Why Nazareth Area School District Stands Out
1. Strong Academic Performance
District-wide proficiency: 70% of elementary students read at or above grade level and 58% are proficient in math GreatSchools.org+15U.S. News & World Report+15SchoolDigger+15.
Middle & high school scores: Nazareth Area Middle School (grades 7–8) ranks 87th out of 891 in Pennsylvania, with ~71% English proficiency and 46% in math SchoolDigger+1SchoolDigger+1. At the high school level, Nazareth Area High School is ranked 105th in Pennsylvania by U.S. News & World Report GreatSchools.org+15U.S. News & World Report+15SchoolDigger+15.
2. Top Rankings Across the Board
State-level respect: The district ranks in the top 20% among Pennsylvania’s 600+ districts for combined math and reading scores, earning an average testing rank of 9/10 GreatSchools.org+3Public School Review+3SchoolDigger+3.
Local leadership: It’s the #1 school district in Northampton County and ranks #44 statewide for quality.
3. Excellent Student–Teacher Engagement
Balance in classrooms: With a student-teacher ratio of approximately 15:1 (or 16:1 as reported by Niche), students benefit from individualized attention .
Solid funding: The district manages a nearly $95 million budget, supporting 328.5 faculty members and nearly 4,900 students GreatSchools.org+6Wikipedia+6SchoolDigger+6.
4. Comprehensive, Rigorous Programs
Advanced academics: AP courses are available and the high school boasts an 87% AP exam pass rate—well above the state average of 69% .
Gifted & Talented offerings: Elementary to middle school levels include specialized programs, helping high-achievers thrive Wikipedia+14Niche+14GreatSchools.org+14.
5. Graduation & College Prep Success
High graduation rates: The district reports a 95% graduation rate, climbing from 92% five years ago GreatSchools.org+3Public School Review+3SchoolDigger+3.
College readiness: Students frequently go on to top institutions like Penn State, Pitt, Lehigh, and Temple—with an average SAT score of 1220 and ACT average of 27 GreatSchools.org+9Niche+9Wikipedia+9.
6. Outstanding Extracurriculars
Athletics: Nazareth High competes in the elite Eastern Pennsylvania Conference—home to nationally known sports programs, including state-champion wrestling and football .
Marching Band: The Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Marching Band is nationally recognized, winning multiple Cavalcade and USBands championships as recently as 2024 Wikipedia.
Arts & culture: Students benefit from robust programs in art, music, theater, and a community gallery housed in the high school .
School-by-School Highlights
GreatSchools Rating
Notable Strengths
Lower Nazareth Elementary
8/10
Math 75%
Science 96% proficiency
Middle School
7/10Top 10% state ranking
Gifted programs High School
High School
U.S. News PA #105, AP pass rate 87%
Overall, Nazareth Area School District offers a well-rounded, academically rigorous, and deeply supportive environment that prepares students for success in college, careers, and life.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a parent considering enrollment or a community member taking pride in local education, Nazareth’s mix of top-tier academics, strong extracurricular offerings, personalized learning, and community engagement makes it a standout institution in Pennsylvania.
