South Western Senior High School

Summary:

South Western Senior High School is a public high school located in Hanover, Pennsylvania, serving 1,299 students in grades 9-12 and part of the South Western School District.

This high-performing school consistently delivers strong academic outcomes, with higher proficiency rates on the Keystone Exams compared to the state average in Algebra I, Biology, and Literature. The school maintains a 95.7% four-year graduation rate, which is higher than the state average, and has a low dropout rate of 0.9%. South Western Senior High School particularly excels in supporting its African American and Disabled student populations, ranking 70th and 122nd, respectively, out of Pennsylvania high schools. The school spends more per student than the state average, at $16,403 per student in the 2021-2022 school year.

When compared to nearby high schools, such as Dover Area High School, West York Area High School, and Gettysburg Area High School, South Western Senior High School generally outperforms these schools in academic metrics, suggesting it provides a higher-quality education to its diverse student population, which includes a relatively high percentage of free and reduced-price lunch recipients at 30.79%.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 200 Bowman Rd
       Hanover, PA  17331-4212


(717) 633-4807

District: South Western School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
224th of 686 Pennsylvania High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $16,403 Help


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:  14.1 Help
Number of students:  1,356

Racial breakdown:

White:
81.0%
Hispanic:
6.9%
African American:
6.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  35.4% Help


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 Compare South Western Senior High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details South Western Senior High School ranks better than 67.3% of high schools in Pennsylvania. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 67.96. (See more...)
Help
The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at South Western Senior 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 (81%), Hispanic (6.9%), African American (6.8%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 35.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at South Western Senior High School is 14.1. (See more...)
Help
Compare South Western Senior High School employs 96.1 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at South Western Senior High School is $16,403.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

South Western Senior High School:

SchoolDigger ranks South Western Senior High School 224th of 686 Pennsylvania public high schools. (See South Western Senior 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:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


South Western School District:

SchoolDigger ranks South Western School District 315th of 610 Pennsylvania school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for South Western Senior High School?

Rank History for South Western Senior High School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at South Western Senior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 67.86 190th 583 67.4%
2004 67.00 210th 590 64.4%
2005 57.08 297th 593 49.9%
2006 67.92 202nd 604 66.6%
2007 60.34 288th 615 53.2%
2008 62.39 267th 621 57.0%
2009 67.68 209th 632 66.9%
2010 59.01 310th 649 52.2%
2011 72.36 178th 660 73.0%
2012 56.42 357th 664 46.2%
2013 76.84 110th 591 81.4%
2014 77.18 93rd 580 84.0%
2015 74.21 169th 680 75.1%
2016 83.03 64th 677 90.5%
2017 80.45 105th 663 84.2%
2018 77.63 141st 673 79.0%
2019 79.24 127th 693 81.7%
2021 81.50 71st 537 86.8%
2022 73.95 178th 634 71.9%
2023 78.60 122nd 674 81.9%
2024 67.96 224th 686 67.3%
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 79th 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 53rd 652 91.9%
2024 50.54 339th 664 48.9%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at South Western Senior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 67.43 231st 665 65.3%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Female 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 80th 502 84.1%
2024 66.31 122nd 513 76.2%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at South Western Senior High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 66.81 212th 662 68.0%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania High Schools for Male 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 25th 260 90.4%
2024 70.51 70th 284 75.4%
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 44th 252 82.5%
2024 29.28 191st 274 30.3%
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 140th 577 75.7%
2024 62.67 217th 595 63.5%
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.

South Western Senior High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 



Data source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3.7)
33%

33%

0%

33%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, February 10, 2011

Open Quote 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

Open Quote 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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Compare
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
2024 1098 92 27 93 2 1 43 0 1356

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

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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
2024 1356 96.1 14.1 35.4

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

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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
2024 1356 96.1 14.1 35.4

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

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal 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 127th of 693 High schoolsRanks 122nd 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)82.956.6
 26.3%
   11th Grade Algebra I (Pennsylvania)63.334.1
 29.2%
11th Grade Biology (South Western Senior High School)75.861.4
 14.4%
   11th Grade Biology (Pennsylvania)63.250.7
 12.5%
11th Grade Literature (South Western Senior High School)82.572.9
 9.6%
   11th Grade Literature (Pennsylvania)71.565.3
 6.2%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students12611299
 3%
African American3573
 108.6%
American Indian01
Asian3029
 3.3%
Hispanic5283
 59.6%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White11141066
 4.3%
Two or More Races2947
 62.1%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients32.8%30.8%
 2%


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Frequently Asked Questions about South Western Senior High School

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,356 students attended South Western Senior High School.

South Western Senior High School ranks 224th of 686 Pennsylvania high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Students at South Western Senior High School are 81% White, 7% Hispanic, 7% African American, 3% Two or more races, 2% Asian.


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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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