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Needs Improvement

#2632 of 2,846 schools in PA

Harrisburg HS

High School · Harrisburg City SD

2451 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17103

Enrollment

1,333

Student-Teacher

17.8:1

Score

3.6

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,632 of 2,846

In Harrisburg

#36 of 40

public schools

In district

#11 of 12

Harrisburg City SD

Academic growth

8.8 / 10

Excellent

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Harrisburg HS

3.6/10

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

Marshall Academy

4.7/10

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

Marshall Math Science Academy

2.7/10

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

About Harrisburg HS

Harrisburg HS is a public high school in Harrisburg, PA, part of Harrisburg City SD. Harrisburg HS serves approximately 1,333 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 17.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Harrisburg HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 out of 10 and ranks #2,632 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Harrisburg HS show 15% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 21% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares2.0 pts below district
  • This school 3.6 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.6
  • PA avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at Harrisburg HS sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

64% of students at Harrisburg 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 Progress8.8Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.82 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics1.6Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency2.4% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency12.1% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-39.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-51.9 pts
Overall Proficiency7% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-26.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile2th
College Readiness2.4Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate67%
AP Participation1.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,239
Chronic Absenteeism63.9%

Harrisburg HS — Students at Harrisburg HS score 7% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 15.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
42.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 20.7% (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
21%
ELA
28%
2010
Math
12%
ELA
21%
2011
Math
12%
ELA
27%
2012
Math
12%
ELA
27%
2013
Math
17%
ELA
17%
2014
Math
27%
ELA
32%
2015
Math
17%
ELA
32%
2016
Math
12%
ELA
22%
2017
Math
7.5%
ELA
17%
2018
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2019
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
10%
2021*
Math
24.5%
ELA
10%
2024
Math
2.4%
ELA
12.1%

* 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: 8.8/10.

How Harrisburg HS Compares

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

Overall Score
3.6/10
8th percentile in PA
Academic
1.6/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
8.8/10
Excellent
Environment
1.4/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.8
Sports
7
3 boys' · 4 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
75 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
63.9%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
1.8% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics7sports offered
3 boys'·4 girls'·16 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

2451 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17103

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Harrisburg HS may also want to explore other high schools in the area. HARRISBURG CATHOLIC ELEMENTRY SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is THE CIRCLE SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST MARGARET MARY SCHOOL (rated 6.9/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Harrisburg, see our Harrisburg schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Marshall Academy Harrisburg 0.2 mi 4.7
Marshall Math Science Academy Harrisburg 0.2 mi 2.7
HARRISBURG CATHOLIC ELEMENTRY SCHOOL Harrisburg 0.4 mi 7.5
HANSEL & GRETEL EARLY LEARNING CENTER Harrisburg 0.6 mi
ST MARGARET MARY SCHOOL Harrisburg 0.8 mi 6.9
Melrose Sch Harrisburg 0.7 mi 4.6
Scott Sch Harrisburg 0.8 mi 4.4
Rowland Academy Harrisburg 0.9 mi 3.7
Susquehanna Twp MS Harrisburg 1.0 mi 2.3
Paxtang El Sch Harrisburg 1.1 mi 4.6
Premier Arts and Science CS Harrisburg 1.1 mi 4.6
Cougar Academy Harrisburg 1.1 mi 6.2
JOSHUA LEARNING CENTER Harrisburg 1.1 mi
LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Harrisburg 1.2 mi 6.6
COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Harrisburg 1.5 mi 6.4
Sylvan Heights Science CS Harrisburg 1.5 mi 2.7
Foose Sch Harrisburg 1.6 mi 4.3
HARRISBURG ADVENTIST SCHOOL Harrisburg 1.7 mi 6.7
MERAKEY EDUCATION & AUTISM CENTER Harrisburg 1.5 mi
THE CIRCLE SCHOOL Harrisburg 1.6 mi 7.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17103 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$41,383

Median Home Value

$113,100

Median Rent

$933/mo

Population

12,774

College Educated

18.4%

Homeownership

40.7%

Avg Commute

20.8 min

Poverty Rate

31.4%

Median Age

27.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
North Schuylkill JSHS Ashland, PA 3.6
Chester HS Chester, PA 3.7
Frankford HS Philadelphia, PA 3.7
Woodland Hills HS Pittsburgh, PA 3.7
Freire CS Philadelphia, PA 3.8
Mastery CS-Pickett Campus Philadelphia, PA 3.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Harrisburg HS

What grades does Harrisburg HS serve?

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

How many students attend Harrisburg HS?

Harrisburg HS has an enrollment of approximately 1,333 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Harrisburg HS?

The student-teacher ratio at Harrisburg HS is 17.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Harrisburg HS rank in PA?

Harrisburg HS ranks #2,632 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Harrisburg HS's MySchoolScout rating?

Harrisburg HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 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 Harrisburg HS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Harrisburg HS has 15% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 21% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Harrisburg HS a charter school?

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

Is Harrisburg HS a Title I school?

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

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

100.2% of students at Harrisburg 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
62 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
31 Some Transit
Bike Score
62 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,333
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
75
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Dauphin County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
63.9%
4-Year Graduation
67.0%

District

Harrisburg City SD
District Enrollment
6,395
Schools in District
12
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,239
District Rank
#11 of 12

How we rate schools

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