Average
#1863 of 2,846 schools in PA
California Area Shs
High School · California Area SD
11 Trojan Way, Coal Center, PA 15423
Enrollment
292
Student-Teacher
16.2:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
292
Student-Teacher
16.2:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#1,863 of 2,846
In Coal Center
#1 of 4
public schools
In district
#1 of 3
California Area SD
Academic growth
8.1 / 10
Excellent
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California Area Shs
High School in Coal Center · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
California Area MS
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
California Area EL Sch
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About California Area Shs
California Area Shs is a public high school in Coal Center, PA, part of California Area SD. California Area Shs serves approximately 292 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.2:1 student-teacher ratio. California Area Shs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,863 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for California Area Shs show 63% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 5.5 · Average
- PA avg 6.6
What Parents Should Know
California Area Shs sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
38% of students at California Area Shs were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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California Area Shs — Students at California Area Shs score 35% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 26 test records from PA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.1/10.
How California Area Shs Compares
See how California Area Shs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
11 Trojan Way, Coal Center, PA 15423
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering California Area Shs may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Bethlehem-Center JSHS (rated 5.5/10, 5.7 miles away, in nearby Fredericktown), with a very similar rating. Another option is Charleroi Area HS (rated 5.4/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Charleroi), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Monessen SHS (rated 4.9/10, 7.1 miles away, in nearby Monessen), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Coal Center, see our Coal Center schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| California Area MS Coal Center | 0.0 mi | 4.4 |
| California Area El Sch Coal Center | 0.2 mi | 4.6 |
| California Academy of Learning CS Coal Center | 0.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Brownsville Area El Sch Brownsville | 3.0 mi | 6.2 |
| Brownsville Area MS Brownsville | 3.1 mi | 3.7 |
| Brownsville Area HS Brownsville | 3.2 mi | 4.6 |
| Mon Valley Career and Technology Center Charleroi | 5.5 mi | — |
| CALVARY CHAPEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Fredericktown | 5.1 mi | 5.8 |
| Bethlehem-Center El Sch Fredericktown | 5.6 mi | 6.0 |
| Bethlehem-Center JSHS Fredericktown | 5.7 mi | 5.5 |
| Monessen SHS Monessen | 7.1 mi | 4.9 |
| Monessen MS Monessen | 7.1 mi | 3.3 |
| ST SEBASTIAN REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Belle Vernon | 7.0 mi | 6.4 |
| Charleroi Area El Ctr Charleroi | 7.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Monessen El Ctr Monessen | 7.5 mi | 3.2 |
| Charleroi Area MS Charleroi | 7.8 mi | 4.9 |
| Charleroi Area HS Charleroi | 7.8 mi | 5.4 |
| Belle Vernon Area MS Belle Vernon | 6.8 mi | 5.8 |
| Marion El Sch Belle Vernon | 6.9 mi | 5.5 |
| Bentworth El Ctr Bentleyville | 7.3 mi | 8.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 15423 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$70,662
Median Home Value
$171,700
Median Rent
$983/mo
Population
1,942
College Educated
24%
Homeownership
83%
Avg Commute
25.8 min
Poverty Rate
16.2%
Median Age
40.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Canton JSHS Canton, PA | 5.5 |
| Motivation HS Philadelphia, PA | 5.5 |
| NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL Pottsville, PA | 5.5 |
| Columbia HS Columbia, PA | 5.6 |
| Freedom Area SHS Freedom, PA | 5.6 |
| Jamestown Area JSHS Jamestown, PA | 5.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California Area Shs
What grades does California Area Shs serve?
California Area Shs serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend California Area Shs?
California Area Shs has an enrollment of approximately 292 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at California Area Shs?
The student-teacher ratio at California Area Shs is 16.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does California Area Shs rank in PA?
California Area Shs ranks #1,863 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is California Area Shs's MySchoolScout rating?
California Area Shs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at California Area Shs?
Based on loaded state assessment records, California Area Shs has 63% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is California Area Shs a charter school?
No, California Area Shs is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is California Area Shs a Title I school?
No, California Area Shs is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for California Area Shs?
99.0% of students at California Area Shs qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 292
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 18
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Washington County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 38.0%
- Phone
- (724) 785-5800
- 4-Year Graduation
- 92.0%
Resources & Links
District
California Area SD- District Enrollment
- 933
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,211
- District Rank
- #1 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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