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Average

#1335 of 2,846 schools in PA

Top 47% in state

Carlisle Area HS

High School · Carlisle Area SD

540 W. North St., Carlisle, PA 17013

Enrollment

1,581

Student-Teacher

14.4:1

Score

6.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#1,335 of 2,846

In Carlisle

#1 of 11

public schools

In district

#1 of 10

Carlisle Area SD

Academic growth

9.2 / 10

Excellent

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Carlisle Area HS

6.5/10

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

The Christian School of Grace Baptist Church

6.2/10

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

Wilson MS

4.1/10

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

About Carlisle Area HS

Carlisle Area HS is a public high school in Carlisle, PA, part of Carlisle Area SD. Carlisle Area HS serves approximately 1,581 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 14.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Carlisle Area HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,335 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Carlisle Area HS show 67% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 78% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with PA schools
  • This school 6.5 · Average
  • PA avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

31% of students at Carlisle Area HS 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 metrics
Student Progress9.2Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.54 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics6.5Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency37.5% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency67.4% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-4.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+3.4 pts
Overall Proficiency52% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)56% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-3.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile49th
College Readiness6.2Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate88%
AP Participation16.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.7Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,289
Chronic Absenteeism30.7%

Carlisle Area HS — Students at Carlisle Area HS score 52% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 56%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

44.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 66.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
42.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 77.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
64.0% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 28 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
67%
ELA
73%
2010
Math
59%
ELA
73%
2011
Math
62%
ELA
71%
2012
Math
70%
ELA
85%
2013
Math
75%
ELA
87%
2014
Math
72%
ELA
81%
2015
Math
75%
ELA
80%
2016
Math
70%
ELA
78%
2017
Math
73%
ELA
78%
2018
Math
67%
ELA
81%
2019
Math
67%
ELA
81%
2020*
Math
70%
ELA
75%
2021*
Math
70%
ELA
75%
2024
Math
37.5%
ELA
67.4%

* 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: 9.2/10.

How Carlisle Area HS Compares

See how Carlisle Area HS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.5/10
53th percentile in PA
Academic
6.5/10
Average
Growth
9.2/10
Excellent
Environment
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.8
Sports
20
12 boys' · 8 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
45%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
110 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
30.7%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
16.4% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics20sports offered
12 boys'·8 girls'·37 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

540 W. North St., Carlisle, PA 17013

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Carlisle Area HS may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Iron Forge El Sch (rated 8.4/10, 5.5 miles away, in nearby Boiling Springs), which scores notably higher. Another option is YELLOW BREECHES EDUCATIONAL CENTER (rated 7.9/10, 4.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Boiling Springs HS (rated 7.5/10, 5.3 miles away, in nearby Boiling Springs), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Carlisle, see our Carlisle schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.3 mi
School Distance Rating
THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OF GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH Carlisle 0.1 mi 6.2
Wilson MS Carlisle 0.3 mi 4.1
MERAKEY AUTISM CENTER CARLISLE Carlisle 0.3 mi
DICKINSON COLLEGE CHILDREN'S CENTER Carlisle 0.4 mi
Bellaire El Sch Carlisle 0.5 mi 6.0
Mooreland El Sch Carlisle 0.8 mi 5.2
Crestview El Sch Carlisle 1.4 mi 4.6
Hamilton El Sch Carlisle 1.2 mi 5.3
Letort El Sch Carlisle 1.3 mi 6.0
Lamberton MS Carlisle 1.6 mi 4.9
ST PATRICK SCHOOL Carlisle 2.4 mi 6.0
RIVER ROCK ACADEMY-CARLISLE Carlisle 2.9 mi
W.G. Rice El Sch Mount Holly Springs 5.4 mi 5.5
Middlesex El Sch Carlisle 4.7 mi 5.1
Yellow Breeches MS Boiling Springs 5.2 mi 5.9
YELLOW BREECHES EDUCATIONAL CENTER Carlisle 4.7 mi 7.9
Boiling Springs HS Boiling Springs 5.3 mi 7.5
North Dickinson El Sch Carlisle 5.8 mi 4.8
Iron Forge El Sch Boiling Springs 5.5 mi 8.4
Mt Holly Springs El Sch Carlisle 6.3 mi 3.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17013 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$68,150

Median Home Value

$221,800

Median Rent

$1,018/mo

Population

37,738

College Educated

34%

Homeownership

61.6%

Avg Commute

20.5 min

Poverty Rate

12.3%

Median Age

39.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Kiski Area HS Vandergrift, PA 6.5
Northeastern SHS Manchester, PA 6.5
Pleasant Valley HS Brodheadsville, PA 6.5
Somerset Area Jr-Sr HS Somerset, PA 6.5
Cedar Cliff HS Camp Hill, PA 6.4
Chartiers Valley HS Bridgeville, PA 6.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Carlisle Area HS

What grades does Carlisle Area HS serve?

Carlisle Area HS serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Carlisle Area HS?

Carlisle Area HS has an enrollment of approximately 1,581 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Carlisle Area HS?

The student-teacher ratio at Carlisle Area HS is 14.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Carlisle Area HS rank in PA?

Carlisle Area HS ranks #1,335 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Carlisle Area HS's MySchoolScout rating?

Carlisle Area HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 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 Carlisle Area HS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Carlisle Area HS has 67% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 78% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Carlisle Area HS a charter school?

No, Carlisle Area HS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Carlisle Area HS a Title I school?

No, Carlisle Area HS is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Carlisle Area HS?

44.5% of students at Carlisle Area HS 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
27 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
36 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,581
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
110
Free/Reduced Lunch
44.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Cumberland County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
30.7%
4-Year Graduation
88.0%

District

Carlisle Area SD
District Enrollment
5,164
Schools in District
10
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,289
District Rank
#1 of 10

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