Average
#1666 of 2,842 schools in PA
Fairfield Area HS
High School · Fairfield Area SD
4840 Fairfield Rd, Fairfield, PA 17320
Enrollment
289
Student-Teacher
11.1:1
Score
6.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
289
Student-Teacher
11.1:1
Score
6.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Fairfield
#2 of 3
public schools
Pennsylvania high schools
#315 of 641
In district
#2 of 3
Fairfield Area SD
Academic performance
8.0 / 10
Very strong
About Fairfield Area HS
Fairfield Area High School is a regular public high school located in the rural setting of Fairfield, Pennsylvania. With an enrollment of 289 students and a student-teacher ratio of 11.1:1, the school offers individual attention to help each student succeed. The faculty consists of 26 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to support their students.
According to MySchoolScout’s rating system, Fairfield Area High School scores a 6.5 out of 10 overall and ranks at 998 out of 2852 schools in Pennsylvania. In academic performance, the school's ELA/Reading proficiency rate is 68%, while 55% of students are proficient or above in Math. While there is room for improvement in certain areas, Fairfield Area High School focuses on student development and provides a strong foundation for its graduates as they move forward to college or career paths.
The rural setting offers a peaceful environment conducive to learning and community involvement. Located at 4840 Fairfield Rd, the school is surrounded by the scenic beauty of Adams County, fostering a close-knit community atmosphere.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Fairfield Area HS 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
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Fairfield Area HS — Students at Fairfield Area HS score 67% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
23.9%
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: 2.3/10.
How Fairfield Area HS Compares
See how Fairfield Area HS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 72% (2019) to 62% (2021).
Location
4840 Fairfield Rd, Fairfield, PA 17320
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Fairfield Area HS may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ABRAXAS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (rated 8.5/10, 7.7 miles away, in nearby South Mountain), which scores notably higher. Another option is ABRAXAS YOUTH CENTER (rated 7.8/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby South Mountain), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Catoctin High (rated 3.2/10, 10.0 miles away, in nearby Thurmont), a more accessible option. For more schools in Fairfield, see our Fairfield schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfield Area MS Fairfield | 0.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Fairfield Area El Sch Fairfield | 0.3 mi | 8.7 |
| Emmitsburg Elementary Emmitsburg | 6.0 mi | 8.9 |
| MOTHER SETON SCHOOL Emmitsburg | 6.1 mi | 5.2 |
| Franklin Twp El Sch Cashtown | 6.9 mi | 5.0 |
| WELLSPRING CHRISTIAN FAMILY SCHOOL Sabillasville | 7.2 mi | 2.5 |
| Sabillasville Environmental School Sabillasville | 8.2 mi | 3.2 |
| ABRAXAS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM South Mountain | 7.7 mi | 8.5 |
| Cascade Elementary Cascade | 7.7 mi | 3.5 |
| South Mountain Secure Trmnt Un South Mountain | 7.7 mi | — |
| ABRAXAS YOUTH CENTER South Mountain | 7.8 mi | 7.8 |
| Catoctin High Thurmont | 10.0 mi | 3.2 |
| Lincoln El Sch Gettysburg | 8.4 mi | 4.4 |
| Gettysburg Area MS Gettysburg | 8.4 mi | 4.2 |
| James Gettys El Sch Gettysburg | 8.8 mi | 7.8 |
| Vida CS Gettysburg | 8.8 mi | 5.9 |
| GETTYSBURG SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SCHOOL Gettysburg | 9.4 mi | — |
| Upper Adams Intrmdt Sch Arendtsville | 10.8 mi | 8.2 |
| Thurmont Middle Thurmont | 11.2 mi | 3.6 |
| ADAMS COUNTY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Gettysburg | 9.8 mi | 7.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 17320 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$87,321
Median Home Value
$283,000
Median Rent
$1,252/mo
Population
8,103
College Educated
26%
Homeownership
88.4%
Avg Commute
35.9 min
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Median Age
45.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Fairfield Area HS has a median household income of $87,321. It is an area where 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $283,000, with a median rent of $1,252/month. The local poverty rate of 9.8% is relatively low. The average commute in the area is 36 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Berlin Brothersvalley SHS Berlin, PA | 6.0 |
| Clarion-Limestone Area JSHS Strattanville, PA | 6.0 |
| Monessen SHS Monessen, PA | 6.0 |
| Phoenix Academy Lancaster, PA | 6.0 |
| Upper Dauphin Area HS Elizabethville, PA | 6.0 |
| Cambridge Springs JSHS Cambridge Springs, PA | 5.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fairfield Area HS
What grades does Fairfield Area HS serve?
Fairfield Area HS serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Fairfield Area HS?
Fairfield Area HS has an enrollment of approximately 289 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Fairfield Area HS?
The student-teacher ratio at Fairfield Area HS is 11.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Fairfield Area HS rank in PA?
Fairfield Area HS is ranked #1666 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is Fairfield Area HS's MySchoolScout rating?
Fairfield Area HS has a composite rating of 6.0 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 Fairfield Area HS?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Fairfield Area HS has 55.1% math proficiency and 68.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Fairfield Area HS a charter school?
No, Fairfield Area HS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Fairfield Area HS a Title I school?
No, Fairfield Area HS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Fairfield Area HS?
23.9% of students at Fairfield 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.
Explore More Schools
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 289
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 26
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 23.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Adams County
- Phone
- (717) 642-8228
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Fairfield Area SD- District Enrollment
- 940
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,642
- 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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