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Average

#1860 of 2,846 schools in PA

Freedom HS

High School · Bethlehem Area SD

3149 Chester Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18020

Enrollment

1,813

Student-Teacher

15.8:1

Score

5.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#1,860 of 2,846

In Bethlehem

#13 of 24

public schools

In district

#11 of 22

Bethlehem Area SD

Academic growth

8.1 / 10

Excellent

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Freedom HS

5.5/10

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

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

6.1/10

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

East Hills MS

4.3/10

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

About Freedom HS

Freedom HS is a public high school in Bethlehem, PA, part of Bethlehem Area SD. Freedom HS serves approximately 1,813 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 15.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Freedom HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,860 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Freedom HS show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 5.5 · Average
  • District avg 5.3
  • PA avg 6.6

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.1Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-1.36 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.9Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency32.8% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency51.2% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-9.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-12.8 pts
Overall Proficiency42% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)53% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-10.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile31th
College Readiness4.6Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate83%
AP Participation14.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.6Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,564
Chronic Absenteeism21.1%

Freedom HS — Students at Freedom HS score 42% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 53%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

52.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 46.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
42.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 53.4% (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

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
49%
ELA
63%
2010
Math
51%
ELA
61%
2011
Math
51%
ELA
64%
2012
Math
46%
ELA
71%
2013
Math
44%
ELA
66%
2014
Math
33%
ELA
58%
2015
Math
53%
ELA
67%
2016
Math
48%
ELA
62%
2017
Math
53%
ELA
65%
2018
Math
43%
ELA
55%
2019
Math
43%
ELA
55%
2020*
Math
49%
ELA
5%
2021*
Math
49%
ELA
5%
2024
Math
32.8%
ELA
51.2%

* 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: 8.1/10.

How Freedom HS Compares

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

Overall Score
5.5/10
35th percentile in PA
Academic
4.9/10
Below Average
Growth
8.1/10
Excellent
Environment
4.6/10
Below Average
AP Courses
4
State avg: 2.8
Sports
26
13 boys' · 13 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
53%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
115 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
21.1%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
14.5% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics26sports offered
13 boys'·13 girls'·44 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

3149 Chester Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18020

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Freedom HS may also want to explore other high schools in the area. BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL UPPER CAMPUS (rated 8.0/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Easton), which scores notably higher. Another option is NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.3/10, 1.9 miles away, in nearby Easton), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Liberty HS (rated 5.1/10, 2.9 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Bethlehem, see our Bethlehem schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.2 mi
School Distance Rating
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP SCHOOL Bethlehem 0.3 mi 6.1
East Hills MS Bethlehem 0.2 mi 4.3
Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School Bethlehem 0.3 mi
BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bethlehem 0.5 mi 8.7
Governor Wolf El Sch Bethlehem 0.8 mi 6.5
Miller Heights El Sch Bethlehem 1.3 mi 8.1
Spring Garden El Sch Bethlehem 1.6 mi 6.9
Lincoln El Sch Bethlehem 1.9 mi 6.4
Marvine El Sch Bethlehem 2.1 mi 6.4
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL Easton 1.9 mi 6.3
Freemansburg El Sch Freemansburg 2.6 mi 4.0
Farmersville El Sch Easton 2.1 mi 6.7
ST ANNE SCHOOL Bethlehem 2.5 mi 7.1
Northeast MS Bethlehem 2.7 mi 3.9
Lower Nazareth El Sch Nazareth 2.9 mi 7.8
COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY Bethlehem 2.5 mi 6.2
Lehigh Valley Dual Language CS Bethlehem 3.1 mi 4.4
Liberty HS Bethlehem 2.9 mi 5.1
BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL UPPER CAMPUS Easton 2.7 mi 8.0
Thomas Jefferson El Sch Bethlehem 3.2 mi 4.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 18020 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$122,610

Median Home Value

$348,900

Median Rent

$1,493/mo

Population

21,144

College Educated

41.8%

Homeownership

85.4%

Avg Commute

26.9 min

Poverty Rate

6.2%

Median Age

42.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Central Dauphin East SHS Harrisburg, PA 5.5
Chambersburg Area SHS Chambersburg, PA 5.5
Wyoming Valley West SHS Plymouth, PA 5.4
Coatesville Area SHS Coatesville, PA 5.3
Red Lion Area SHS Red Lion, PA 5.7
Baldwin SHS Pittsburgh, PA 5.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Freedom HS

What grades does Freedom HS serve?

Freedom HS serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Freedom HS?

Freedom HS has an enrollment of approximately 1,813 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Freedom HS?

The student-teacher ratio at Freedom HS is 15.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Freedom HS rank in PA?

Freedom HS ranks #1,860 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Freedom HS's MySchoolScout rating?

Freedom HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 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 Freedom HS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Freedom HS has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 53% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Freedom HS a charter school?

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

Is Freedom HS a Title I school?

No, Freedom HS is not currently a Title I school.

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

52.6% of students at Freedom 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
23 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
34 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,813
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
115
Free/Reduced Lunch
52.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Northampton County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
21.1%
4-Year Graduation
83.0%

District

Bethlehem Area SD
District Enrollment
12,864
Schools in District
22
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,564
District Rank
#11 of 22

How we rate schools

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