arts, students performed solidly: third grade showed strong proficiency, with fourth grade and fifth grade exceeding that, reaching into the high range. Math results were more variable. Third grade held firm in the low-to-mid proficiency range, but fourth grade dipped, dropping noticeably below third grade. Fifth grade recovered somewhat but remained below both third and fourth grade ELA results. Science, measured only in fourth grade, was notably strong.
When positioned against other districts in Allegheny County, McClellan's overall proficiency index places it in the top quartile, meaning the school's combined performance across tested subjects and grades ranks above most of its county neighbors. This strength is driven especially by the English language arts results, which are consistent and capable across the tested grades. The math performance pulls the average down somewhat, particularly the fourth grade result, which a parent may want to look into further with the school to understand whether it reflects a specific cohort challenge, instructional focus, or broader pattern.
The school serves only early grades, so state testing data is available only for grades three through five, which are tested in Pennsylvania. No graduation rate applies, and no civil rights discipline data or chronic absenteeism metrics were available. The district has recently added dedicated counselors at each elementary school and partnered with Allegheny Health Network's Chill Project to support student mental health, suggesting an emerging emphasis on wellness infrastructure.
The broader context matters for families considering the area. West Jefferson Hills is the fastest-growing district in Allegheny County, with enrollment rising substantially over the past several years and projections calling for continued growth. The district has approved a property tax increase to fund building projects and is conducting a feasibility study to plan for future facility needs, signaling that the district is in active expansion mode. For families moving into the area, this means both rising local tax burden and active school construction or potential boundary changes ahead. Housing in the school's zip code remains relatively affordable compared to state and national benchmarks, and the rental market is active. The combination of growth, modest housing costs, and solid academic performance in early literacy makes McClellan a school positioned for families seeking entry-level elementary education in an expanding suburban setting, though they should anticipate district-level changes driven by rapid enrollment.
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