Average
#1878 of 2,842 schools in PA
Kiski Area HS
High School · Kiski Area SD
240 Hyde Park Rd, Vandergrift, PA 15690
Enrollment
1,086
Student-Teacher
20.9:1
Score
5.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,086
Student-Teacher
20.9:1
Score
5.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Vandergrift
#2 of 3
public schools
Pennsylvania high schools
#376 of 641
In district
#5 of 6
Kiski Area SD
Equity
8.8 / 10
Exceptional
About Kiski Area HS
Kiski Area High School serves 1,086 students in grades 9-12 in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, a community in Westmoreland County. With 52 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 20.9:1, providing a manageable classroom environment for its large student body. Academically, the school shows room for growth, ranking in the 43rd percentile among Pennsylvania high schools.
Students demonstrate stronger performance in English Language Arts, with 63% achieving proficient or above levels, while mathematics presents an opportunity for improvement with 40% of students reaching proficiency. The school's overall academic rating reflects these mixed results, suggesting focused attention on strengthening educational outcomes. The school draws from a working-class community where the median household income is $53,502 and median home value sits at $105,400.
About one in five families faces economic challenges, with a poverty rate of 20.7%. The area's educational background shows 16% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher, indicating a community that may benefit from increased emphasis on college preparation and academic achievement. Kiski Area High School operates in Vandergrift's large suburban setting, serving a diverse student population within a tight-knit Westmoreland County community that values accessible public education.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Kiski Area HS is 20.9:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Kiski Area HS — Students at Kiski Area HS score 68% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
49.2%
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: 2.7/10.
How Kiski Area HS Compares
See how Kiski Area HS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 67% (2019) to 58% (2021).
Location
240 Hyde Park Rd, Vandergrift, PA 15690
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Kiski Area HS may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Leechburg Area HS (rated 9.0/10, 1.9 miles away, in nearby Leechburg), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 6.6 miles away, in nearby Natrona Heights), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Apollo-Ridge HS (rated 6.7/10, 6.9 miles away, in nearby Spring Church), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Vandergrift, see our Vandergrift schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 6.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Kiski Area IHS Vandergrift | 0.2 mi | 3.6 |
| Kiski Area North Primary Sch Leechburg | 0.7 mi | 7.2 |
| David Leech El Sch Leechburg | 1.9 mi | 8.0 |
| Leechburg Area HS Leechburg | 1.9 mi | 9.0 |
| Leechburg Area MS Leechburg | 1.9 mi | 7.9 |
| MERAKEY EDUCATION CENTER Leechburg | 2.1 mi | — |
| Kiski Area East Primary Sch Vandergrift | 2.0 mi | 8.4 |
| Kiski Area Upper El Sch Apollo | 4.1 mi | 6.6 |
| Burrell HS Lower Burrell | 5.0 mi | 6.1 |
| Charles A Huston MS Lower Burrell | 5.2 mi | 3.9 |
| Bon Air El Sch Lower Burrell | 5.5 mi | 6.4 |
| South Buffalo El Sch Freeport | 7.7 mi | 4.6 |
| Stewart El Sch Lower Burrell | 6.4 mi | 3.2 |
| Kiski Area South Primary Sch Export | 8.4 mi | 7.6 |
| Highlands SHS Natrona Heights | 6.5 mi | 5.6 |
| ST JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL Natrona Heights | 6.6 mi | 7.3 |
| Highlands MS Natrona Heights | 6.8 mi | 6.8 |
| Apollo-Ridge El Sch Spring Church | 6.8 mi | 7.7 |
| Apollo-Ridge HS Spring Church | 6.9 mi | 6.7 |
| Apollo-Ridge MS Spring Church | 6.9 mi | 7.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 15690 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$55,907
Median Home Value
$113,100
Median Rent
$807/mo
Population
9,359
College Educated
14.8%
Homeownership
63%
Avg Commute
27.4 min
Poverty Rate
21%
Median Age
40.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Kiski Area HS has a median household income of $55,907. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $113,100, with a median rent of $807/month. The area has a poverty rate of 21.0%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 27 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 |
|---|---|
| Edison HS/Fareira Skills Philadelphia, PA | 5.7 |
| FATHER JUDGE HIGH SCHOOL Philadelphia, PA | 5.7 |
| Mifflin Co HS Lewistown, PA | 5.7 |
| Schuylkill Valley HS Leesport, PA | 5.7 |
| Somerset Area Jr-Sr HS Somerset, PA | 5.7 |
| Sun Valley HS Aston, PA | 5.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Kiski Area HS
What grades does Kiski Area HS serve?
Kiski Area HS serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Kiski Area HS?
Kiski Area HS has an enrollment of approximately 1,086 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Kiski Area HS?
The student-teacher ratio at Kiski Area HS is 20.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Kiski Area HS rank in PA?
Kiski Area HS is ranked #1878 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is Kiski Area HS's MySchoolScout rating?
Kiski Area HS has a composite rating of 5.7 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 Kiski Area HS?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Kiski Area HS has 55.1% math proficiency and 70.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Kiski Area HS a charter school?
No, Kiski Area HS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Kiski Area HS a Title I school?
No, Kiski Area HS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Kiski Area HS?
49.2% of students at Kiski 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
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR. County-level only.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,086
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 52
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 49.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Westmoreland County
- Phone
- (724) 845-8181
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Kiski Area SD- District Enrollment
- 3,324
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,626
- District Rank
- #5 of 6
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
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.