State College Area High School, often referred to locally as "State High," is a public high school in State College, Pennsylvania, United States. It is the only public high school in the State College Area School District and is within walking distance of Penn State University.
Serving 2,347 students in grades 8-12, State College Area High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 91% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 36%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 86% (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 25% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 8-12
- Enrollment: 2,347 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 91% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 86% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 76% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
State College Area High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
State College Area High School's student population of 2,347 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 204 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,347 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
204 teachers
Year Founded
1894
Colors
Grey, Maroon
School Rankings
State College Area High School ranks within the top 5% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of State College Area High School is 0.42, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#34 out of 2733 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
91%
36%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
86%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
76%
57%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
8%
5%
Hispanic
6%
15%
Black
3%
14%
White
75%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
93%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
21%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Little Lion
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is State College Area High School's ranking?
State College Area High School is ranked #34 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are State College Area High School often compared to?
State College Area High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bellefonte Area High School, Bald Eagle Area Ms/shs by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
91% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% PA state average), while 86% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of State College Area High School?
The graduation rate of State College Area High School is 93%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 87%.
How many students attend State College Area High School?
2,347 students attend State College Area High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of State College Area High School students are White, 8% of students are Asian, 8% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of State College Area High School?
State College Area High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does State College Area High School offer ?
State College Area High School offers enrollment in grades 8-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is State College Area High School part of?
State College Area High School is part of State College Area School District.
School Reviews
5 4/29/2020
State High is an excellent school that far exceeds the expectations of a typical public high school. The vast majority of the student population is friendly, hard-working, and generous to others. Most of the teachers are incredibly helpful and kind to their students, and will always dedicate time after class to help those who are struggling. There are a variety of programs and clubs available to students that cover many interests, such as DECA, the Peer Advocate Program, HOSA, and so many more. The only downside is that this school is very challenging, and students are expected to take on the difficult responsibilities of the work-heavy classes at State High. This school will absolutely prepare its students for the challenges of college coursework. However, I couldn't recommend a more accepting, polite, and supportive school environment.
1 9/10/2019
State High is a huge, anonymous school that provides an elite education to elite students and a totally average education to everyone else. The shiny new building is impressive but if your kid wants to be in the school play or actually participate on a sports team, good luck with that. The non-advanced curriculum is uninspired. SCASD is the first to tell you they are a world-class school district, but in our experience, they are entirely average.
5 7/20/2009
While the facilities are outdated, nothing else is! The school is very technologically advanced and have laptop carts(30 Mac laptops) in almost every classroom. Staff are always being trained with new information and are presented with new teaching techniques. There are hundreds of student clubs to join that are founded on everything from anime to environmental to community service, art, swing dance, christian athletes, hot steppers etc. State High, as it is often referred to, wins many athletic and music awards each year and are held high in both areas. There is an alternative school called Delta for those who do not like learning in the State High setting. They are able to study unique subjects and get more one-on-one time with teachers. Delta is located only a few blocks from State High, so many Delta kids can walk to the original high school for classes not offered at Delta.
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