Is South Western Senior High School a good school?

South Western Senior High School ranks 122 nd of 674 Pennsylvania high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

How many students attend South Western Senior High School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,299 students attended South Western Senior High School.

What is the racial makeup of South Western Senior High School?

Students at South Western Senior High School are 82% White, 6% Hispanic, 6% African American, 4% Two or more races, 2% Asian.

What schools feed into South Western Senior High School?

South Western Senior High School is fed by the following schools: Elementary : Baresville Elementary School Elementary : Manheim Elementary School Elementary : Park Hills Elementary School Elementary : West Manheim Elementary School Middle : Emory H Markle Middle School

South Western Senior High School

Summary:

South Western Senior High School is a public high school located in Hanover, Pennsylvania, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 1,299 students. This school is part of the Southern York County School District, which is ranked 218 out of 606 districts in Pennsylvania and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.

South Western Senior High School consistently performs well academically, with significantly higher proficiency rates on the Keystone Exams compared to the state average. In 2022-2023, the school had 56.6% proficiency in Algebra I, 61.4% in Biology, and 72.9% in Literature, all well above the state averages. The school also maintains a high four-year graduation rate of 95.6% and a low dropout rate of 1.0%. While the student population is predominantly White (82.06%), the school has a relatively diverse student body, with 5.62% African American, 6.39% Hispanic, and 2.23% Asian students. Additionally, the school has a lower percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (30.79%) compared to some nearby schools, indicating a relatively higher socioeconomic status of the student population.

Compared to nearby schools, such as Susquehannock High School and Littlestown Senior High School, South Western Senior High School outperforms many in terms of academic achievement, graduation rates, and socioeconomic status. The school's commitment to excellence and equity serves as a model for other educational institutions in the region, and its consistent academic performance and positive school climate make it a desirable choice for families in the area.

Detail:

Public 9-12

200 Bowman Rd
Hanover, PA 17331-4212

(717) 633-4807

District: South Western School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
122^nd of 674 Pennsylvania High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $16,403

Feeder schools for South Western Senior High School:

Elementary:	Baresville Elementary School
	Manheim Elementary School
	Park Hills Elementary School
	West Manheim Elementary School
Middle:	Emory H Markle Middle School

Student/teacher ratio: 15.1

Number of students: 1,299

Racial breakdown:

White:

82.1%

Hispanic:

6.4%

African American:

5.6%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 30.8%

See top rated Pennsylvania high schools

Compare South Western Senior High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details South Western Senior High School ranks better than 81.9% of high schools in Pennsylvania. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 78.6. (See more...)

The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of South Western Senior High School freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (82.1%), Hispanic (6.4%), African American (5.6%). (See more...)

Compare Details 30.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at South Western Senior High School is 15.1. (See more...)

Compare South Western Senior High School employs 85.5 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at South Western Senior High School is $16,403.

Schooldigger 2023 Rankings:

South Western Senior High School:

SchoolDigger ranks South Western Senior High School 122^nd of 674 Pennsylvania public high schools. (See South Western Senior High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Multi-racial students:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Disabled students:

African American students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

South Western School District:

SchoolDigger ranks South Western School District 218^th of 606 Pennsylvania school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for South Western Senior High School.

What do you think?

Your rating for South Western Senior High School?

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Rank History for South Western Senior High School

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Rank History for all students at South Western Senior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	PA State Percentile
2003	67.86	190^th	583	67.4%
2004	67.00	210^th	590	64.4%
2005	57.08	297^th	593	49.9%
2006	67.92	202^nd	604	66.6%
2007	60.34	288^th	615	53.2%
2008	62.39	267^th	621	57.0%
2009	67.68	209^th	632	66.9%
2010	59.01	310^th	649	52.2%
2011	72.36	178^th	660	73.0%
2012	56.42	357^th	664	46.2%
2013	76.84	110^th	591	81.4%
2014	77.18	93^rd	580	84.0%
2015	74.21	169^th	680	75.1%
2016	83.03	64^th	677	90.5%
2017	80.45	105^th	663	84.2%
2018	77.63	141^st	673	79.0%
2019	79.24	127^th	693	81.7%
2021	81.50	71^st	537	86.8%
2022	73.95	178^th	634	71.9%
2023	78.60	122^nd	674	81.9%

See the entire list of Pennsylvania High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at South Western Senior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	44.00	79^th	129	38.8%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at South Western Senior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	87.89	53^rd	652	91.9%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at South Western Senior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	76.59	80^th	502	84.1%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for African American students at South Western Senior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	88.91	25^th	260	90.4%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at South Western Senior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	75.43	44^th	252	82.5%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at South Western Senior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	73.41	140^th	577	75.7%

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.

