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Needs Improvement

#2595 of 2,846 schools in PA

Williams Valley Jshs

High School · Williams Valley SD

10330 State Route 209, Tower City, PA 17980

Enrollment

433

Student-Teacher

13.5:1

Score

3.8

Grades

7th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,595 of 2,846

In Tower City

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#2 of 2

Williams Valley SD

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Williams Valley Jshs

3.8/10

High School in Tower City · grades 7th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Williams Valley EL Sch

3.9/10

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

Hegins-hubley EL Sch

5.5/10

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

About Williams Valley Jshs

Williams Valley Jshs is a public high school in Tower City, PA, part of Williams Valley SD. Williams Valley Jshs serves approximately 433 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 13.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Williams Valley Jshs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10 and ranks #2,595 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Williams Valley Jshs show 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares2.8 pts below PA schools
  • This school 3.8 · Needs Improvement
  • PA avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Williams Valley Jshs 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.

32% of students at Williams Valley Jshs were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.1Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.88 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.7Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency13.7% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency42.7% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-20.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-11.3 pts
Overall Proficiency28% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)42% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-13.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile18th
College Readiness3.8Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate87%
AP Participation3.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.7Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,135
Chronic Absenteeism32.1%

Williams Valley Jshs — Students at Williams Valley Jshs score 28% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

79.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 28.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
36.5% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 54.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
56.1% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 36 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
46%
ELA
62%
2010
Math
54%
ELA
67%
2011
Math
61%
ELA
69%
2012
Math
61%
ELA
71%
2013
Math
52%
ELA
74%
2014
Math
22%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
30%
ELA
69%
2016
Math
26%
ELA
58%
2017
Math
22%
ELA
56%
2018
Math
19%
ELA
48%
2019
Math
19%
ELA
48%
2020*
Math
17%
ELA
42%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
42%
2022
Math
5%
ELA
41.7%
2024
Math
15.4%
ELA
42.7%

* 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: 4.1/10.

How Williams Valley Jshs Compares

See how Williams Valley Jshs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.8/10
9th percentile in PA
Academic
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.1/10
Below Average
Environment
3.7/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.8
Sports
4
2 boys' · 2 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
80%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
32 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
32.1%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
3.2% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics4sports offered
2 boys'·2 girls'·4 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

10330 State Route 209, Tower City, PA 17980

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Williams Valley Jshs may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Pine Grove Area HS (rated 7.3/10, 10.8 miles away, in nearby Pine Grove), which scores notably higher. Another option is Northern Lebanon SHS (rated 5.5/10, 12.3 miles away, in nearby Fredericksburg), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Shamokin Area HS (rated 5.2/10, 13.9 miles away, in nearby Shamokin), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Tower City, see our Tower City schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Williams Valley El Sch Tower City 0.4 mi 3.9
Hegins-Hubley El Sch Valley View 4.3 mi 5.5
SONGBIRD HOLLOW AMISH SCHOOL Hegins 4.1 mi
Tri-Valley JSHS Hegins 5.8 mi 4.8
Mahantongo El Sch Klingerstown 7.4 mi 3.5
SOUTH MOUNTAIN VIEW SCHOOL Spring Glen 6.2 mi
MAHANTANGO MOUNTAIN SCHOOL Lykens 9.0 mi 2.9
Upper Dauphin Area MS Lykens 9.1 mi 4.3
Upper Dauphin Area El Sch Lykens 9.1 mi 7.1
BLUE MT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Jonestown 12.0 mi 6.4
JONESTOWN MENNONITE SCHOOL Jonestown 12.5 mi 6.1
Northern Lebanon SHS Fredericksburg 12.3 mi 5.5
Northumberland County Career and Technology Center Coal Township 13.9 mi
Shamokin Area El Sch Coal Township 13.9 mi 3.3
Shamokin Area Intermediate Sch Coal Township 13.9 mi 4.1
Shamokin Area MS Shamokin 13.9 mi 3.3
Shamokin Area HS Shamokin 13.9 mi 5.2
Pine Grove El Sch Pine Grove 10.7 mi 8.0
Pine Grove Area MS Pine Grove 10.8 mi 4.0
Pine Grove Area HS Pine Grove 10.8 mi 7.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17980 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$69,816

Median Home Value

$128,300

Median Rent

$850/mo

Population

3,222

College Educated

13.6%

Homeownership

78.7%

Avg Commute

33.2 min

Poverty Rate

6.6%

Median Age

43.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Phoenix Academy Lancaster, PA 3.8
Pittsburgh Milliones 6-12 Pittsburgh, PA 3.8
Mahanoy Area JSHS Mahanoy City, PA 3.7
School of the Future Philadelphia, PA 3.7
King Martin Luther HS Philadelphia, PA 3.9
Minersville Area JSHS Minersville, PA 3.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Williams Valley Jshs

What grades does Williams Valley Jshs serve?

Williams Valley Jshs serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Williams Valley Jshs?

Williams Valley Jshs has an enrollment of approximately 433 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Williams Valley Jshs?

The student-teacher ratio at Williams Valley Jshs 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 Williams Valley Jshs rank in PA?

Williams Valley Jshs ranks #2,595 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Williams Valley Jshs's MySchoolScout rating?

Williams Valley Jshs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 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 Williams Valley Jshs?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Williams Valley Jshs has 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Williams Valley Jshs a charter school?

No, Williams Valley Jshs is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Williams Valley Jshs a Title I school?

No, Williams Valley Jshs is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Williams Valley Jshs?

79.9% of students at Williams Valley Jshs 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
6 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
12 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
433
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
32
Free/Reduced Lunch
79.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Dauphin County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
32.1%
4-Year Graduation
87.0%

District

Williams Valley SD
District Enrollment
923
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,135
District Rank
#2 of 2

Other Schools in This District

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