High Schools in Harrisburg City School District

The Harrisburg City School District in Pennsylvania is home to two high schools: Harrisburg High School and Harrisburg High School - SciTech Cmp. While both schools serve a predominantly low-income student population, the data analysis reveals a stark contrast in their academic performance and overall quality.

Harrisburg High School - SciTech Cmp emerges as the standout school in the district, consistently ranking in the top 50% of Pennsylvania high schools and outperforming the district and state averages on Keystone Exam proficiency in Algebra I, Biology, and Literature. The school's four-year graduation rate is higher, and its dropout rate is lower, compared to the district average. Additionally, Harrisburg High School - SciTech Cmp spends significantly more per student and has a lower student-teacher ratio, suggesting a greater investment in resources and support for its students.

In contrast, Harrisburg High School ranks in the bottom 3% of Pennsylvania high schools, with a 0-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's test scores lag significantly behind the district and state averages, and its overall academic performance raises concerns about the quality of education provided. While both high schools serve a predominantly low-income student population, the stark contrast in their performance highlights the need for the Harrisburg City School District to address the challenges faced by Harrisburg High School and explore ways to replicate the success of the SciTech Cmp program across the district.