Shirley Twp El Sch

Shirley Twp El Sch is one of the compact primary schools in Mount Union, Pennsylvania, part of Mount Union Area SD, with 279 students on its rolls from grades 3 through 5. Compared to the state average of about 443 students per school, that is 37% below typical.

Across the 4 schools in Mount Union Area SD (1,101 students total), Shirley Twp El Sch accounts for its share of the district's footprint.

On demographics, Shirley Twp El Sch records that the student body is overwhelmingly White (81%). Other groups include 13% multiracial, 3% Hispanic, 3% Black. By comparison, Huntingdon County as a whole is about 90% White, so the school skews visibly less White than its surroundings.

Looking at the economic backdrop, The school lists 29 full-time-equivalent teachers, for a student-teacher ratio near 9.5:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 13.1:1, putting Shirley Twp El Sch tighter than the state norm the norm. An estimated 97% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, often used as a Title I proxy. Set against Huntingdon County (around 63%), the school's rate is somewhat above typical.

After controlling for student poverty, Shirley Twp El Sch tracks the demographic baseline. The model predicts 36.1% given the school's FRL share; actual proficiency is 32.0%.

Across the wider county, ACS estimates for Huntingdon County put median household income runs about $65,557, about 19% of the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or above, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 8%. In all, Huntingdon County runs 17 public schools (combined enrollment of about 4,454 students), of which Shirley Twp El Sch is one.

Nearest neighbor: Mount Union-Kistler El Sch, around 0.6 miles off. Within five miles, there are 3 other public schools. On composite proficiency, Shirley Twp El Sch comes 4th of 6 in the immediate cluster, below the nearby-schools average of 36.6%.

Shirley Twp El Sch operates from a countryside location.

Looking at the recent track record. Shirley Twp El Sch's enrollment has shrank 13% since 2018, when it stood at 321 (now 279). Over the same period, the White share ticked down from 87% to 81%. Class-load math has tightened: from 11.4:1 in 2018 to 9.5:1 in 2025.

On allk12, the page collects discussion, questions, and updates around enrollment questions, classroom assignments, and PTA news. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.