Southern Columbia Area High School is a small, rural public high school located in Catawissa, Pennsylvania. It is the sole high school operated by Southern Columbia Area School District. In 2013, Southern Columbia Area High School reported an enrollment of 437 pupils in grades 9th through 12th.
Serving 348 students in grades 9-12, Southern Columbia 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 60-64% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75-79% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 348 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 7%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Southern Columbia HS's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Catawissa, PA, encompassing approximately 110 square miles. The typical drive to the school is between 10 to 15 minutes, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the zone being 5.6 miles and the furthest edge located 11.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southern Columbia High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Southern Columbia High School's student population of 348 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
348 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Southern Columbia 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 Southern Columbia High School is 0.13, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#301 out of 2733 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
55%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2004–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
3%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
White
93%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
90-94%
87.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17.2%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
59%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Tigers
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Columbia High School's ranking?
Southern Columbia High School is ranked #301 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Southern Columbia High School often compared to?
Southern Columbia High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bloomsburg Area High School, Central Columbia Sr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 75-79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Southern Columbia High School?
The graduation rate of Southern Columbia High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 87.5%.
How many students attend Southern Columbia High School?
348 students attend Southern Columbia High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Southern Columbia High School students are White, 3% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southern Columbia High School?
Southern Columbia High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Southern Columbia High School offer ?
Southern Columbia High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southern Columbia High School part of?
Southern Columbia High School is part of Southern Columbia Area School District.
School Reviews
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