McDowell High School is a public high school located in Millcreek Township, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Erie. It is the only high school in the Millcreek Township School District. The school's mascot is the Trojan.
Serving 2,161 students in grades 9-12, Mcdowell High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 71% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 36%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,161 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Btm 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 71% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 64% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mcdowell High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Mcdowell High School's student population of 2,161 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 140 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,161 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
140 teachers
Year Founded
1954
Colors
White, Blue
School Rankings
Mcdowell High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mcdowell High School is 0.34, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#439 out of 2733 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
36%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
57%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
5%
5%
Hispanic
5%
15%
Black
3%
14%
White
81%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mcdowell High School's ranking?
Mcdowell High School is ranked #439 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Mcdowell High School often compared to?
Mcdowell High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fairview High School, Fort Leboeuf Sr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
71% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% PA state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Mcdowell High School?
The graduation rate of Mcdowell High School is 90%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 87%.
How many students attend Mcdowell High School?
2,161 students attend Mcdowell High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Mcdowell High School students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Mcdowell High School?
Mcdowell High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Mcdowell High School offer ?
Mcdowell High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Mcdowell High School part of?
Mcdowell High School is part of Millcreek Township School District.
School Reviews
4 10/9/2020
Though the school ignores cases of racism and bullying, nice educational program.
3 1/20/2020
Challenging classes and blah blah blah blah, but there are hardly any windows in this freaking school! Who the heck designed this thing!? It is not that hard to imagine that humans don't like to be stuck inside all day, day after day with no natural sunlight. Whoever built the MIHS building needs to rethink their career choice!
5 8/7/2019
McDowell is an amazing school. I am currently a student attending this school and all the teachers and administrators are very kind and willing to help students learn the material even if it's during after school tutoring or their own lesson planning block.
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