The top reported proficiency rate is 45% in Math. The lowest is 43% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Cochran Primary Sch
Cochran Primary School serves kindergarten through third grade in Williamsport, a small city that is the county seat of Lycoming County in north-central Pennsylvania. The school enrolls a diverse student body with substantial economic need: roughly three-quarters of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The enrollment is evenly distributed across the four grade levels, and the student body reflects the broader racial and ethnic makeup of the area, with a white plurality, a meaningful share of multiracial students, and substantial representation of Black and Hispanic students.
The school's academic performance on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment shows modest proficiency rates. In mathematics, about forty-five percent of tested third graders met or exceeded proficiency. In English language arts, the proficiency rate was somewhat lower, at about forty-two percent. Both figures place Cochran in the bottom quartile when compared against the proficiency performance of other schools in Lycoming County, suggesting that students here are mastering core skills at rates below the county median.
The recent context of this school's operations includes a significant structural change in the district. Stevens Primary School closed in mid-2022 after a feasibility study, and the district redrew primary-school attendance boundaries. Families reassigned under that change may still be adjusting, and understanding how enrollment and programming have stabilized since would be worthwhile for prospective families. The district held property taxes flat for four consecutive years through the 2025-26 budget but has now proposed raising the millage rate for 2026-27, signaling the end of that tax freeze and potentially affecting household costs going forward.
Williamsport itself is in a period of visible reinvestment after decades of population decline from its lumber-era peak. Commercial and residential development projects have been announced and are underway downtown and nearby, including new housing, restaurants, and retail. Two colleges are located in the city, and civic anchors include the James V. Brown Library and a walkable downtown with restaurants and arts offerings. The housing market appears accessible relative to state and national medians, though rents have been rising. This is a working-class community with substantial representation in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail employment.
Data on special education enrollment and English learner services were not available from the school, so a parent may want to reach out to the school directly if those services are relevant to their family. The school's test results and proficiency rates suggest a school working with students who face real academic challenges; whether that reflects the student population's starting point, the instructional program, resource allocation, or other factors would merit direct conversation with school leadership.
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