Very Good
#973 of 2,846 schools in PA
Top 34% in state
Southern Columbia HS
High School · Southern Columbia Area SD
812 Southern Drive, Catawissa, PA 17820
Enrollment
364
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
7.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
364
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
7.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#973 of 2,846
In Catawissa
#3 of 3
public schools
In district
#3 of 3
Southern Columbia Area SD
Academic growth
9.1 / 10
Excellent
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Southern Columbia HS
High School in Catawissa · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Southern Columbia MS
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Hartman EL Ctr
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Southern Columbia HS
Southern Columbia HS is a public high school in Catawissa, PA, part of Southern Columbia Area SD. Southern Columbia HS serves approximately 364 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 13.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Southern Columbia HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 out of 10 and ranks #973 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Southern Columbia HS show 82% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 79% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 7.2 · Very Good
- PA avg 6.6
What Parents Should Know
Southern Columbia 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 metricsView breakdown
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Southern Columbia HS — Students at Southern Columbia HS score 59% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 63%).
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 28 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: 9.1/10.
How Southern Columbia HS Compares
See how Southern Columbia HS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
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. Danville Area SHS (rated 7.9/10, 6.5 miles away, in nearby Danville), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Bloomsburg Area HS (rated 5.9/10, 6.3 miles away, in nearby Bloomsburg), a more accessible option. Additionally, North Central Secure Trmnt Unt (rated 5.3/10, 6.1 miles away, in nearby Danville), a more accessible option. 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 | 7.4 |
| Hartman El Ctr Catawissa | 0.1 mi | 8.2 |
| W W Evans Memorial El Sch Bloomsburg | 6.1 mi | 7.3 |
| Bloomsburg Area HS Bloomsburg | 6.3 mi | 5.9 |
| Bloomsburg Area MS Bloomsburg | 6.3 mi | 4.9 |
| Memorial El Sch Bloomsburg | 6.9 mi | 6.8 |
| Danville Ctr Adolescent Female Danville | 6.1 mi | — |
| North Central Secure Trmnt Unt Danville | 6.1 mi | 5.3 |
| Danville Primary Sch Danville | 6.4 mi | 7.2 |
| MEADOWVIEW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Paxinos | 6.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Danville Area SHS Danville | 6.5 mi | 7.9 |
| 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 | 3.4 |
| Mount Carmel Area HS Mount Carmel | 8.7 mi | 5.2 |
| Mount Carmel Area JHS Mount Carmel | 8.7 mi | 3.5 |
| Danville Area MS Danville | 7.6 mi | 6.1 |
| 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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Loyalsock Twp SHS Williamsport, PA | 7.2 |
| MERCY CAREER & TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL Philadelphia, PA | 7.2 |
| Northern Bedford County HS Loysburg, PA | 7.2 |
| Portage Area JSHS Portage, PA | 7.2 |
| Tulpehocken Area HS Bernville, PA | 7.2 |
| Carbon Career & Technical Institute Jim Thorpe, PA | 7.3 |
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 ranks #973 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Southern Columbia HS's MySchoolScout rating?
Southern Columbia HS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 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 Southern Columbia HS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Southern Columbia HS has 82% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 79% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 16.5%
- Phone
- (570) 356-3450
- 4-Year Graduation
- 92.0%
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
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