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Very Good

#845 of 2,846 schools in PA

Top 30% in state

Tamaqua Area Shs

High School · Tamaqua Area SD

500 Penn St PO Box 90, Tamaqua, PA 18252

Enrollment

654

Student-Teacher

14.9:1

Score

7.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#845 of 2,846

In Tamaqua

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#1 of 4

Tamaqua Area SD

Academic growth

9.6 / 10

Excellent

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Tamaqua Area Shs

7.4/10

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

Tamaqua Area MS

3.8/10

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

Tamaqua EL Sch

5.5/10

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

About Tamaqua Area Shs

Tamaqua Area Shs is a public high school in Tamaqua, PA, part of Tamaqua Area SD. Tamaqua Area Shs serves approximately 654 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 14.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Tamaqua Area Shs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.4 out of 10 and ranks #845 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Tamaqua Area Shs show 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.8 pts above PA schools
  • This school 7.4 · Very Good
  • PA avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Tamaqua Area Shs 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 Progress9.6Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.04 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics8.9Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency67.3% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency66.7% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg+25.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+2.7 pts
Overall Proficiency67% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)52% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+14.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile82th
College Readiness7.2Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
AP Participation17%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.3Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,838
Chronic Absenteeism26.5%

Tamaqua Area Shs — Students at Tamaqua Area Shs score 67% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

53.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 61.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
42.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 70.2% (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
67%
2011
Math
57%
ELA
67%
2012
Math
57%
ELA
77%
2013
Math
67%
ELA
72%
2014
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2015
Math
77%
ELA
82%
2016
Math
57%
ELA
72%
2017
Math
72%
ELA
77%
2018
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2019
Math
62%
ELA
67%
2020*
Math
47%
ELA
62%
2021*
Math
47%
ELA
62%
2024
Math
67.3%
ELA
66.7%

* 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: 9.6/10.

How Tamaqua Area Shs Compares

See how Tamaqua Area Shs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.4/10
70th percentile in PA
Academic
8.9/10
Excellent
Growth
9.6/10
Excellent
Environment
3.3/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.8
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
54%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
44 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
26.5%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
17% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·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

500 Penn St PO Box 90, Tamaqua, PA 18252

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Tamaqua Area Shs may also want to explore other high schools in the area. MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.3/10, 3.2 miles away), a more accessible option. Another option is Panther Valley JSHS (rated 3.9/10, 7.5 miles away, in nearby Lansford), a more accessible option. Additionally, Mahanoy Area JSHS (rated 3.7/10, 9.1 miles away, in nearby Mahanoy City), a more accessible option. For more schools in Tamaqua, see our Tamaqua schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 11.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Tamaqua Area MS Tamaqua 0.1 mi 3.8
Tamaqua El Sch Tamaqua 0.8 mi 5.5
NEW ENGLAND VALLEY MENNONITE Tamaqua 0.9 mi 5.6
ST JEROME REGIONAL SCHOOL Tamaqua 2.4 mi 5.5
MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Tamaqua 3.2 mi 6.3
McAdoo-Kelayres El/MS Mcadoo 7.3 mi 2.8
West Penn Twp El Sch New Ringgold 6.4 mi 5.1
Panther Valley JSHS Lansford 7.5 mi 3.9
Panther Valley Intermediate Sch Lansford 7.6 mi 4.7
Heights Terrace El/MS Hazleton 10.6 mi 2.7
IMMANUEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hazleton 11.4 mi 6.5
HAZLETON TRINITY NURSERY & KINDERGARTEN SCHOOL Hazleton 11.4 mi
West Hazleton El/MS West Hazleton 11.7 mi 2.7
HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY Hazleton 11.8 mi 6.3
Blue Mountain MS Orwigsburg 10.9 mi 5.2
Mahanoy Area El Sch Mahanoy City 9.1 mi 3.3
Mahanoy Area JSHS Mahanoy City 9.1 mi 3.7
Hazleton El/MS Hazleton 12.0 mi 2.6
Arthur Street El Sch Hazleton 12.1 mi 3.8
Blue Mountain El East School Orwigsburg 11.0 mi 6.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 18252 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$61,020

Median Home Value

$153,000

Median Rent

$922/mo

Population

11,065

College Educated

19.5%

Homeownership

68.6%

Avg Commute

27.1 min

Poverty Rate

18.9%

Median Age

43.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush Philadelphia, PA 7.4
Central Valley HS Monaca, PA 7.4
East Pennsboro Area SHS Enola, PA 7.4
Eastern York HS Wrightsville, PA 7.4
General McLane HS Edinboro, PA 7.4
HOLY REDEEMER H.S. Wilkes-Barre, PA 7.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Tamaqua Area Shs

What grades does Tamaqua Area Shs serve?

Tamaqua Area Shs serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Tamaqua Area Shs?

Tamaqua Area Shs has an enrollment of approximately 654 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Tamaqua Area Shs?

The student-teacher ratio at Tamaqua Area Shs is 14.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Tamaqua Area Shs rank in PA?

Tamaqua Area Shs ranks #845 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Tamaqua Area Shs's MySchoolScout rating?

Tamaqua Area Shs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.4 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 Tamaqua Area Shs?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Tamaqua Area Shs has 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Tamaqua Area Shs a charter school?

No, Tamaqua Area Shs is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Tamaqua Area Shs a Title I school?

No, Tamaqua Area Shs is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Tamaqua Area Shs?

53.8% of students at Tamaqua Area 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
45 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
32 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
654
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
44
Free/Reduced Lunch
53.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Schuylkill County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
26.5%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

Tamaqua Area SD
District Enrollment
2,064
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,838
District Rank
#1 of 4

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