- Spring Farms El Sch — Grades K–5 · 174 students
- Rockhill El Sch — Grades K–5 · 148 students
- Shade Gap El Sch — Grades K–5 · 90 students
- Southern Huntingdon Co HS/MS — Grades 6–12 · 595 students
| Metric | Southern Huntingdon County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 1,060 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $18,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Huntingdon County School District (this district) | 4/10 | 33rd | 1,060 |
| Ringgold School District | 3/10 | 21st | 2,638 |
| New Brighton Area School District | 2/10 | 12th | 1,304 |
| Highlands School District | 3/10 | 27th | 2,218 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 499 rated districts in PA → 33rd percentile → 4/10.
Source: Pennsylvania Dept. of Education PSSA, grades 3–8 ELA & Math, Proficient or Advanced, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Southern Huntingdon County School District
Southern Huntingdon County School District serves zip code 17243, covering Orbisonia, Pennsylvania with grades K–12. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
With a rating of 4/10 (below average), Southern Huntingdon County School District ranks among Pennsylvania’s below average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Pennsylvania’s PSSA grades 3–8 ELA & Math assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Pennsylvania is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Southern Huntingdon County School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Pennsylvania benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 17243
Children in zip code 17243 are assigned to Southern Huntingdon County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 17243, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Southern Huntingdon County School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Pennsylvania districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Orbisonia
For families considering a purchase in the Orbisonia area, district assignment matters financially. Because Southern Huntingdon County School District serves zip code 17243, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 17243. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Pennsylvania, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Southern Huntingdon County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 17243.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Southern Huntingdon County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 17243 data.