Dr David W Kistler Elementary School

301 Old River Rd
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(School attendance zone shown in map)
2/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 970 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Dr David W Kistler Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 17% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 970 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 87%
  • : Bottom 50% in PA
  • : 17% (Btm 50%)
  • : 25% (Btm 50%)
  • : 50-54% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education

School Overview

Dr David W Kistler Elementary School's student population of 970 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 55 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
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Total Students
970 students
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Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
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Year Founded
1905
Last Day of School
Sat. Jun 6, 2026
School Motto
'We Are One'

School Rankings

Dr David W Kistler Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dr David W Kistler Elementary School is 0.61, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (PA)
#2351 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
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17%
38%
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25%
55%
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50-54%
57%
No Summary generated because only 2 years of data available
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
13:1
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American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
5%
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Hispanic
59%
15%
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Black
16%
14%
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White
13%
61%
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Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
5%
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All Ethnic Groups
0.61
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Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
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Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
7%
5%
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School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dr David W Kistler Elementary School's ranking?
Dr David W Kistler Elementary School is ranked #2351 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Dr David W Kistler Elementary School often compared to?
Dr David W Kistler Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dodson Elementary School, Daniel J Flood Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
17% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 25% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Dr David W Kistler Elementary School?
970 students attend Dr David W Kistler Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Dr David W Kistler Elementary School students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Black, 13% of students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dr David W Kistler Elementary School?
Dr David W Kistler Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Dr David W Kistler Elementary School offer ?
Dr David W Kistler Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Dr David W Kistler Elementary School part of?
Dr David W Kistler Elementary School is part of Wilkes-Barre Area School District.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 970 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 87%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 17% (Btm 50%)
  • : 25% (Btm 50%)
  • : 50-54% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education

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