Northwest Area High School

Summary:

Northwest Area High School is a public high school located in Shickshinny, Pennsylvania, serving grades 7-12 with a total enrollment of 416 students. The school is part of the Northwest Area School District, which is ranked 335 out of 610 school districts in Pennsylvania and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Academically, Northwest Area High School has consistently ranked in the middle range of Pennsylvania high schools, with a ranking between 232 and 387 over the past 10 years. The school's performance on PSSA and Keystone Exams is generally below the state average, with only 17.3% of students proficient or better in PSSA Math and 60.1% in PSSA English Language Arts. However, the school performs better in PSSA Science, with 64.4% of students proficient or better, which is higher than the state average of 65.8%. The school's four-year graduation rate ranges from 87.0% to 94.3%, which is generally in line with the state average, and its dropout rate has fluctuated between 0.4% and 1.6%, also comparable to the state average.

Compared to nearby schools, Northwest Area High School performs generally lower than the Crestwood Secondary Campus and Lake-Lehman Junior/Senior High School, which are ranked higher and have better academic performance. However, it outperforms some other nearby schools, such as West Side Career & Technology Center, Hanover Area Junior/Senior High School, and Greater Nanticoke Area Senior High School, which have lower rankings and academic proficiency rates.


Detail:

Public 7-12

 243 Thorne Hill Rd
       Shickshinny, PA  18655-9201


(570) 542-4126

District: Northwest Area School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
341st of 686 Pennsylvania High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $21,662 Help


Feeder schools for Northwest Area High School:

Elementary:    Northwest Area Intermediate School
    Northwest Area Primary School

Student/teacher ratio:  11.0 Help
Number of students:  420

Racial breakdown:

White:
96.4%
Two or more races:
1.7%
Hispanic:
1.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  47.1% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Northwest Area High School ranks better than 55.6% of middle schools in Pennsylvania. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 56.75. (See more...)
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Compare Details Northwest Area High School ranks better than 50.3% of high schools in Pennsylvania. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 55.34. (See more...)
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The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Northwest Area High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (96.4%), two or more races (1.7%), Hispanic (1.2%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 47.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Northwest Area High School is 11. (See more...)
Help
Compare Northwest Area High School employs 38 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Northwest Area High School is $21,662.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Northwest Area High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Northwest Area High School 396th of 891 Pennsylvania public middle schools. (See Northwest Area High School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Male students:
White students:

SchoolDigger ranks Northwest Area High School 341st of 686 Pennsylvania public high schools. (See Northwest Area High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Male students:
White students:


Northwest Area School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Northwest Area School District 335th of 610 Pennsylvania school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Northwest Area High School?

Rank History for Northwest Area High School

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Compare

Rank History for all middle school students at Northwest Area High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 68.47 232nd 643 63.9%
2004 57.27 349th 663 47.4%
2005 70.91 220th 687 68.0%
2006 67.65 249th 736 66.2%
2007 72.02 201st 749 73.2%
2008 62.44 318th 753 57.8%
2009 52.22 456th 770 40.8%
2010 49.19 519th 805 35.5%
2011 65.07 342nd 825 58.5%
2012 71.70 253rd 834 69.7%
2013 49.13 483rd 758 36.3%
2014 39.94 512th 728 29.7%
2015 47.67 474th 835 43.2%
2016 49.60 487th 870 44.0%
2017 44.35 520th 877 40.7%
2018 43.72 527th 861 38.8%
2019 60.01 390th 891 56.2%
2021 30.13 576th 797 27.7%
2022 51.71 449th 883 49.2%
2023 48.37 489th 893 45.2%
2024 56.75 396th 891 55.6%
See the entire list of Pennsylvania High School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Low Socio Economic Status students at Northwest Area High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 43.43 504th 874 42.3%
2024 67.35 242nd 877 72.4%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Northwest Area High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 61.69 312th 860 63.7%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Disabled students at Northwest Area High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 45.46 307th 660 53.5%
2024 64.53 153rd 672 77.2%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Northwest Area High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 46.92 472nd 870 45.7%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Northwest Area High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 30.70 500th 681 26.6%
2024 37.74 426th 673 36.7%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Pennsylvania Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Northwest Area High School

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Compare

Rank History for all high school students at Northwest Area High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 52.34 336th 583 42.4%
2004 42.25 398th 590 32.5%
2005 66.06 210th 593 64.6%
2006 63.63 251st 604 58.4%
2007 41.07 457th 615 25.7%
2008 41.33 444th 621 28.5%
2009 45.70 429th 632 32.1%
2010 49.19 402nd 649 38.1%
2011 63.22 287th 660 56.5%
2012 64.67 262nd 664 60.5%
2013 49.53 364th 591 38.4%
2014 45.78 387th 580 33.3%
2015 74.48 167th 680 75.4%
2016 63.80 318th 677 53.0%
2017 58.98 352nd 663 46.9%
2018 63.11 329th 673 51.1%
2019 70.50 232nd 693 66.5%
2021 51.05 341st 537 36.5%
2022 55.40 344th 634 45.7%
2023 64.68 256th 674 62.0%
2024 55.34 341st 686 50.3%
See the entire list of Pennsylvania High School Rankings!

