The district at a glance
The Council Rock School District covers about 72 square miles of central Bucks County, serving Newtown Borough and Township, Northampton Township, Upper Makefield Township, and Wrightstown Township, with about 10,400 students. Its two high schools both rank well in Pennsylvania, and its school tax rate is well below Pennsbury’s and Neshaminy’s. The name comes from a Lenni Lenape council rock said to stand above Neshaminy Creek.
The schools
| Level | Schools |
|---|---|
| Elementary (K to 6) | Ten elementary schools, assigned by address |
| Middle (7 to 8) | Two middle schools |
| High school (9 to 12) | Council Rock High School North, Newtown; Council Rock High School South, Holland |
U.S. News ranked Council Rock North 30th and Council Rock South 73rd in Pennsylvania in its 2026-27 Best High Schools. Which high school a home feeds depends on the address.
The communities
| Community | Character | Typical single-family value (Zillow, Sept 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Newtown | Historic borough and surrounding township | About $785,000 (ZIP 18940) |
| Washington Crossing | Preserved land and larger lots along the river | About $888,000 (ZIP 18977) |
| Holland and Richboro | Established Northampton neighborhoods | About $595,000 (18966) to $729,000 (18954) |
| Wrightstown | Rural township north of Newtown | Varies |
Taxes
- 2026-27 rate: 149.9692 mills, up from 144.8978 mills, a 3.5 percent increase equal to the Act 1 index.
- Other district taxes: 0.5 percent earned income tax and a 0.5 percent share of the realty transfer tax.
- Township rates vary: Upper Makefield’s 2026 rate is 6.45 mills and Northampton’s 35.25 mills, on top of Bucks County’s 29.65 mills.
Bucks County assesses on an old base year, so ask for the actual bill on each home you consider.
Working with Karen in the Council Rock School District
Karen Langsfeld helps buyers compare Council Rock neighborhoods with Pennsbury, Neshaminy, and New Hope-Solebury, and, as a New Jersey licensee too, with Princeton-area districts across the river. The guide to Pennsbury vs. Council Rock compares the two largest Lower Bucks districts.
Reach Karen directly at (215) 495-2914 or through the contact page.