Data source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.7)

33%

by a parent
Thursday, February 10, 2011

The amount of programs offered for the kids is mind boggling! There is something for everyone. The rules are enforced so my children feel safe. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, February 10, 2011

The school goes to great lengths to communicate with parents and the community. They are open to suggestions and ways to improve the educational experience of students. Close Quote

Enrollment information for South Western Senior High School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1988	1000	0	9	0	0	n/a	n/a	-33	976
1989	980	2	5	1	0	n/a	n/a	0	988
1990	944	0	4	7	0	n/a	n/a	0	955
1991	937	0	6	9	0	n/a	n/a	0	952
1992	948	0	10	2	1	n/a	n/a	0	961
1993	950	1	6	1	1	n/a	n/a	0	959
1994	953	0	8	5	2	n/a	n/a	0	968
1995	1053	7	10	12	3	n/a	n/a	0	1085
1996	1053	7	10	12	3	n/a	n/a	0	1085
1997	1138	5	13	11	2	n/a	n/a	0	1169
1998	1171	9	10	10	0	n/a	n/a	0	1200
1999	1187	9	10	11	0	n/a	n/a	0	1217
2000	1190	9	11	6	0	n/a	n/a	0	1216
2001	1201	8	10	5	0	n/a	n/a	0	1224
2002	1165	14	15	7	0	n/a	n/a	0	1201
2003	1165	14	15	7	0	n/a	n/a	0	1201
2004	1193	18	15	12	0	n/a	n/a	0	1238
2005	1210	29	15	16	0	n/a	n/a	0	1270
2006	1219	35	12	19	0	n/a	n/a	0	1285
2007	1287	46	14	26	1	n/a	n/a	0	1374
2008	1277	46	22	23	1	n/a	n/a	0	1369
2009	1252	54	29	20	1	n/a	n/a	1	1357
2010	1204	43	29	23	3	n/a	n/a	1	1303
2011	1171	45	28	29	3	2	2	0	1280
2012	1167	43	19	27	3	1	6	0	1266
2013	1119	43	24	28	2	0	4	0	1220
2014	1090	48	24	31	2	0	6	0	1201
2015	1109	49	21	32	4	1	11	0	1227
2016	1056	47	32	39	4	1	17	0	1196
2017	1060	40	29	38	2	2	18	0	1189
2018	1084	42	35	43	1	2	18	0	1225
2019	1114	35	30	52	0	1	29	0	1261
2020	1098	37	25	57	0	1	33	0	1251
2021	1081	44	28	63	0	1	44	0	1261
2022	1077	52	26	69	0	0	48	0	1272
2023	1066	73	29	83	1	0	47	0	1299

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 South Western Senior High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	976	60.0	16.2	n/a
1989	988	59.0	16.7	n/a
1990	955	61.0	15.6	0
1991	952	59.0	16.1	n/a
1992	961	64.0	15.0	n/a
1993	959	59.0	16.3	n/a
1994	968	60.0	16.1	n/a
1995	1085	71.0	15.3	n/a
1996	1085	71.0	15.3	n/a
1997	1169	73.0	16.0	n/a
1998	1200	73.0	16.4	n/a
1999	1217	76.5	15.9	n/a
2000	1216	78.5	15.5	7.1
2001	1224	80.0	15.3	8.3
2002	1201	79.2	15.2	7.4
2003	1201	79.2	15.2	7.4
2004	1238	80.9	15.3	7.7
2005	1270	81.5	15.6	7
2006	1285	82.9	15.5	10.7
2007	1374	83.2	16.5	11.5
2008	1369	85.8	16.0	12.5
2009	1357	83.5	16.2	14
2010	1303	85.0	15.3	18.7
2011	1280	85.0	15.0	19.4
2012	1266	80.4	15.7	21.9
2013	1220	81.4	14.9	24.8
2014	1201	81.2	14.7	19
2015	1227	83.0	14.7	22.7
2016	1196	84.0	14.2	29.7
2017	1189	82.7	14.3	23.5
2018	1225	83.7	14.6	22.8
2019	1261	84.7	14.8	32.8
2020	1251	85.7	14.5	32.2
2021	1261	87.2	14.4	35.3
2022	1272	87.7	14.5	28.6
2023	1299	85.5	15.1	30.8

