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Very Good

#1051 of 2,846 schools in PA

Top 37% in state

Fairfield Area HS

High School · Fairfield Area SD

4840 Fairfield Rd, Fairfield, PA 17320

Enrollment

289

Student-Teacher

11.1:1

Score

7.0

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#1,051 of 2,846

In Fairfield

#2 of 3

public schools

In district

#2 of 3

Fairfield Area SD

Academic growth

9.1 / 10

Excellent

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Fairfield Area HS

7.0/10

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

Fairfield Area MS

4.8/10

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

Fairfield Area EL Sch

7.5/10

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

About Fairfield Area HS

Fairfield Area HS is a public high school in Fairfield, PA, part of Fairfield Area SD. Fairfield Area HS serves approximately 289 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 11.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Fairfield Area HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 out of 10 and ranks #1,051 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Fairfield Area HS show 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.4 pts above PA schools
  • This school 7.0 · Very Good
  • PA avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Fairfield Area HS sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

32% of students at Fairfield 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 Progress9.1Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.62 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics5.2Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency31.4% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency64.7% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-10.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+0.7 pts
Overall Proficiency48% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)64% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-16.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile33th
College Readiness7.7Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
AP Participation12.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.5Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,642
Chronic Absenteeism31.8%

Fairfield Area HS — Students at Fairfield Area HS score 48% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 64%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

23.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 66.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
42.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 74.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
64.0% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 26 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2010
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
62%
ELA
82%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2015
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2016
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2017
Math
77%
ELA
82%
2018
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2019
Math
72%
ELA
72%
2020*
Math
62%
2021*
Math
62%
2024
Math
31.4%
ELA
64.7%

* 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: 9.1/10.

How Fairfield Area HS Compares

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

Overall Score
7.0/10
63th percentile in PA
Academic
5.2/10
Average
Growth
9.1/10
Excellent
Environment
5.5/10
Average
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.8
Sports
9
4 boys' · 5 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
24%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
26 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
31.8%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
12.5% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics9sports offered
4 boys'·5 girls'·15 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

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 slightly higher. Additionally, Catoctin High (rated 5.5/10, 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 4.8
Fairfield Area El Sch Fairfield 0.3 mi 7.5
Emmitsburg Elementary Emmitsburg 6.0 mi 7.7
MOTHER SETON SCHOOL Emmitsburg 6.1 mi 5.2
Franklin Twp El Sch Cashtown 6.9 mi 6.8
WELLSPRING CHRISTIAN FAMILY SCHOOL Sabillasville 7.2 mi 2.5
Sabillasville Environmental School Sabillasville 8.2 mi 5.9
ABRAXAS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM South Mountain 7.7 mi 8.5
Cascade Elementary Cascade 7.7 mi 5.1
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 5.5
Lincoln El Sch Gettysburg 8.4 mi 5.6
Gettysburg Area MS Gettysburg 8.4 mi 5.7
James Gettys El Sch Gettysburg 8.8 mi 6.7
Vida CS Gettysburg 8.8 mi 6.8
GETTYSBURG SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SCHOOL Gettysburg 9.4 mi
Upper Adams Intrmdt Sch Arendtsville 10.8 mi 8.4
Thurmont Middle Thurmont 11.2 mi 4.8
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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Otto-Eldred JSHS Duke Center, PA 7.0
The Workshop School Philadelphia, PA 7.0
Apollo-Ridge HS Spring Church, PA 7.1
Cowanesque Valley JSHS Westfield, PA 6.9
Jenkintown Middle/High School Jenkintown, PA 7.1
Mercer Area SHS Mercer, PA 6.9

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 ranks #1,051 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Fairfield Area HS's MySchoolScout rating?

Fairfield Area HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 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 Fairfield Area HS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Fairfield Area HS has 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 74% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
21 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
35 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
31.8%
4-Year Graduation
95%+

District

Fairfield Area SD
District Enrollment
940
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,642
District Rank
#2 of 3

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