The Ferndale Area Junior-Senior High School is a public high school, located at 600 Harlan Avenue, Ferndale, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. It serves the boroughs of Brownstown, Dale and Lorain as well as Middle Taylor Township.
Serving 284 students in grades 7-12, Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. 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 25-29% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is approximately equal to the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 284 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 80-89% (Btm 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School's student population of 284 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has grown by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
284 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Year Founded
1928
Colors
Black, Yellow
School Calendar
School Motto
Partnering with students, families, and the community in order to provide an exceptional education within a safe and inclusive environment that empowers our learners to achieve individual aspirations resulting in meaningful contributions to society.
School Rankings
Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. 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 Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School is 0.33, which is less 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
#1687 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
5%
15%
Black
8%
14%
White
81%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-89%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: The Yellowjackets
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School's ranking?
Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School is ranked #1687 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School often compared to?
Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Westmont Hilltop Jr. Sr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School?
The graduation rate of Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School is 80-89%, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 87%.
How many students attend Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School?
284 students attend Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School students are White, 8% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 5% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School?
Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School offer ?
Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School part of?
Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School is part of Ferndale Area School District.
School Reviews
Review Ferndale Area Jr. Sr. High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