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 South Western Senior High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1988	976	60.0	16.2	n/a
1989	988	59.0	16.7	n/a
1990	955	61.0	15.6	0
1991	952	59.0	16.1	n/a
1992	961	64.0	15.0	n/a
1993	959	59.0	16.3	n/a
1994	968	60.0	16.1	n/a
1995	1085	71.0	15.3	n/a
1996	1085	71.0	15.3	n/a
1997	1169	73.0	16.0	n/a
1998	1200	73.0	16.4	n/a
1999	1217	76.5	15.9	n/a
2000	1216	78.5	15.5	7.1
2001	1224	80.0	15.3	8.3
2002	1201	79.2	15.2	7.4
2003	1201	79.2	15.2	7.4
2004	1238	80.9	15.3	7.7
2005	1270	81.5	15.6	7
2006	1285	82.9	15.5	10.7
2007	1374	83.2	16.5	11.5
2008	1369	85.8	16.0	12.5
2009	1357	83.5	16.2	14
2010	1303	85.0	15.3	18.7
2011	1280	85.0	15.0	19.4
2012	1266	80.4	15.7	21.9
2013	1220	81.4	14.9	24.8
2014	1201	81.2	14.7	19
2015	1227	83.0	14.7	22.7
2016	1196	84.0	14.2	29.7
2017	1189	82.7	14.3	23.5
2018	1225	83.7	14.6	22.8
2019	1261	84.7	14.8	32.8
2020	1251	85.7	14.5	32.2
2021	1261	87.2	14.4	35.3
2022	1272	87.7	14.5	28.6
2023	1299	85.5	15.1	30.8

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 South Western Senior High School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$00 (0.0%)	$14,549 (100.0%)	$14,549
2020	$00 (0.0%)	$14,640 (100.0%)	$14,640
2021	$75 (0.5%)	$15,783 (99.5%)	$15,858
2022	$00 (0.0%)	$16,403 (100.0%)	$16,403

Data source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on South Western Senior 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 127^th of 693 High schools	Ranks 122^nd of 674 High schools	0.2%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
11th Grade Algebra I (South Western Senior High School)	82.9	56.6	26.3%
11th Grade Algebra I (Pennsylvania)	63.3	34.1	29.2%
11th Grade Biology (South Western Senior High School)	75.8	61.4	14.4%
11th Grade Biology (Pennsylvania)	63.2	50.7	12.5%
11th Grade Literature (South Western Senior High School)	82.5	72.9	9.6%
11th Grade Literature (Pennsylvania)	71.5	65.3	6.2%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	1261	1299	3%
African American	35	73	108.6%
American Indian	0	1
Asian	30	29	3.3%
Hispanic	52	83	59.6%
Pacific Islander	1	0	100%
White	1114	1066	4.3%
Two or More Races	29	47	62.1%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	32.8%	30.8%	2%

