Very Good
#850 of 2,842 schools in PA
Top 30% in state
Central Columbia Shs
High School · Central Columbia SD
4777 Old Berwick Rd, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Enrollment
606
Student-Teacher
12.9:1
Score
7.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
606
Student-Teacher
12.9:1
Score
7.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Bloomsburg
#6 of 9
public schools
Pennsylvania high schools
#110 of 641
In district
#2 of 3
Central Columbia SD
Academic performance
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Central Columbia Shs
Central Columbia SHS serves 606 students in grades 9-12 in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, delivering strong academic performance that places it among the top schools in the state. With a student-teacher ratio of 12.9:1 and 47 full-time equivalent teachers, the school provides personalized attention that translates into impressive results. The school earns an 8.3 out of 10 rating and ranks #213 out of 2,852 Pennsylvania high schools, placing it in the 93rd percentile statewide.
Students demonstrate solid academic achievement with 78% reaching proficiency or above in English Language Arts and 63% meeting proficiency standards in mathematics. These scores reflect the school's commitment to preparing students for post-secondary success. Central Columbia SHS draws students from a diverse economic landscape in Columbia County, where the median household income is $61,336 and home values average $197,200.
The surrounding community of nearly 30,000 residents includes 33% with bachelor's degrees or higher, indicating a population that values education, though 19.7% of families face economic challenges. Located on Old Berwick Road in the town setting of Bloomsburg, Central Columbia SHS serves as an academic cornerstone in this Pennsylvania community, combining small-town accessibility with educational excellence that consistently outperforms state averages.
Score Breakdown
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Central Columbia Shs — Students at Central Columbia Shs score 84% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 63%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
28.7%
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: 3.2/10.
How Central Columbia Shs Compares
See how Central Columbia Shs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 87% (2019) to 82% (2021).
Location
4777 Old Berwick Rd, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central Columbia Shs may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School (rated 5.9/10, 0.6 miles away), a more accessible option. Another option is Berwick Area HS (rated 5.8/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Berwick), a more accessible option. Additionally, Southern Columbia HS (rated 5.4/10, 10.6 miles away, in nearby Catawissa), a more accessible option. For more schools in Bloomsburg, see our Bloomsburg schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 12.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Central Columbia MS Bloomsburg | 0.1 mi | 6.8 |
| Central Columbia El Sch Bloomsburg | 0.5 mi | 8.3 |
| Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School Bloomsburg | 0.6 mi | 5.9 |
| Beaver-Main El Sch Bloomsburg | 5.2 mi | 8.6 |
| Memorial El Sch Bloomsburg | 4.9 mi | 8.9 |
| Bloomsburg Area HS Bloomsburg | 5.1 mi | 4.6 |
| Bloomsburg Area MS Bloomsburg | 5.1 mi | 7.2 |
| W W Evans Memorial El Sch Bloomsburg | 6.2 mi | 7.9 |
| West Berwick El Sch Berwick | 6.5 mi | 4.7 |
| COLUMBIA COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bloomsburg | 6.7 mi | 6.8 |
| NEW STORY SCHOOL Berwick | 7.1 mi | 5.6 |
| Berwick Area HS Berwick | 7.8 mi | 5.8 |
| Berwick Area MS Berwick | 7.9 mi | 6.6 |
| Salem El Sch Berwick | 7.9 mi | 7.1 |
| GREENWOOD FRIENDS SCHOOL Millville | 9.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Nescopeck El Sch Nescopeck | 8.1 mi | 6.1 |
| Hartman El Ctr Catawissa | 10.5 mi | 8.0 |
| Southern Columbia MS Catawissa | 10.6 mi | 7.8 |
| Southern Columbia HS Catawissa | 10.6 mi | 5.4 |
| Benton Area MS Benton | 12.2 mi | 7.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 17815 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$66,145
Median Home Value
$216,700
Median Rent
$968/mo
Population
29,324
College Educated
32.5%
Homeownership
62.5%
Avg Commute
18.7 min
Poverty Rate
18.6%
Median Age
34.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central Columbia Shs has a median household income of $66,145. It is an area where 33% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $216,700, with a median rent of $968/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.6%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 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 |
|---|---|
| Dallas SHS Dallas, PA | 7.2 |
| Fleetwood SHS Fleetwood, PA | 7.2 |
| Fort LeBoeuf SHS Waterford, PA | 7.2 |
| Lawrence County Career and Technical Center New Castle, PA | 7.2 |
| Northwest PA Collegiate Academy Erie, PA | 7.2 |
| Shenango HS New Castle, PA | 7.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Columbia Shs
What grades does Central Columbia Shs serve?
Central Columbia Shs serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Central Columbia Shs?
Central Columbia Shs has an enrollment of approximately 606 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Columbia Shs?
The student-teacher ratio at Central Columbia Shs is 12.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central Columbia Shs rank in PA?
Central Columbia Shs is ranked #850 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is Central Columbia Shs's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Columbia Shs has a composite rating of 7.2 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 Central Columbia Shs?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central Columbia Shs has 77.3% math proficiency and 82.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Central Columbia Shs a charter school?
No, Central Columbia Shs is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central Columbia Shs a Title I school?
No, Central Columbia Shs is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Columbia Shs?
28.7% of students at Central Columbia 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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FBI UCR. County-level only.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 606
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 47
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 28.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Columbia County
- Phone
- (570) 784-2833
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Central Columbia SD- District Enrollment
- 1,943
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,129
- District Rank
- #2 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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