McDowell High School

McDowell High School

Public Pre-K, High School | Grade Pre-K-12
3580 W 38th St,  Erie, PA
Millcreek Township School District
3.7
2.7
2,161 Students
B
Niche Grade

School Details

Head of School
William Hall
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Average SAT Score
1200
Average ACT Score
25
Math Proficiency
64%
Reading Proficiency
70%
Average GPA
3.53
Graduation Rate
92%

Niche Grade

B
Academics
A-
Teachers
B-
College Prep
B-
Administration
C
Resources/Facilities
B+
Clubs and Activities
A-
Sports
B-
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.53
Reading Proficiency
70%
Math Proficiency
64%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Teachers
140
Full Time Teachers
140
Teachers in First or Second Year
11.4%
College Prep
Average SAT
1200
Math
600
Verbal
600
Average ACT
25
Math
25
English
25
Reading
26
Science
25
Number of AP Courses
22
AP Pass Rate
71.9%
AP Math Enrollment
Low
AP Science Enrollment
Low
Other AP Enrollment
Very Low
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Average

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
365:1

Student Diversity

Male
51.5%
Female
48.5%
White
81.7%
Two or more races
6%
Hispanic
4.5%
Asian or Pacific Islander
4.1%
Black
3.5%
Native American
<1%

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
IB Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Penn State Erie - The Behrend College 390 Students
Gannon University 352 Students
Penn State 322 Students
University of Pittsburgh 273 Students
Mercyhurst University 255 Students
PennWest Edinboro 249 Students
Slippery Rock University 228 Students
Robert Morris University - Pennsylvania 143 Students
Indiana University of Pennsylvania 116 Students
Carnegie Mellon University 111 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Nursing 138 Students
Biology 136 Students
Business 128 Students
Psychology 102 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 67 Students
Computer Science 59 Students
Finance 54 Students
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration 48 Students
Marketing 46 Students
Engineering 45 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.7 459 Reviews
5.0 Junior
7/9/2025
My overall experience at McDowell High School has been a mix of good memories, challenges, and personal growth. One of the best parts has been the wide variety of classes and extracurricular activities offered.
3.0 Alum
6/29/2025
Covid-19 made the experience harder than I am sure it would have been, but the school itself just seemed rather underwhelming.
3.0 Senior
2/1/2025
A lot of the required classes at McDowell are useless to me. They do not prepare me for my future, and the leave much to be desired.
GreatSchools Reviews
2.7 15 Reviews
1.0 student
11/17/2025
Rude teachers, constant racism, constant bullying, Teachers barely make you want to engage because all they do is yell. Teachers are more worried about your cell phone over your safety.
5.0 parent
2/11/2021
Wonderful school for a truly well-rounded education!
1.0 parent
2/5/2018
Very poor education, I would recommend Prep over this public school. Pay the extra.
1.0 parent
10/23/2017
Honestly, find another school for your student for their education is highly recommended of me based on my past experiences from 90s to today.

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McDowell High School is a public school for students in grades Pre-K-12 in Erie, PA and is served by the Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 2,161 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Academic records show that 64% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 70% are proficient in reading. McDowell High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of B and a GreatSchools Rating of 7 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.53, the graduation rate is 92%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1200 and an ACT score of 25. The average home value in this area is $313,914. Discover additional schools in the area, like McDowell Intermediate High School, Community Country Day School, Erie Catholic Preparatory School, and more. Learn more about what Erie has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near McDowell High School.

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