We "R" мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø
Our District Profile
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Reading, Pennsylvania is a mid-sized city known for its history and its diversity. The city was laid out by Thomas and Richard Penn, the sons of William Penn. Reading grew to become known for the growth of its iron industry and as a railroad and transportation hub.
According to the latest American Community Survey (ACS) conducted by the US Census Bureau in 2020, the city's population of 95,112 residents comprises 20.4% White (not Hispanic), 13.3% African-American, 1.2% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1.1% Asian, and 16.6% from two or more races. More than two thirds (67%) of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino (of any race), with 33.5% specifically identifying as Puerto Rican, marking one of the highest percentages of Puerto Rican residents among Pennsylvania municipalities.
As with many urban areas, Reading faces significant challenges that affect the daily lives of its students. One of the most pressing issues is poverty, with the 2020 U.S. Census ACS 5-year poverty rate reported at 40.71%. Additionally, educational attainment levels among city residents fall below state and national averages, with only 70.1% of residents over the age of 25 possessing a high school diploma or higher, compared to 91% in Pennsylvania and 88.5% nationwide.
In addition, a considerable portion of Reading's population comprises immigrant families. According to the ACS report, 45.8% of residents are not U.S. citizens. Approximately 27% of the мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø’s students are enrolled in the district's English as a Second Language program, with 99% of them speaking Spanish as their primary home language. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in students facing challenges with higher education and employment due to citizenship documentation issues.
Despite these challenges, Berks County and the City of Reading boast a strong network of nonprofit and community organizations that partner with the мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø (мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø) to address poverty and other challenges faced by students and families. These groups offer essential services such as GED/ESL classes, mentoring, academic assistance, Head Start, and youth development programs, empowering both students and families to reach their full potential.
There are 19 schools within мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø, including 13 elementary schools (Pre-K-4th grade), five middle schools (grades 5-8), and Reading High School (grades 9-12), currently operating in one main high school and three satellite campuses.
As of the 2024-25 school year, the district's enrollment stands at 16,081 students. Elementary school enrollments are 6,342 students, while middle school enrollment4,656 students. Reading High School enrolls 4,836 students. Additionally, the district operates the Reading Virtual Academy, serving 247 students in grades 1-12.
All мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø schools are Title I buildings with Community Eligibility Programs providing universal free lunches due to the high number of students designated as low income (currently 95.28%). The English Language Learner population stands at 27%, and the Special Education population at 25%. According to the 2022-23 Pennsylvania Information Management System (PIMS) report, the district employs 1,259 professional staff, including 991 classroom teachers and 669 support staff.
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Our Mission: Transforming Student Potential Into Reality
In мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø, we remain committed to our core purpose of educating ALL students. Located between Harrisburg and Philadelphia in southeastern Pennsylvania, we are the fourth largest school district in Pennsylvania and the sixth largest employer in Berks County.
мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø includes more than 16,081 students and approximately 2,034 staff members. We are a Title 1, urban school district located in a high-poverty community, where 93 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch and 25 percent of students are English-Language Learners.
We see the impact of poverty and inner-city life in our classrooms every day, yet in spite of that, we have the most dedicated, talented, intelligent and ambitious students you’ll find anywhere in the world. #мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍøproud
EQUITY AND ANTI-RASCISM RESOLUTION
WELCOMING SCHOOLS RESOLUTION
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Dr. Jennifer Murray, Superintendent
Wanda Gonzalez-Crespo, Assistant Superintendent for School Improvement
JuliAnne Kline, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
Wayne Gehris, Chief Financial OfficerJesse C. Leisawitz, Esq., Chief Legal Officer
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Our Students
With approximately 17,000 students, our student body continues to grow more diverse — 80.7 percent identify as Latino, 9.3 percent as Black, 6.9 percent as White, 2.5 percent as Multiracial and .5 percent as Asian. Our Red Knights represent 28 countries, and we've identified nearly 30 languages spoken by our families, including Spanish and French Creole.
In addition, approximately 93.3 percent of our students are designated as economically disadvantaged based on their family's income; approximately 25 percent are designated as English Language Learners, meaning they are fluent in their native language and learning English as a second or sometimes third language; and approximately 18 percent are designated as special education learners, which includes students with special needs and students who have tested as academically gifted.
DISTRICT COLORS: RED AND BLACK
DISTRICT MASCOT: RED KNIGHT
Our Schools
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Our Schools
мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø has 19 schools, including 13 elementary schools, five middle schools and one senior high school.
The district also has its own virtual academy (online learning) and shares a career and technology center with a neighboring district.
Elementary Schools
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Grades PreK-4
Middle Schools
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Grades 5-8
High School
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Grades 9-12
Online Learning
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Online Learning for Grades 1-12
District Resources and Information
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мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø Strategic Plan 2023-2028
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District Comprehensive Plan
District Comprehensive Plan
The мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø's Comprehensive Plan Overview can be viewed by clicking here.
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Right-To-Know Information
Jesse C. Leisawitz, Esq.
Right-To-Know Officer
Chief Legal Officer
800 Washington Street
Reading, PA 19601
(484) 258-7030
righttoknow@readingsd.org
How to File a Records Request
The мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø offers the following in accordance with Act 3 of 2008 (Right-To-Know Law), which allows for access to public information. Complete the following form and submit using one of the following methods:1. E-mail the form to righttoknow@readingsd.org2. Mail the form to Jesse C. Leisawitz, Esq., Compliance Officer, 800 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601.3. Bring the form in person to the Administration Building located at 800 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601.A hard copy of the records request form can be obtained from the мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø Administration Building located at 800 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601. -
Non-Discrimination Notice & Title IX
The мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, immigration status, primary language, marital status, pregnancy or handicap/disability in its education programs, activities, and/or employment.
The District shall make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Coordination of these efforts shall be the responsibility of the Civil Rights Officer(s) and his/her/their designees.
In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, the District has a designated Title IX Coordinator:
Civil Rights Officer and Title IX Coordinator
Jesse C. Leisawitz, Esq.
800 Washington Street
Reading, PA 19601
484-258-7030
titleix@readingsd.orgThe District’s Title IX Coordinator should be contacted regarding any inquiries as to the application of Title IX, issues related to discrimination generally, or filing a harassment complaint.
The мÓÆÂÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø enforces its commitment to equity and non-discrimination, including on the basis of sex, through a series of board policies: 101.1, 103, 103.1, and 104 (available by visiting BoardDocs at ); as well as resolutions in support of “Welcoming Schools” (2018) and “Anti-Racism and Equity” (2020).
As a result of the changes to Title IX regulations, which become effective on August 14, 2020, the administration will be presenting revised policies to the Board of Directors for its consideration during its August and September meetings. Proposed policies can be viewed on BoardDocs at .
The following training materials have been utilized by the District:
If you need assistance with translating these training materials, please contact our .