New Oxford High School

In 2016, Conewago Valley School District's graduation rate was 90.88%.[13]

• 2015 - 94.95%[14]
• 2014 - 90.31%[15]
• 2013 - 90.96%
• 2012 - 90%[16]
• 2011 - 94%[17]
• 2010 - 93%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[18]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 - 90%[19]
• 2009 - 94%[20]
• 2008 - 89%[21]
• 2007 - 89%[22]

2016 School Performance Profile

SPP 81.5 out of 100 points. New Oxford Senior High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 76% of students were on grade level in reading.literature and 81.9% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 74.5% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[23][24] The requirement that pupils pass the Keystone Exams in reading, algebra I and bIology I in order to graduate was postponed until 2019 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly because less than 60% of 12 grade pupils statewide would have been eligible for graduation from high school, due to failing one or more Keystone Exams.[25] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.[26]

2015 School Performance Profile

New Oxford Senior High School achieved 74 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. The PDE reported that 76.79% of the High School's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 79.24% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 71.33% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[27] Statewide, 53 percent of schools with an eleventh grade achieved an academic score of 70 or better. Five percent of the 2,033 schools with 11th grade were scored at 90 and above; 20 percent were scored between 80 and 89; 28 percent between 70 and 79; 25 percent between 60 and 69 and 22 percent below 60. The Keystone Exam results showed: 73 percent of students statewide scored at grade-level in English, 64 percent in Algebra I and 59 percent in biology.[28][29]

2014 School Performance Profile

New Oxford Senior High School achieved 86 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 71% of pupils were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 76.7% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, only 65% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[30][31] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.[32] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[33][34]

2013 School Performance Profile

New Oxford Senior High School achieved 85.9 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement.[35] In Algebra 1, 78% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, just 44% showed on grade level science understanding. In reading/literature - 78% were on grade level.[36] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, they now take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.

Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The school board sets the specific requirements based on advise from the Administration and some state mandates. All New Oxford High School students are required to earn a minimum of 28 credits in grades 9 through 12 as follows: Language Arts 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Mathematics 4 credits, Science 4 credits, Physical Education and Health 3 credits, Computer Technology 1 credit, Humanities, Practical Arts, or Fine Arts 2 credits and 6 credits of electives.[61] Additionally, all students must take a core English, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science class in grades 9, 10, and 11.

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a graduation project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district.[62] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.[63]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2019,[64] public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[65][66][67] For the class of 2019, a composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements.[68] In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit - 49% on grade level.[69] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

In 2013, New Oxford Senior High School offered 4 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class.[70] At New Oxford Senior High School less than 10 of the students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[71] In 2016, New Oxford HIgh School offered 4 AP courses. Just 4% of pupils who took the courses at New Oxford HS achieved a 3 or better on the associated AP exam.[72]

Initially, New Oxford High School did not offer a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school, including the graduation ceremony. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[73] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[74]

In 2016, Early College Academy was offered to 11th and 12th graders by Harrisburg Area Community College at Conewago Valley School District. Students may take two courses a semester.[75] Students pay tuition fees to the college and are responsible for all other costs like textbooks.

In 2015, 163 Conewago Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 487. The Math average score was 519. The Writing average score was 456.[76] The College Board also reported that statewide 96,826 pupils took the exams with average scores declining in all three measurers to: 495 in reading, 511 in math and 484 in writing.[77]

In 2014, 159 Conewage Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 485. The Math average score was 522. The Writing average score was 461.[78] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[79]

In 2013, 144 New Oxford Senior School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 492. The Math average score was 509. The Writing average score was 461. The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.[80]

In 2012, 154 Conewago Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 486. The Math average score was 514. The Writing average score was 462. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the United States, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

In 2011, 165 Conewago Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 480. The Math average score was 502. The Writing average score was 454.[81] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[82] In the United States, 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing.[83]

In 2010, 140 Conewago Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 482. The Math average score was 505. The Writing average score was 457.[84]

In 2009, 132 Conewago Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 482. The Math average score was 498. The Writing average score was 463[85]

High school students can attend the taxpayer funded Adams County Tech Prep for training in the building trades, the culinary arts, Diesel Mechanics, allied health including Emergency Medical Technician certification and other areas. The school is located on the Gettysburg Area High School campus at 1130 Old Harrisburg Road. Adams County Tech Prep is funded by a consortium of the school districts, which includes: Gettysburg Area School District, Littlestown Area School District, Fairfield Area School District, Conewago Valley School District and Bermudian Springs School District.

The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006-2009. Conewago Valley School District did not apply for funding in 2006-07. In 2007-08 it received $225,090. The High School received $57,804 in 2008-09 for a total funding of $282,894.[86] Among Adams County public school districts, the highest funding was awarded to Gettysburg Area School District which received $341,842. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.

The Conewago Valley School District administration reported there were three incidents of bullying at New Oxford High School in 2015. Additionally, there were two assaults on students and one sexual incident involving a student. The local law enforcement was involved in twenty-five incidents at the school.[87] [88] Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center which then publishes the compiled reports online. Nationally, nearly 20% of pupils report being bullied at school.[89]

The Conewago Valley School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online.[90] All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the district must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.[91] The Center for Schools and Communities works with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.[92][93] According to the Center for Disease Control’s biannual national study of high school students in 2009, five percent of Pennsylvania students did not go to school for at least one day because they felt unsafe at school or on their way to or from school.[94]

Education standards relating to student safety and anti harassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.[95]

Conewago Valley School Board established a district wellness policy in 2007.[96] The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 – 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006." Most districts identified the superintendent and school food service director as responsible for ensuring local wellness policy implementation.[97] Conewago Valley School Board made the superintendent responsible for the program.

The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education, physical activity, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.[98] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

New Oxford High School offers both a free school breakfast and free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.[99] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[100]

In 2013, the USDA issued new restrictions to foods in public schools. The rules apply to foods and beverages sold on all public school district campuses during the day. They limit vending machine snacks to a maximum of 200 calories per item. Additionally, all snack foods sold at school must meet competitive nutrient standards, meaning they must have fruits, vegetables, dairy or protein in them or contain at least 10 percent of the daily value of fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D.[101] In order to comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 all US public school districts are required to raise the price of their school lunches to $2.60 regardless of the actual cost of the lunch.[102]

New Oxford High School provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. A nurse is available in the building to conduct annual health screenings (data reported to the PDE and state Department of Health) and to dispense prescribed medications to students during the school day. Students can be excluded from school unless they comply with all the State Department of Health's extensive immunization mandates. School nurses monitor each pupil for this compliance.[103] The nurse also monitors each child's weight.

In 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Health made available to each Pennsylvania high school the overdose antidote drug naloxone in a nasal spray. School nurses were also provided with educational materials and training developed by the National Association of School Nurses.[104] The cost was covered by a grant from a private foundation.[105][106]

New Oxford High School offers a wide variety of: clubs, activities and a costly, extensive sports program. The Conewago Valley School Board sets policies regarding eligibility to participate in these activities.[107] A student must be passing four (4) scholastic credits to participate. The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) requires regular school attendance, which must be strictly adhered to.[108]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[109]

High schools in Pennsylvania