Below Average
#2362 of 2,842 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
4.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
292
Student-Teacher
16.2:1
Score
4.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Coal Center
#2 of 4
public schools
Pennsylvania high schools
#521 of 641
In district
#1 of 3
California Area SD
Equity
10.0 / 10
Exceptional
About California Area Shs
California Area SHS is a regular public high school located in Coal Center, Pennsylvania, near the town of California. The school serves students from ninth to twelfth grade with an enrollment of 292 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16.2:1, ensuring each student receives individual attention. With 18 full-time equivalent teachers, the school offers a supportive learning environment.
California Area SHS has a MySchoolScout Rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks at #944 among Pennsylvania's 2852 schools, placing it in the 67th percentile statewide. The school’s academic score is 9.1 out of 10, reflecting strong performance across various subjects. In ELA/Reading, 62% of students are proficient or above, while in Math, 53% meet proficiency standards.
The school is situated in a rural area that fosters a close-knit community atmosphere. California Area SHS focuses on providing a well-rounded education with opportunities for student development and academic growth.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, California Area Shs may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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California Area Shs — Students at California Area Shs score 76% 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 5 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: 1.7/10.
How California Area Shs Compares
See how California Area Shs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 62% (2019) to 74.5% (2021).
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. Monessen SHS (rated 6.0/10, 7.1 miles away, in nearby Monessen), which scores notably higher. Another option is Brownsville Area HS (rated 5.3/10, 3.2 miles away, in nearby Brownsville), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Charleroi Area HS (rated 4.3/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Charleroi), 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 | 4.3 |
| California Area El Sch Coal Center | 0.2 mi | 4.1 |
| California Academy of Learning CS Coal Center | 0.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Brownsville Area El Sch Brownsville | 3.0 mi | 5.8 |
| Brownsville Area MS Brownsville | 3.1 mi | 6.2 |
| Brownsville Area HS Brownsville | 3.2 mi | 5.3 |
| 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 | 7.1 |
| Bethlehem-Center JSHS Fredericktown | 5.7 mi | 3.9 |
| Monessen SHS Monessen | 7.1 mi | 6.0 |
| Monessen MS Monessen | 7.1 mi | 5.7 |
| ST SEBASTIAN REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Belle Vernon | 7.0 mi | 6.4 |
| Charleroi Area El Ctr Charleroi | 7.7 mi | 7.6 |
| Monessen El Ctr Monessen | 7.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Charleroi Area MS Charleroi | 7.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Charleroi Area HS Charleroi | 7.8 mi | 4.3 |
| Belle Vernon Area MS Belle Vernon | 6.8 mi | 6.4 |
| Marion El Sch Belle Vernon | 6.9 mi | 6.2 |
| Bentworth El Ctr Bentleyville | 7.3 mi | 7.6 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding California Area Shs has a median household income of $70,662. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $171,700, with a median rent of $983/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.2%. The average commute for residents is 26 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ferndale Area JSHS Johnstown, PA | 4.8 |
| Montgomery JSHS Montgomery, PA | 4.8 |
| Purchase Line JSHS Commodore, PA | 4.8 |
| East Juniata JSHS Mcalisterville, PA | 4.9 |
| Benton Area HS Benton, PA | 4.6 |
| Bloomsburg Area HS Bloomsburg, PA | 4.6 |
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 is ranked #2362 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is California Area Shs's MySchoolScout rating?
California Area Shs has a composite rating of 4.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at California Area Shs?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, California Area Shs has 53.5% math proficiency and 62.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Low (0/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (724) 785-5800
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
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
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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