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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 17603 Pennsylvania Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public preschools serving 3,453 students in 17603, PA.
The top-ranked public preschools in 17603, PA are Wharton Elementary School, Ross Elementary School and Smith-wade-el Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public preschools in zipcode 17603 have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the Pennsylvania public pre school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 29% (versus the 38% statewide average). Pre schools in 17603, PA have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public preschool average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best 17603, PA Public Preschools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wharton Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
705 N Mary St
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6281
Gr: PK-5 | 327 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
Ross Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
840 N Queen St
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6268
Gr: PK-5 | 281 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #33.
Smith-wade-el Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
910 Hamilton Park Drive
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6151
Gr: PK-5 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #44.
Price Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
340 S. West End Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6252
Gr: PK-5 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #55.
Martin School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2000 Wabank Rd
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6193
Gr: PK-8 | 623 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #66.
Hamilton Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1300 Wabank Rd
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6166
Gr: PK-5 | 339 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #77.
Fulton Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
225 W Orange St
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6110
Gr: PK-5 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #88.
Lafayette Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1000 Fremont St
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6183
Gr: PK-5 | 437 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #99.
Carter And Macrae Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
251 S Prince St
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 396-6842
Gr: PK-5 | 444 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 92%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in 17603, PA?
The top-ranked public preschools in 17603, PA include Wharton Elementary School, Ross Elementary School and Smith-wade-el Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in 17603?
9 public preschools are located in 17603.
What is the racial composition of students in 17603?
17603 public preschools minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public preschools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).

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