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Needs Improvement

#2552 of 2,846 schools in PA

Panther Valley Jshs

High School · Panther Valley SD

912 Coal Region Way, Lansford, PA 18232

Enrollment

781

Student-Teacher

17:1

Score

3.9

Grades

7th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,552 of 2,846

In Lansford

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 3

Panther Valley SD

Academic growth

7.1 / 10

Very Good

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Panther Valley Jshs

3.9/10

High School in Lansford · grades 7th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Panther Valley Intermediate Sch

4.7/10

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

Panther Valley EL Sch

3.8/10

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

About Panther Valley Jshs

Panther Valley Jshs is a public high school in Lansford, PA, part of Panther Valley SD. Panther Valley Jshs serves approximately 781 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 17:1 student-teacher ratio. Panther Valley Jshs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10 and ranks #2,552 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Panther Valley Jshs show 16% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2024) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2024).

How it compares2.7 pts below PA schools
  • This school 3.9 · Needs Improvement
  • PA avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at Panther Valley Jshs 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.

Panther Valley Jshs 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.

38% of students at Panther Valley Jshs 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 Progress7.1Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data9
Annual Change-1.82 pts/yr
Data Period2015–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.0Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency11.9% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency37.3% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-22.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-16.7 pts
Overall Proficiency25% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-8.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile20th
College Readiness2.7Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate77%
AP Participation1.3%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.6Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,056
Chronic Absenteeism38.2%

Panther Valley Jshs — Students at Panther Valley Jshs score 25% 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

101.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 15.6% (multi-year average, 2015-2024)
School
State
36.5% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 46.2% (multi-year average, 2015-2024)
School
State
56.1% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 24 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2015
Math
22%
ELA
61%
2016
Math
18%
ELA
52%
2017
Math
19%
ELA
53%
2018
Math
21%
ELA
54%
2019
Math
21%
ELA
54%
2020*
Math
13%
ELA
36%
2021*
Math
13%
ELA
36%
2022
Math
4.8%
ELA
39.3%
2024
Math
13.7%
ELA
42.3%

* 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: 7.1/10.

How Panther Valley Jshs Compares

See how Panther Valley Jshs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.9/10
10th percentile in PA
Academic
4.0/10
Below Average
Growth
7.1/10
Very Good
Environment
1.6/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2.8
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
101%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
46 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
38.2%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
1.3% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 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

912 Coal Region Way, Lansford, PA 18232

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Panther Valley Jshs may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Tamaqua Area SHS (rated 7.4/10, 7.5 miles away, in nearby Tamaqua), which scores notably higher. Another option is Carbon Career & Technical Institute (rated 7.3/10, 7.1 miles away, in nearby Jim Thorpe), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Lehighton Area HS (rated 7.2/10, 6.6 miles away, in nearby Lehighton), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Lansford, see our Lansford schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 7.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Panther Valley Intermediate Sch Lansford 0.1 mi 4.7
Panther Valley El Sch Nesquehoning 2.6 mi 3.8
MAHONING VALLEY ACADEMY Lehighton 4.7 mi 7.4
West Penn Twp El Sch New Ringgold 6.5 mi 5.1
Weatherly Area El Sch Weatherly 6.9 mi 5.1
Weatherly Area MS Weatherly 6.9 mi 3.1
Weatherly Area HS Weatherly 6.9 mi 6.7
Lehighton Area Elementary Center Lehighton 6.5 mi 7.3
Lehighton Area HS Lehighton 6.6 mi 7.2
WILLOW ACADEMY Lehighton 6.6 mi 6.2
L B Morris El Sch Jim Thorpe 6.8 mi 4.1
Lehighton Area MS Lehighton 6.7 mi 4.9
Carbon Career & Technical Institute Jim Thorpe 7.1 mi 7.3
Tamaqua El Sch Tamaqua 7.0 mi 5.5
Jim Thorpe Area HS Jim Thorpe 7.1 mi 6.0
PACKER RIDGE ACADEMY Lehighton 7.1 mi 6.7
ST JEROME REGIONAL SCHOOL Tamaqua 7.2 mi 5.5
Tamaqua Area SHS Tamaqua 7.5 mi 7.4
VALLEY RIDGE ACADEMY Lehighton 7.3 mi
Tamaqua Area MS Tamaqua 7.6 mi 3.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 18232 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$44,078

Median Home Value

$48,700

Median Rent

$963/mo

Population

4,144

College Educated

11.7%

Homeownership

49.9%

Avg Commute

44.1 min

Poverty Rate

24%

Median Age

34.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
King Martin Luther HS Philadelphia, PA 3.9
Minersville Area JSHS Minersville, PA 3.9
Pittsburgh Westinghouse Pittsburgh, PA 3.9
Achievement House CS Exton, PA 4.0
Franklin Benjamin HS Philadelphia, PA 4.0
Freire CS Philadelphia, PA 3.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Panther Valley Jshs

What grades does Panther Valley Jshs serve?

Panther Valley Jshs serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Panther Valley Jshs?

Panther Valley Jshs has an enrollment of approximately 781 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Panther Valley Jshs?

The student-teacher ratio at Panther Valley Jshs is 17:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Panther Valley Jshs rank in PA?

Panther Valley Jshs ranks #2,552 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Panther Valley Jshs's MySchoolScout rating?

Panther Valley Jshs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 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 Panther Valley Jshs?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Panther Valley Jshs has 16% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2024) and 46% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2024).

Is Panther Valley Jshs a charter school?

No, Panther Valley Jshs is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Panther Valley Jshs a Title I school?

No, Panther Valley Jshs is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Panther Valley Jshs?

101.3% of students at Panther Valley Jshs 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
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
17 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
781
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
Teachers (FTE)
46
Free/Reduced Lunch
101.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Carbon County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
38.2%
4-Year Graduation
77.0%

District

Panther Valley SD
District Enrollment
1,838
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,056
District Rank
#2 of 3

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