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 367 students in grades 5-8, Southern Columbia Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 42% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 67% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 367 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 5%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 67% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Southern Columbia Middle School's student population of 367 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
367 students
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
School Rankings
Southern Columbia Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southern Columbia Middle School is 0.10, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#923 out of 2733 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
67%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
2%
16%
Black
1%
14%
White
95%
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tigers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Columbia Middle School's ranking?
Southern Columbia Middle School is ranked #923 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
42% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 67% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Southern Columbia Middle School?
367 students attend Southern Columbia Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Southern Columbia Middle School students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southern Columbia Middle School?
Southern Columbia Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Southern Columbia Middle School offer ?
Southern Columbia Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Southern Columbia Middle School part of?
Southern Columbia Middle School is part of Southern Columbia Area School District.
School Reviews
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