Southern Columbia Area High School is a small, rural public high school located in Catawissa, Pennsylvania. It is the sole high school operated by Southern Columbia Area School District. In 2013, Southern Columbia Area High School reported an enrollment of 437 pupils in grades 9th through 12th.
Serving 364 students in grades 9-12, Southern Columbia High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥90% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 36%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75-79% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 364 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 7%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southern Columbia High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Southern Columbia High School's student population of 364 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
364 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
School Rankings
Southern Columbia High School ranks within the top 5% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southern Columbia High School is 0.13, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#116 out of 2733 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥90%
36%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
57%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
3%
15%
Black
1%
14%
White
93%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tigers
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Columbia High School's ranking?
Southern Columbia High School is ranked #116 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Southern Columbia High School often compared to?
Southern Columbia High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bloomsburg Area High School, Central Columbia Sr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥90% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 36% PA state average), while 75-79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Southern Columbia High School?
The graduation rate of Southern Columbia High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 87%.
How many students attend Southern Columbia High School?
364 students attend Southern Columbia High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Southern Columbia High School students are White, 3% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Southern Columbia High School?
Southern Columbia High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Southern Columbia High School offer ?
Southern Columbia High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southern Columbia High School part of?
Southern Columbia High School is part of Southern Columbia Area School District.
School Reviews
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