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Average

#1120 of 2,846 schools in PA

Top 39% in state

Mercer Area Shs

High School · Mercer Area SD

545 W Butler St, Mercer, PA 16137

Enrollment

311

Student-Teacher

15.6:1

Score

6.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#1,120 of 2,846

In Mercer

#2 of 3

public schools

In district

#2 of 3

Mercer Area SD

Equity

9.7 / 10

Excellent

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Mercer Area Shs

6.9/10

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

Mercer Area MS

5.2/10

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

Mercer Area EL Sch

7.2/10

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

About Mercer Area Shs

Mercer Area Shs is a public high school in Mercer, PA, part of Mercer Area SD. Mercer Area Shs serves approximately 311 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 15.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Mercer Area Shs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,120 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Mercer Area Shs show 67% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 78% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with PA schools
  • This school 6.9 · Average
  • PA avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Mercer Area Shs 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.

35% of students at Mercer Area Shs 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 Progress9.3Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.48 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics8.8Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency44.8% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency77.9% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg+2.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+13.9 pts
Overall Proficiency61% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+28.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile82th
College Readiness6.4Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
AP Participation11.9%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,882
Chronic Absenteeism35%

Mercer Area Shs — Students at Mercer Area Shs score 61% proficient, which is above 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%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 66.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
42.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 78.3% (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
72%
2010
Math
62%
ELA
77%
2011
Math
62%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
77%
ELA
82%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
77%
ELA
82%
2015
Math
82%
ELA
87%
2016
Math
82%
ELA
87%
2017
Math
72%
ELA
67%
2018
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2019
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2020*
Math
52%
2021*
Math
52%
2024
Math
44.8%
ELA
77.9%

* 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: 9.3/10.

How Mercer Area Shs Compares

See how Mercer Area Shs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.9/10
61th percentile in PA
Academic
8.8/10
Excellent
Growth
9.3/10
Excellent
Environment
2.5/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.8
Sports
3
2 boys' · 1 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
20 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
35.0%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
11.9% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics3sports offered
2 boys'·1 girls'·8 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

545 W Butler St, Mercer, PA 16137

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Mercer Area Shs may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Wilmington Area HS (rated 8.6/10, 8.3 miles away, in nearby New Wilmington), which scores notably higher. Another option is Grove City Area HS (rated 7.9/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Grove City), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Neshannock JSHS (rated 6.0/10, 12.1 miles away, in nearby New Castle), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Mercer, see our Mercer schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Mercer Area MS Mercer 0.0 mi 5.2
Mercer Area El Sch Mercer 0.3 mi 7.2
CREATIVE LEARNING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Mercer 1.1 mi 7.3
Mercer County Career Center Mercer 1.8 mi
WOOD LAWN SCHOOL New Wilmington 5.9 mi 2.8
WILLOW CREEK SCHOOL Jackson Center 6.6 mi
DUTCH LANE SCHOOL Jackson Center 7.2 mi
Wilmington Area MS New Wilmington 8.3 mi 3.7
Wilmington Area HS New Wilmington 8.3 mi 8.6
Wilmington Area El Sch New Wilmington 8.3 mi 6.0
FAYETTE SCHOOL Volant 9.0 mi
PLEASANT VIEW SCHOOL Fredonia 9.4 mi
PINE HOLLOW SCHOOL Fredonia 10.3 mi
VALLEY VIEW SCHOOL Fredonia 10.4 mi 2.7
Grove City Area HS Grove City 8.9 mi 7.9
GROVE CITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Grove City 9.3 mi 5.4
STONEBORO WESLEYAN METHODIST SCHOOL Stoneboro 10.3 mi 5.7
GROVE CITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Grove City 9.9 mi 4.2
Reynolds El Sch Greenville 10.9 mi 4.0
Neshannock JSHS New Castle 12.1 mi 6.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 16137 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$69,975

Median Home Value

$176,800

Median Rent

$635/mo

Population

12,327

College Educated

21.4%

Homeownership

81.6%

Avg Commute

24.6 min

Poverty Rate

13.1%

Median Age

43.1

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Cowanesque Valley JSHS Westfield, PA 6.9
South Side HS Hookstown, PA 6.9
Fairfield Area HS Fairfield, PA 7.0
Otto-Eldred JSHS Duke Center, PA 7.0
Shenango HS New Castle, PA 7.0
The Workshop School Philadelphia, PA 7.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mercer Area Shs

What grades does Mercer Area Shs serve?

Mercer Area Shs serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Mercer Area Shs?

Mercer Area Shs has an enrollment of approximately 311 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Mercer Area Shs?

The student-teacher ratio at Mercer Area Shs is 15.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Mercer Area Shs rank in PA?

Mercer Area Shs ranks #1,120 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Mercer Area Shs's MySchoolScout rating?

Mercer Area Shs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 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 Mercer Area Shs?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Mercer Area Shs has 67% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 78% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Mercer Area Shs a charter school?

No, Mercer Area Shs is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Mercer Area Shs a Title I school?

No, Mercer Area Shs is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mercer Area Shs?

100.0% of students at Mercer Area Shs 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
22 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
30 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
311
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
20
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Mercer County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
35.0%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

Mercer Area SD
District Enrollment
1,027
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,882
District Rank
#2 of 3

Other Schools in This District

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