Education Guide
School District Guide for Relocating Families
Rankings, enrollment, and community matches for the Lehigh Valley's top school districts.
Best School Districts for Relocating Families
For families relocating to the Lehigh Valley, school district quality is often the top priority. Here are the six most popular districts among relocators, ranked by overall reputation, academic performance, and community appeal:
Parkland School District
~9,500 students
Consistently ranked among PA's top districts. Strong academics, competitive athletics, STEM programs.
Communities: Allentown (northern), South Whitehall, Upper Macungie, North Whitehall, Whitehall Township
Nazareth Area School District
~5,000 students
High-performing district with strong community support. Excellent test scores and graduation rates.
Communities: Nazareth, Bushkill Township, Lower Nazareth, Upper Nazareth
Saucon Valley School District
~3,000 students
Smaller district with personalized attention. Strong arts and athletics programs.
Communities: Hellertown, Lower Saucon Township
Salisbury Township School District
~2,300 students
Small, focused district with strong community involvement and individualized attention.
Communities: Salisbury Township
Bethlehem Area School District
~14,000 students
Largest district in the LV. Diverse programs, multiple high schools, specialized academies.
Communities: Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, parts of Hanover Township
Catasauqua Area School District
~2,000 students
Smaller district with strong community ties and competitive academics.
Communities: Catasauqua, Hanover Township
Why School District Matters for Home Buyers
In Pennsylvania, your home address determines which public school your children attend. Property taxes fund schools, so homes in highly rated districts often command higher prices and hold their value better during market downturns. Even if you don't have school-age children, the school district rating affects your home's resale value and market demand.
The Lehigh Valley's districts range from large suburban systems like Parkland (~9,500 students) and Bethlehem Area (~14,000 students) to smaller, more intimate districts like Salisbury Township (~2,300 students). Each offers distinct strengths — from Advanced Placement and STEM academies to career and technical education programs.
School FAQ
How do Lehigh Valley schools compare to schools in NJ, NY, or CT?
How do I know which school district a home is in?
Are there private and charter school options?
What about school funding and property taxes?
Need Help Matching a Home to the Right School District?
Tim Tepes knows every school district boundary and neighborhood feed pattern in the Lehigh Valley. Free consultation.
timtepes@gmail.com