At a glance
Reported students
1,380
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
92.04
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
15:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
09–12
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Pennsylvania high enrollment
87th percentile
Compared with 712 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
579
South Western SHS: 1,380 reported students.
State peer staffing position
74th percentile
15:1 reported; state peer median 13.3:1. Ratio is not class size.
Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22
These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.
- Students
- 1,276
- Teachers (FTE)
- 93
- Student–teacher ratio
- 13.7:1
What the reported data says about South Western SHS
South Western SHS is a public high school serving grades 09–12 in Hanover. It is one of 6 current school records connected to South Western SD. NCES reports 1,380 students for 2024–25.
Among 712 high schools in Pennsylvania with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 571 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 87th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 15:1, above the Pennsylvania median of 13.3:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are White (80.9%) and Black (7.4%). English learners represent 2.2% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 10.8%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports AP student enrollment, gifted and talented programming, computer science. The school reported 12 AP courses. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking South Western SHS
- 1How do the reported 15:1 student–teacher ratio and 92.04 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Have the reported academic programs changed since the 2021–22 CRDC collection?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 5 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4What meal assistance, transportation, after-school, and family-support services are currently available?
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 2.2%
- Students with disabilities
- 10.8%
- Lunch program
- Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 5
- Nurses (FTE)
- 1
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 1
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0.18
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White80.9%
- Hispanic7%
- Black7.4%
- Asian1.7%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0.2%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0.1%
- Multiracial2.6%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Programs reported by the school
AP student enrollment
Students enrolled
12 distinct courses reported
Gifted and talented
Offered
Computer science
Offered
CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Other schools in South Western SD
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Emory H Markle MS
Middle · Grades 06–08
1,046 reported students
Baresville El Sch
Elementary · Grades KG–05
586 reported students
Park Hills El Sch
Elementary · Grades KG–05
572 reported students
West Manheim El Sch
Elementary · Grades KG–05
538 reported students
Manheim El Sch
Elementary · Grades KG–05
256 reported students
Public schools near South Western SHS
Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.
| School | Grades | Students | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emory H Markle MS Middle · South Western SD | 06–08 | 1,046 | 0.2 mi |
| Baresville El Sch Elementary · South Western SD | KG–05 | 586 | 1.1 mi |
| Hanover SHS High · Hanover Public SD | 09–12 | 578 | 2.2 mi |
| Littlestown SHS High · Littlestown Area SD | 09–12 | 532 | 7.2 mi |
| New Oxford SHS High · Conewago Valley SD | 09–12 | 1,229 | 7.6 mi |
| Spring Grove Area HS High · Spring Grove Area SD | 09–12 | 1,163 | 7.9 mi |
Frequently asked questions about South Western SHS
What grades does South Western SHS serve?
South Western SHS reports grades 09–12 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as a high school in South Western SD.
How many students attend South Western SHS?
South Western SHS reported 1,380 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 87th percentile among 712 Pennsylvania high schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 1,276 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at South Western SHS?
The calculated ratio is 15:1, based on 1,380 students and 92.04 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Pennsylvania median for the same school level is 13.3:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is South Western SHS a public, charter, or magnet school?
South Western SHS is a public school and is not a charter school. Enrollment is generally based on South Western SD attendance boundaries and transfer rules.
Which school district is South Western SHS in?
South Western SHS is part of South Western SD, based in Hanover, PA, which operates 6 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near South Western SHS?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Emory H Markle MS (0.2 mi), Baresville El Sch (1.1 mi), Hanover SHS (2.2 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.