Schools Near South Western Senior High School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2023)				Ranking (2022)				Keystone Exams Algebra I (2023)	Keystone Exams Biology (2023)	Keystone Exams Literature (2023)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	SchoolDigger Rating (2023)	Average Standard Score (2022)	Statewide Rank (2022)	State Percentile (2022)	Rank Change from Previous Year	Keystone Exams Algebra I 11th Grade	Keystone Exams Biology 11th Grade	Keystone Exams Literature 11th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
South Western Senior High School	Public	9-12	200 Bowman Rd	Hanover	17331	York County	South Western School District	No	No	No	No	(717) 633-4807	1,299	86	15.1	30.8%	1,066 (82.1%)	73 (5.6%)	83 (6.4%)	29 (2.2%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	47 (3.6%)	78.6	122^nd of 674 public high schools	81.9%		73.9	178^th of 634 public high schools	71.9%	56	56.6	61.4	72.9	$16,403	$00	$16,403
Hanover Senior High School	Public	8-12	401 Moul Ave	Hanover	17331	York County	Hanover Public School District	No	No	No	Yes	(717) 637-9000	585	37	15.6	64.3%	362 (61.9%)	38 (6.5%)	145 (24.8%)	8 (1.4%)	3 (0.5%)	1 (0.2%)	28 (4.8%)	52.9	356^th of 674 public high schools	47.2%		62.2	272^nd of 634 public high schools	57.1%	84	30.5	38.0	73.7	$15,138	$893	$14,246
Littlestown Senior High School	Public	9-12	200 E Myrtle St	Littlestown	17340	Adams County	Littlestown Area School District	No	No	No	No	(717) 359-4146	551	46	11.9	32.1%	499 (90.6%)	6 (1.1%)	23 (4.2%)	5 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (3.3%)	96.5	7^th of 674 public high schools	99.0%		74.6	170^th of 634 public high schools	73.2%	163	80.6	80.3		$10,636	$54	$10,583
New Oxford Senior High School	Public	9-12	130 Berlin Road	New Oxford	17350	Adams County	Conewago Valley School District	No	No	No	No	(717) 624-2157	1,249	86	14.4	39.3%	946 (75.7%)	17 (1.4%)	239 (19.1%)	5 (0.4%)	3 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	39 (3.1%)	57.4	318^th of 674 public high schools	52.8%		61.8	275^th of 634 public high schools	56.6%	43	31.4	59.6	59.7	$15,960	$197	$15,764
Spring Grove Area High School	Public	9-12	1490 Roth Church Road	Spring Grove	17362	York County	Spring Grove Area School District	No	No	No	No	(717) 225-4731	1,166	79	14.8	31.5%	960 (82.3%)	60 (5.1%)	84 (7.2%)	9 (0.8%)	1 (0.1%)	2 (0.2%)	50 (4.3%)	68	225^th of 674 public high schools	66.6%		75.5	162^nd of 634 public high schools	74.4%	63	40.6	55.6	71.2	$18,309	$1,165	$17,144
Susquehannock High School	Public	9-12	3280 Fissels Church Rd	Glen Rock	17327	York County	Southern York County School District	No	No	No	No	(717) 235-4811	928	61	15.2	22.6%	808 (87.1%)	50 (5.4%)	40 (4.3%)	10 (1.1%)	2 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (1.9%)	79.1	117^th of 674 public high schools	82.6%		87.3	41^st of 634 public high schools	93.5%	76	48.2	60.9	79.3	$16,210	$166	$16,044
Adams County Technical Institute	Public	11-12	1126 Old Harrisburg RD	Gettysburg	17325	Adams County	Adams County Technical Institute	No	No	No	No	(717) 398-3178	5	7	.7		5 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)								(n/a)
Gettysburg Area High School	Public	9-12	1130 Old Harrisburg Rd	Gettysburg	17325	Adams County	Gettysburg Area School District	No	No	No	No	(717) 334-6254	1,024	79	13.0	37.4%	759 (74.1%)	50 (4.9%)	161 (15.7%)	19 (1.9%)	1 (0.1%)	1 (0.1%)	33 (3.2%)	70.5	200^th of 674 public high schools	70.3%		74	177^th of 634 public high schools	72.1%	23	43.5	61.7	67.5	$19,026	$615	$18,411
Bermudian Springs High School	Public	9-12	7335 Carlisle Pike	York Springs	17372	Adams County	Bermudian Springs School District	No	No	No	No	(717) 528-4113	591	42	14.1	28.8%	481 (81.4%)	3 (0.5%)	93 (15.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	14 (2.4%)	47.1	404^th of 674 public high schools	40.1%		55.9	337^th of 634 public high schools	46.8%	67	11.4	50.0	63.5	$14,501	$55	$14,447
Dover Area High School	Public	9-12	4500 Intermediate Ave	Dover	17315	York County	Dover Area School District	No	No	No	No	(717) 292-8066	1,016	63	16.1	49.4%	770 (75.8%)	49 (4.8%)	137 (13.5%)	9 (0.9%)	1 (0.1%)	1 (0.1%)	49 (4.8%)	65.5	251^st of 674 public high schools	62.8%		60.3	289^th of 634 public high schools	54.4%	38	48.4	53.9	63.6	$14,528	$439	$14,089

South Western Senior High School

South Western Senior High School:

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

South Western School District:

Average Parent Rating:

What do you think?

Rank History for South Western Senior High School

Rank History for all students at South Western Senior High School

Rank History for Multi-racial students at South Western Senior High School

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at South Western Senior High School

Rank History for Disabled students at South Western Senior High School

Rank History for African American students at South Western Senior High School

Rank History for Hispanic students at South Western Senior High School

Rank History for White students at South Western Senior High School

Review counts

Enrollment information for South Western Senior High School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at South Western Senior High School

Student/Teacher Ratio South Western Senior High School

Per Pupil Expenditures for South Western Senior High School

Impact of COVID-19 on South Western Senior High School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near South Western Senior High School

Frequently Asked Questions about South Western Senior High School

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