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Very Good

#775 of 2,846 schools in PA

Top 27% in state

Pen Argyl Area HS

High School · Pen Argyl Area SD

501 W Laurel Ave, Pen Argyl, PA 18072

Enrollment

466

Student-Teacher

12.6:1

Score

7.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#775 of 2,846

In Pen Argyl

#1 of 2

public schools

In district

#1 of 3

Pen Argyl Area SD

Academic growth

9.4 / 10

Excellent

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Pen Argyl Area HS

7.5/10

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

Immaculate Conception School

4.9/10

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

Wind Gap MS

5.8/10

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

About Pen Argyl Area HS

Pen Argyl Area HS is a public high school in Pen Argyl, PA, part of Pen Argyl Area SD. Pen Argyl Area HS serves approximately 466 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 12.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Pen Argyl Area HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 out of 10 and ranks #775 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Pen Argyl Area HS show 64% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.9 pts above PA schools
  • This school 7.5 · Very Good
  • PA avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Pen Argyl Area HS 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.4Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.26 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics6.3Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency39.6% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency61.9% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-2.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-2.1 pts
Overall Proficiency51% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)54% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-3.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile47th
College Readiness7.4Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
AP Participation10.7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.6Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,698
Chronic Absenteeism27.3%

Pen Argyl Area HS — Students at Pen Argyl Area HS score 51% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

49.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 64.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
42.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 72.4% (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

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
57%
ELA
67%
2010
Math
57%
ELA
62%
2011
Math
62%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2013
Math
72%
ELA
82%
2014
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2015
Math
67%
ELA
67%
2016
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2017
Math
57%
ELA
67%
2018
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2019
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2020*
Math
77%
ELA
75%
2021*
Math
77%
ELA
75%
2024
Math
39.6%
ELA
61.9%

* 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: 9.4/10.

How Pen Argyl Area HS Compares

See how Pen Argyl Area HS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.5/10
73th percentile in PA
Academic
6.3/10
Average
Growth
9.4/10
Excellent
Environment
6.6/10
Average
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.8
Sports
18
9 boys' · 9 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
50%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
37 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
27.3%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
10.7% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics18sports offered
9 boys'·9 girls'·26 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

501 W Laurel Ave, Pen Argyl, PA 18072

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Pen Argyl Area HS may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Nazareth Area HS (rated 7.6/10, 9.1 miles away, in nearby Nazareth), with a very similar rating. Another option is Stroudsburg HS (rated 7.2/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Stroudsburg), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Bangor Area HS (rated 6.3/10, 5.9 miles away, in nearby Bangor), a more accessible option. For more schools in Pen Argyl, see our Pen Argyl schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 9.1 mi
School Distance Rating
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL Pen Argyl 0.2 mi 4.9
Wind Gap MS Pen Argyl 2.5 mi 5.8
FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Roseto 2.4 mi 6.8
Washington El Sch Bangor 3.2 mi 8.0
Hamilton Twp El Sch Sciota 4.2 mi 8.0
Plainfield El Sch Nazareth 5.7 mi 7.3
Kenneth N Butz Jr El Sch Nazareth 6.3 mi 7.5
Five Points El Sch Bangor 5.8 mi 5.6
Bangor Area MS Bangor 5.8 mi 6.0
DeFranco El Sch Bangor 5.8 mi 7.0
Career Institute of Technology Easton 7.6 mi
Bangor Area HS Bangor 5.9 mi 6.3
POCONO ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Stroudsburg 7.8 mi
Stroudsburg HS Stroudsburg 8.4 mi 7.2
Arlington Heights El Sch Stroudsburg 8.6 mi 8.1
B F Morey El Sch Stroudsburg 8.4 mi 7.9
Stroudsburg MS Stroudsburg 8.8 mi 6.2
Stroudsburg JHS Stroudsburg 9.0 mi 3.7
Chipperfield El Sch Stroudsburg 9.1 mi 5.8
Nazareth Area HS Nazareth 9.1 mi 7.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 18072 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$79,067

Median Home Value

$244,100

Median Rent

$1,525/mo

Population

7,053

College Educated

23.1%

Homeownership

73.1%

Avg Commute

25.7 min

Poverty Rate

13.1%

Median Age

45.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Athens Area HS Athens, PA 7.5
Chestnut Ridge SHS New Paris, PA 7.5
Corry Area HS Corry, PA 7.5
Coudersport Area JSHS Coudersport, PA 7.5
Deer Lakes HS Cheswick, PA 7.5
Gamp Philadelphia, PA 7.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pen Argyl Area HS

What grades does Pen Argyl Area HS serve?

Pen Argyl Area HS serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Pen Argyl Area HS?

Pen Argyl Area HS has an enrollment of approximately 466 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Pen Argyl Area HS?

The student-teacher ratio at Pen Argyl Area HS is 12.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Pen Argyl Area HS rank in PA?

Pen Argyl Area HS ranks #775 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Pen Argyl Area HS's MySchoolScout rating?

Pen Argyl Area HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.5 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 Pen Argyl Area HS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Pen Argyl Area HS has 64% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Pen Argyl Area HS a charter school?

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

Is Pen Argyl Area HS a Title I school?

No, Pen Argyl Area HS is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pen Argyl Area HS?

49.6% of students at Pen Argyl 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
44 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
12 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
466
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
37
Free/Reduced Lunch
49.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Northampton County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
27.3%
4-Year Graduation
95%+

District

Pen Argyl Area SD
District Enrollment
1,429
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,698
District Rank
#1 of 3

Other Schools in This District

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