Rank History for high school Low Socio Economic Status students at Northwest Area High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 56.64 300th 652 54.0%
2024 61.99 241st 664 63.7%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for high school Female students at Northwest Area High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 62.07 275th 665 58.6%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for high school Disabled students at Northwest Area High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 29.90 348th 502 30.7%
2024 36.90 293rd 513 42.9%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for high school Male students at Northwest Area High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 47.69 381st 662 42.4%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for high school White students at Northwest Area High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 52.95 279th 577 51.6%
2024 39.74 376th 595 36.8%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Pennsylvania Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Northwest Area High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Pennsylvania Dept of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)
0%

0%

0%

0%

100%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Open Quote The school board and many of the local residents are very vocal concerning their dislike of teachers. Recently, the board voted to close one of their elementary schools as a cost saving measure.
With the exception of athletics and band, the high school does not encourage or allow parental involvement.
At present, the district is under investigation by the FBI. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Northwest Area High School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 729 2 5 2 0 n/a n/a 0 738
1989 695 2 3 0 0 n/a n/a 0 700
1990 660 3 2 3 0 n/a n/a 0 668
1991 640 1 3 2 0 n/a n/a 0 646
1992 618 1 4 5 0 n/a n/a 0 628
1993 637 1 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 639
1994 605 2 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 608
1995 598 1 4 0 0 n/a n/a 0 603
1996 598 1 4 0 0 n/a n/a 0 603
1997 608 3 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 613
1998 607 2 5 0 0 n/a n/a 0 614
1999 617 2 4 2 0 n/a n/a 0 625
2000 655 2 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 659
2001 644 4 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 650
2002 641 2 1 2 0 n/a n/a 0 646
2003 641 2 1 2 0 n/a n/a 0 646
2004 635 2 4 7 0 n/a n/a 0 648
2005 650 6 2 8 1 n/a n/a 0 667
2006 650 6 3 8 1 n/a n/a 0 668
2007 680 9 4 5 0 n/a n/a 0 698
2008 638 7 4 3 0 n/a n/a 0 652
2009 627 11 5 4 0 n/a n/a 0 647
2010 607 12 5 3 0 n/a n/a 0 627
2011 586 8 4 2 0 0 0 0 600
2012 528 8 4 2 1 0 1 0 544
2013 526 6 4 1 1 0 1 0 539
2014 521 7 2 2 0 1 2 0 535
2015 487 5 2 2 0 0 1 0 497
2016 478 4 1 4 0 0 1 0 488
2017 470 9 1 6 0 0 4 0 490
2018 482 9 1 6 0 0 5 0 503
2019 461 5 1 4 0 0 3 0 474
2020 469 6 1 3 0 0 6 0 485
2021 443 4 0 3 0 0 5 0 455
2022 419 3 1 5 1 1 7 0 437
2023 398 3 1 7 0 1 6 0 416
2024 405 2 1 5 0 0 7 0 420

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Northwest Area High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 738 48.0 15.3 n/a
1989 700 45.0 15.5 n/a
1990 668 45.0 14.8 0
1991 646 45.0 14.3 n/a
1992 628 48.0 13.0 n/a
1993 639 41.0 15.6 n/a
1994 608 41.0 14.8 n/a
1995 603 42.0 14.4 n/a
1996 603 42.0 14.4 n/a
1997 613 41.5 14.8 n/a
1998 614 43.0 14.3 n/a
1999 625 43.0 14.5 n/a
2000 659 43.5 15.1 24
2001 650 40.5 16.0 25.5
2002 646 42.4 15.2 28.8
2003 646 42.4 15.2 28.8
2004 648 42.0 15.4 28.1
2005 667 43.0 15.5 27.9
2006 668 44.0 15.2 37.3
2007 698 44.0 15.9 35.1
2008 652 102.8 6.3 35.3
2009 647 47.0 13.8 35.5
2010 627 46.0 13.6 33.7
2011 600 43.0 13.9 33.7
2012 544 43.0 12.6 30
2013 539 44.0 12.2 33.8
2014 535 43.0 12.4 37.2
2015 497 42.0 11.8 37.6
2016 488 42.0 11.6 47.7
2017 490 38.0 12.8 35.9
2018 503 38.0 13.2 41.6
2019 474 39.0 12.1 47.7
2020 485 41.0 11.8 35.1
2021 455 38.0 11.9 37.4
2022 437 39.0 11.2 39.8
2023 416 36.0 11.5 41.6
2024 420 38.0 11.0 47.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Northwest Area High School

