Wilkes-Barre Area High School is a high school in the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, located in Plains, Pennsylvania. The student body mascot is the Wolfpack. The school opened in August 2021, replacing James M. Coughlin High School, G. A. R.
Serving 2,470 students in grades 9-12, Wilkes-barre Area High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 17% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 44% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,470 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 78% (Btm 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Wilkes-barre Area High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Wilkes-barre Area High School's student population of 2,470 students has grown by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 115 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,470 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
115 teachers
Year Founded
2021
School Rankings
Wilkes-barre Area High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Wilkes-barre Area High School is 0.66, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2181 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
48%
15%
Black
15%
14%
White
29%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
78%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wilkes-barre Area High School's ranking?
Wilkes-barre Area High School is ranked #2181 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
17% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Wilkes-barre Area High School?
The graduation rate of Wilkes-barre Area High School is 78%, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 87%.
How many students attend Wilkes-barre Area High School?
2,470 students attend Wilkes-barre Area High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Wilkes-barre Area High School students are Hispanic, 29% of students are White, 15% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wilkes-barre Area High School?
Wilkes-barre Area High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Wilkes-barre Area High School offer ?
Wilkes-barre Area High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Wilkes-barre Area High School part of?
Wilkes-barre Area High School is part of Wilkes-Barre Area School District.
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