Average
#2086 of 2,842 schools in PA
Southern Columbia HS
High School · Southern Columbia Area SD
812 Southern Drive, Catawissa, PA 17820
Enrollment
364
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
5.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
364
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
5.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Catawissa
#3 of 3
public schools
Pennsylvania high schools
#449 of 641
In district
#3 of 3
Southern Columbia Area SD
Academic performance
8.4 / 10
Very strong
About Southern Columbia HS
Southern Columbia High School is a rural high school located in Catawissa, Pennsylvania. With an enrollment of 364 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.5:1, the school offers a supportive learning environment where each student can receive individual attention from teachers. Southern Columbia HS stands out with its strong math performance, as 78% of students are proficient or above in this subject area.
In English Language Arts (ELA) and reading, 67% of students meet proficiency standards, indicating areas for academic growth but also a solid foundation for student development. The school’s MySchoolScout rating is 6.4 out of 10, placing it at the 62nd percentile among Pennsylvania high schools based on state rankings. Southern Columbia High School focuses on providing comprehensive education programs that cater to its rural community's needs and aspirations.
The setting offers a close-knit atmosphere where students benefit from strong connections with their teachers and peers. Southern Columbia High School is situated in a serene, rural area, making it an ideal place for students who value a tight-knit community and a supportive educational environment.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Southern Columbia HS may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Southern Columbia HS — Students at Southern Columbia HS score 70% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 64%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
26.4%
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: 2.0/10.
How Southern Columbia HS Compares
See how Southern Columbia HS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 92% (2019) to 82% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 87% (2019) to 57% (2021).
Location
812 Southern Drive, Catawissa, PA 17820
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Southern Columbia HS may also want to explore other high schools in the area. North Central Secure Trmnt Unt (rated 8.2/10, 6.1 miles away, in nearby Danville), which scores notably higher. Another option is Danville Area SHS (rated 7.0/10, 6.5 miles away, in nearby Danville), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Mount Carmel Area HS (rated 4.7/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Mount Carmel), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Catawissa, see our Catawissa schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Columbia MS Catawissa | 0.0 mi | 7.8 |
| Hartman El Ctr Catawissa | 0.1 mi | 8.0 |
| W W Evans Memorial El Sch Bloomsburg | 6.1 mi | 7.9 |
| Bloomsburg Area HS Bloomsburg | 6.3 mi | 4.6 |
| Bloomsburg Area MS Bloomsburg | 6.3 mi | 7.2 |
| Memorial El Sch Bloomsburg | 6.9 mi | 8.9 |
| Danville Ctr Adolescent Female Danville | 6.1 mi | — |
| North Central Secure Trmnt Unt Danville | 6.1 mi | 8.2 |
| Danville Primary Sch Danville | 6.4 mi | 7.3 |
| MEADOWVIEW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Paxinos | 6.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Danville Area SHS Danville | 6.5 mi | 7.0 |
| COLUMBIA COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bloomsburg | 8.1 mi | 6.8 |
| ST CYRIL PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Danville | 6.8 mi | — |
| ST CYRIL PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Danville | 7.0 mi | — |
| ST JOSEPH SCHOOL Danville | 7.4 mi | 7.8 |
| Mount Carmel Area El Sch Mount Carmel | 8.7 mi | 4.7 |
| Mount Carmel Area HS Mount Carmel | 8.7 mi | 4.7 |
| Mount Carmel Area JHS Mount Carmel | 8.7 mi | 5.4 |
| Danville Area MS Danville | 7.6 mi | 5.8 |
| Northumberland County Career and Technology Center Coal Township | 9.6 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 17820 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$68,304
Median Home Value
$210,500
Median Rent
$774/mo
Population
5,528
College Educated
26.8%
Homeownership
77.5%
Avg Commute
24.7 min
Poverty Rate
8.4%
Median Age
45.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Southern Columbia HS has a median household income of $68,304. It is an area where 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $210,500, with a median rent of $774/month. The local poverty rate of 8.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 25 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 |
|---|---|
| Clarion Area JSHS Clarion, PA | 5.4 |
| Eisenhower MS/HS Russell, PA | 5.4 |
| North Star HS Boswell, PA | 5.4 |
| Riverside HS Ellwood City, PA | 5.4 |
| Springdale JSHS Springdale, PA | 5.4 |
| Frazier HS Perryopolis, PA | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southern Columbia HS
What grades does Southern Columbia HS serve?
Southern Columbia HS serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Southern Columbia HS?
Southern Columbia HS has an enrollment of approximately 364 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Southern Columbia HS?
The student-teacher ratio at Southern Columbia HS is 13.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Southern Columbia HS rank in PA?
Southern Columbia HS is ranked #2086 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is Southern Columbia HS's MySchoolScout rating?
Southern Columbia HS has a composite rating of 5.4 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 Southern Columbia HS?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Southern Columbia HS has 78.4% math proficiency and 67.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Southern Columbia HS a charter school?
No, Southern Columbia HS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Southern Columbia HS a Title I school?
No, Southern Columbia HS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Southern Columbia HS?
26.4% of students at Southern Columbia 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Elevated (919/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Catawissa). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 364
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 27
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 26.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Columbia County
- Phone
- (570) 356-3450
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Southern Columbia Area SD- District Enrollment
- 1,207
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,798
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
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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