Average
#1844 of 2,842 schools in PA
South Western Shs
High School · South Western SD
200 Bowman Rd, Hanover, PA 17331
Enrollment
1,356
Student-Teacher
14.1:1
Score
5.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,356
Student-Teacher
14.1:1
Score
5.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Hanover
#7 of 11
public schools
Pennsylvania high schools
#365 of 641
In district
#4 of 6
South Western SD
Academic performance
9.5 / 10
Exceptional
About South Western Shs
South Western SHS serves 1,356 students in grades 9-12 in Hanover, Pennsylvania, operating as a comprehensive public high school in York County. With 96 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a manageable student-teacher ratio of 14.1:1, allowing for meaningful classroom interactions and personalized attention. Academically, South Western SHS demonstrates solid performance with a MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 out of 10 and ranks #778 out of 2,852 Pennsylvania high schools, placing it in the 73rd percentile statewide.
The school shows particular strength in mathematics, where 67% of students score proficient or above, while 59% achieve proficiency in English Language Arts and reading. These results reflect the school's commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for their next steps. The school draws from a stable suburban community where the median household income reaches $73,781 and the poverty rate remains relatively low at 7.5%.
The surrounding area features median home values of $215,900, indicating a middle-class residential neighborhood. South Western SHS sits in a small suburban setting that combines the benefits of community connection with access to educational resources, creating an environment where students can thrive both academically and socially.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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South Western Shs — Students at South Western Shs score 79% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 60%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
35.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 6 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 South Western Shs Compares
See how South Western Shs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 82% (2019) to 83% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 83% (2019) to 75% (2021).
Location
200 Bowman Rd, Hanover, PA 17331
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Western Shs may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Hanover SHS (rated 6.4/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is DELONE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.3/10, 3.0 miles away, in nearby Mc Sherrystown), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Spring Grove Area HS (rated 5.4/10, 7.9 miles away, in nearby Spring Grove), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Hanover, see our Hanover schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Emory H Markle MS Hanover | 0.2 mi | 3.8 |
| Baresville El Sch Hanover | 1.1 mi | 5.3 |
| Hanover Street El Sch Hanover | 1.2 mi | 8.9 |
| Park Hills El Sch Hanover | 1.3 mi | 6.9 |
| West Manheim El Sch Hanover | 1.9 mi | 5.8 |
| Washington El Sch Hanover | 2.1 mi | 5.8 |
| Hanover SHS Hanover | 2.2 mi | 6.4 |
| ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL Hanover | 1.9 mi | 6.9 |
| Hanover MS Hanover | 2.4 mi | 4.9 |
| Clearview El Sch Hanover | 2.4 mi | 5.3 |
| HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OF HANOVER Hanover | 2.5 mi | 7.4 |
| HANOVER MENNONITE SCHOOL Hanover | 3.1 mi | — |
| Conewago Twp El Sch Hanover | 3.0 mi | 8.5 |
| DELONE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Mc Sherrystown | 3.0 mi | 6.3 |
| ST TERESA OF CALCUTTA Mc Sherrystown | 3.5 mi | 5.6 |
| GARBERS MENNONITE SCHOOL Spring Grove | 5.8 mi | 6.1 |
| PLEASANT HILL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Spring Grove | 6.9 mi | — |
| Manheim El Sch Glenville | 5.8 mi | 6.4 |
| New Oxford El Sch New Oxford | 7.4 mi | 8.5 |
| Spring Grove Area HS Spring Grove | 7.9 mi | 5.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 17331 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$76,661
Median Home Value
$228,700
Median Rent
$1,127/mo
Population
55,374
College Educated
22.5%
Homeownership
76.4%
Avg Commute
27.6 min
Poverty Rate
8.7%
Median Age
41.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding South Western Shs has a median household income of $76,661. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $228,700, with a median rent of $1,127/month. The local poverty rate of 8.7% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 28 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 |
|---|---|
| Carlisle Area HS Carlisle, PA | 5.8 |
| MONSIGNOR BONNER & ARCHBISHOP PRENDERGAST HS Drexel Hill, PA | 5.8 |
| Owen J Roberts HS Pottstown, PA | 5.8 |
| Pleasant Valley HS Brodheadsville, PA | 5.8 |
| Shaler Area HS Pittsburgh, PA | 5.8 |
| Stroudsburg HS Stroudsburg, PA | 5.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Western Shs
What grades does South Western Shs serve?
South Western Shs serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend South Western Shs?
South Western Shs has an enrollment of approximately 1,356 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Western Shs?
The student-teacher ratio at South Western Shs is 14.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Western Shs rank in PA?
South Western Shs is ranked #1844 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is South Western Shs's MySchoolScout rating?
South Western Shs has a composite rating of 5.8 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 South Western Shs?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, South Western Shs has 77.3% math proficiency and 72.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is South Western Shs a charter school?
No, South Western Shs is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Western Shs a Title I school?
No, South Western Shs is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Western Shs?
35.4% of students at South Western 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Hanover). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,356
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 96
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 35.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small Suburb
- County
- York County
- Phone
- (717) 633-4807
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
South Western SD- District Enrollment
- 4,346
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,273
- District Rank
- #4 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
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