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 738 48.0 15.3 n/a
1989 700 45.0 15.5 n/a
1990 668 45.0 14.8 0
1991 646 45.0 14.3 n/a
1992 628 48.0 13.0 n/a
1993 639 41.0 15.6 n/a
1994 608 41.0 14.8 n/a
1995 603 42.0 14.4 n/a
1996 603 42.0 14.4 n/a
1997 613 41.5 14.8 n/a
1998 614 43.0 14.3 n/a
1999 625 43.0 14.5 n/a
2000 659 43.5 15.1 24
2001 650 40.5 16.0 25.5
2002 646 42.4 15.2 28.8
2003 646 42.4 15.2 28.8
2004 648 42.0 15.4 28.1
2005 667 43.0 15.5 27.9
2006 668 44.0 15.2 37.3
2007 698 44.0 15.9 35.1
2008 652 102.8 6.3 35.3
2009 647 47.0 13.8 35.5
2010 627 46.0 13.6 33.7
2011 600 43.0 13.9 33.7
2012 544 43.0 12.6 30
2013 539 44.0 12.2 33.8
2014 535 43.0 12.4 37.2
2015 497 42.0 11.8 37.6
2016 488 42.0 11.6 47.7
2017 490 38.0 12.8 35.9
2018 503 38.0 13.2 41.6
2019 474 39.0 12.1 47.7
2020 485 41.0 11.8 35.1
2021 455 38.0 11.9 37.4
2022 437 39.0 11.2 39.8
2023 416 36.0 11.5 41.6
2024 420 38.0 11.0 47.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Northwest Area High School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $453 (2.7%) $16,483 (97.3%) $16,936
2020 $399 (2.4%) $15,952 (97.6%) $16,351
2021 $498 (2.6%) $18,444 (97.4%) $18,942
2022 $560 (2.6%) $21,102 (97.4%) $21,662

Data source: Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Northwest Area High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 390th of 891 Middle schoolsRanks 489th of 893 Middle schools
 11%
Ranks 232nd of 693 High schoolsRanks 256th of 674 High schools
 4.5%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
7th Grade Math (Northwest Area High School)2915.8
 13.2%
   7th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)38.233.2
 5%
7th Grade English Language Arts (Northwest Area High School)64.561.8
 2.7%
   7th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)60.554.5
 6%
8th Grade Math (Northwest Area High School)27.913.6
 14.3%
   8th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)32.226
 6.2%
8th Grade Science (Northwest Area High School)67.261.1
 6.1%
   8th Grade Science (Pennsylvania)58.257
 1.2%
8th Grade English Language Arts (Northwest Area High School)61.847.3
 14.5%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)57.952.8
 5.1%
11th Grade Algebra I (Northwest Area High School)65.123.7
 41.4%
   11th Grade Algebra I (Pennsylvania)63.334.1
 29.2%
11th Grade Biology (Northwest Area High School)79.564.8
 14.7%
   11th Grade Biology (Pennsylvania)63.250.7
 12.5%
11th Grade Literature (Northwest Area High School)78.368.6
 9.7%
   11th Grade Literature (Pennsylvania)71.565.3
 6.2%
All Grades Math (Northwest Area High School)28.514.7
 13.8%
   All Grades Math (Pennsylvania)42.439.3
 3.1%
All Grades Science (Northwest Area High School)67.261.1
 6.1%
   All Grades Science (Pennsylvania)6865.6
 2.4%
All Grades English Language Arts (Northwest Area High School)63.254.8
 8.4%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)60.953.8
 7.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students474416
 12.2%
African American53
 40%
American Indian00
Asian11
Hispanic47
 75%
Pacific Islander01
White461398
 13.7%
Two or More Races36
 100%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients47.7%41.6%
 6.1%


Schools Near Northwest Area High School









Frequently Asked Questions about Northwest Area High School

In the 2023-24 school year, 420 students attended Northwest Area High School.

Students at Northwest Area High School are 96% White, 2% Two or more races, 1% Hispanic.

Northwest Area High School ranks 341st of 686 Pennsylvania high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Northwest Area High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Northwest Area Intermediate School
Elementary : Northwest Area Primary School


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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