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#2012 of 2,842 schools in PA

Palmyra Area Shs

High School · Palmyra Area SD

1125 Park Dr, Palmyra, PA 17078

Enrollment

1,195

Student-Teacher

17.1:1

Score

5.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Palmyra

#5 of 6

public schools

Pennsylvania high schools

#429 of 641

In district

#5 of 6

Palmyra Area SD

About Palmyra Area Shs

Palmyra Area Senior High School serves 1,195 students in grades 9-12 in this well-established Pennsylvania community. With 70 full-time equivalent teachers maintaining a 17.1:1 student-teacher ratio, the school has earned recognition as a top performer, ranking #284 out of 2,852 high schools statewide and placing in the 90th percentile. The school demonstrates strong academic achievement with an impressive 88% of students scoring proficient or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while 75% reach proficiency in mathematics.

These results contribute to the school's exceptional 9.7 out of 10 academic score and overall 8.2 MySchoolScout rating. Students benefit from the stability of their surrounding community, where families enjoy a median household income of $80,391 and a low poverty rate of 8.2%. The neighborhood reflects educational values, with 33% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, creating an environment that supports academic success.

Located on Park Drive in Lebanon County, Palmyra Area Senior High School sits within a large suburban setting that combines residential charm with accessibility. The school serves a ZIP code area home to 23,269 residents, where the median home value of $254,700 reflects the community's commitment to maintaining a quality educational environment.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress6.1Above Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.36 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.0Above Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency80%
Reading/ELA Proficiency25%
Math vs. State Avg+38 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-39 pts
Overall Proficiency53%
Expected (poverty-adj.)63%
vs. Expected-10.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile43th
College Readiness7.2Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation17.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.8Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,215

Palmyra Area Shs — Students at Palmyra Area Shs score 52% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 63%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

28.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 81.9%
School
State
42.0%
ELA Proficiency 68.1%
School
State
64.0%

Based on 6 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
91%
ELA
91%
2021*
Math
80%
ELA
25%
2024
Math
74.6%
ELA
88.3%

* 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: 6.1/10.

How Palmyra Area Shs Compares

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

Overall Score
5.5/10
29th percentile in PA
Academic
6.0/10
6.0/10
Growth
6.1/10
Above average
Environment
1.8/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
28%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
70 teachers

Location

1125 Park Dr, Palmyra, PA 17078

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Palmyra Area Shs may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Hershey HS (rated 7.2/10, 3.4 miles away, in nearby Hershey), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Annville-Cleona HS (rated 5.6/10, 4.3 miles away, in nearby Annville), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Palmyra, see our Palmyra schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Pine Street El Sch Palmyra 0.5 mi 8.1
Forge Road El Sch Palmyra 0.7 mi 4.3
Lingle Avenue El Sch Palmyra 0.8 mi 8.1
Palmyra Area MS Palmyra 0.8 mi 7.3
Northside El Sch Palmyra 1.4 mi 8.5
MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL Hershey 3.0 mi 7.1
Hershey MS Hershey 3.3 mi 8.6
Hershey HS Hershey 3.4 mi 7.2
Hershey Primary El Sch Hershey 3.3 mi 8.7
Hershey Intrmd El Sch Hershey 3.3 mi 8.6
Hershey Early Childhood Ctr Hershey 3.4 mi 7.6
TENDER YEARS Hershey 3.5 mi
HERSHEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hummelstown 4.3 mi 7.6
Annville El Sch Annville 4.1 mi 5.2
BELLAIRE RIDGE SCHOOL Hershey 5.4 mi 3.3
Annville-Cleona MS Annville 4.3 mi 4.7
Annville-Cleona HS Annville 4.3 mi 5.6
Conewago El Sch Elizabethtown 5.4 mi 7.9
FIRST DISCOVERIES AT BRIGHT HORIZONS Hershey 5.0 mi
ST JOAN OF ARC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Hummels Town 5.4 mi 5.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17078 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$84,533

Median Home Value

$278,300

Median Rent

$1,252/mo

Population

23,798

College Educated

35.1%

Homeownership

69.9%

Avg Commute

22.5 min

Poverty Rate

7.8%

Median Age

41.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding Palmyra Area Shs has a median household income of $84,533. It is an area where 35% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $278,300, with a median rent of $1,252/month. The local poverty rate of 7.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 23 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
ARCHBISHOP RYAN HIGH SCHOOL Philadelphia, PA 5.5
Albert Gallatin Area SHS Uniontown, PA 5.5
Belle Vernon Area HS Belle Vernon, PA 5.5
Central Mountain HS Mill Hall, PA 5.5
Chester HS Chester, PA 5.5
Coatesville Area SHS Coatesville, PA 5.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Palmyra Area Shs

What grades does Palmyra Area Shs serve?

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

How many students attend Palmyra Area Shs?

Palmyra Area Shs has an enrollment of approximately 1,195 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Palmyra Area Shs is 17.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Palmyra Area Shs rank in PA?

Palmyra Area Shs is ranked #2012 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is Palmyra Area Shs's MySchoolScout rating?

Palmyra Area Shs has a composite rating of 5.5 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 Palmyra Area Shs?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Palmyra Area Shs has 81.9% math proficiency and 68.1% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Palmyra Area Shs a charter school?

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

Is Palmyra Area Shs a Title I school?

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

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

28.3% of students at Palmyra 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
33 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR. County-level only.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,195
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
70
Free/Reduced Lunch
28.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Lebanon County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Palmyra Area SD
District Enrollment
3,518
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,663
District Rank
#5 of 6

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 methodology

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