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Very Good

#571 of 2,846 schools in PA

Top 20% in state

Capital Area School for the Arts Cs

High School · Capital Area School for the Arts CS

150 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Charter

Enrollment

168

Student-Teacher

12:1

Score

7.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#571 of 2,846

In Harrisburg

#1 of 40

public schools

Academic growth

9.6 / 10

Excellent

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Capital Area School for the Arts Cs

7.8/10

High School in Harrisburg · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Harrisburg HS - Scitech Cmp

7.6/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

St Stephen's Episcopal School

7.6/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Capital Area School for the Arts Cs

Capital Area School for the Arts Cs is a public high school in Harrisburg, PA, part of Capital Area School for the Arts CS. Capital Area School for the Arts Cs serves approximately 168 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. Capital Area School for the Arts Cs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks #571 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Capital Area School for the Arts Cs show 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2024) and 90% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2024).

How it compares1.2 pts above PA schools
  • This school 7.8 · Very Good
  • PA avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

At 168 students, Capital Area School for the Arts Cs is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Capital Area School for the Arts Cs is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.6Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data10
Annual Change-0.02 pts/yr
Data Period2013–2024
TrendStable
Academics8.7Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency66.7% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency85.4% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg+24.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+21.4 pts
Overall Proficiency76% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)71% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+4.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile80th
College Readiness7.2Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
AP Participation13.1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.3Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,113
Chronic Absenteeism27.4%

Capital Area School for the Arts Cs — Students at Capital Area School for the Arts Cs score 76% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 71%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

6.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 70.7% (multi-year average, 2013-2024)
School
State
42.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 89.9% (multi-year average, 2013-2024)
School
State
64.0% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 18 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2013
Math
54.5%
ELA
84.5%
2014
Math
74.5%
ELA
95%
2015
Math
64.5%
ELA
95%
2016
Math
74.5%
ELA
95%
2017
Math
74.5%
ELA
95%
2018
Math
74.5%
ELA
84.5%
2019
Math
74.5%
ELA
84.5%
2020*
Math
74.5%
2021*
Math
74.5%
2024
Math
66.7%
ELA
85.4%

* 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: 9.6/10.

How Capital Area School for the Arts Cs Compares

See how Capital Area School for the Arts Cs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.8/10
80th percentile in PA
Academic
8.7/10
Excellent
Growth
9.6/10
Excellent
Environment
5.3/10
Average
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2.8
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
7%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
14 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
27.4%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
13.1% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

150 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Capital Area School for the Arts Cs may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Harrisburg HS - SciTech Cmp (rated 7.6/10, 0.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is ST STEPHEN'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL (rated 7.6/10, 0.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, HARRISBURG CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 0.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Harrisburg, see our Harrisburg schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Harrisburg HS - SciTech Cmp Harrisburg 0.1 mi 7.6
ST STEPHEN'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL Harrisburg 0.2 mi 7.6
HARRISBURG CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Harrisburg 0.3 mi 7.5
Benjamin Franklin Sch Harrisburg 0.6 mi 4.6
NEW CITY SCHOOL DBA LOGOS HARRISBURG Harrisburg 0.7 mi 6.7
Pennsylvania STEAM Academy CS Harrisburg 0.8 mi 4.5
Downey Sch Harrisburg 0.9 mi 4.1
LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Harrisburg 0.8 mi 6.6
JOSHUA LEARNING CENTER Harrisburg 0.8 mi
Cougar Academy Harrisburg 1.0 mi 6.2
Premier Arts and Science CS Harrisburg 1.0 mi 4.6
Sylvan Heights Science CS Harrisburg 1.1 mi 2.7
THE NATIVITY SCHOOL OF HARRISBURG Harrisburg 1.4 mi 6.6
Foose Sch Harrisburg 1.3 mi 4.3
Rowland Academy Harrisburg 1.2 mi 3.7
Washington Heights El Sch Lemoyne 1.4 mi 5.2
Scott Sch Harrisburg 1.3 mi 4.4
Melrose Sch Harrisburg 1.4 mi 4.6
HANSEL & GRETEL EARLY LEARNING CENTER Harrisburg 1.6 mi
ST THERESA SCHOOL New Cumberland 2.0 mi 6.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17101 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$70,100

Median Rent

$984/mo

Population

2,678

College Educated

45.8%

Homeownership

1.1%

Poverty Rate

14.1%

Median Age

32.1

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
GEIBEL CATHOLIC JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Connellsville, PA 7.8
VALLEY FORGE MILITARY ACADEMY Wayne, PA 7.8
KOHELET YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL Merion Station, PA 7.7
ST JOSEPHS CATHOLIC ACADEMY Boalsburg, PA 7.7
I S KOSLOFF TORAH ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Bala Cynwyd, PA 7.6
Dr Robert Ketterer CS Inc Latrobe, PA 7.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Capital Area School for the Arts Cs

What grades does Capital Area School for the Arts Cs serve?

Capital Area School for the Arts Cs serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Capital Area School for the Arts Cs?

Capital Area School for the Arts Cs has an enrollment of approximately 168 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Capital Area School for the Arts Cs?

The student-teacher ratio at Capital Area School for the Arts Cs is 12:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Capital Area School for the Arts Cs rank in PA?

Capital Area School for the Arts Cs ranks #571 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Capital Area School for the Arts Cs's MySchoolScout rating?

Capital Area School for the Arts Cs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 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 Capital Area School for the Arts Cs?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Capital Area School for the Arts Cs has 71% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2024) and 90% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2013-2024).

Is Capital Area School for the Arts Cs a charter school?

Yes, Capital Area School for the Arts Cs is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Capital Area School for the Arts Cs a Title I school?

No, Capital Area School for the Arts Cs is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Capital Area School for the Arts Cs?

6.5% of students at Capital Area School for the Arts Cs qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
93 Walker's Paradise
Transit Score
51 Good Transit
Bike Score
63 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
168
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
Teachers (FTE)
14
Free/Reduced Lunch
6.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Dauphin County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
27.4%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Capital Area School for the Arts CS
District Enrollment
168
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,113
District Rank
#1 of 1

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