South Western High School

A Tradition of Excellence

South Western School district serves over 26,000 residents in the pleasant rural setting of Hanover, PA. Hanover is located in southern York County: 19 miles southwest of York city; 54 miles northwest of Baltimore, Maryland; and 5 miles north of the Mason-Dixon line. Hanover is a productive agricultural, retail, and manufacturing town. Known as “The Snack Food Capital of the U.S.”, Hanover is home to many snack food manufacturers. Hanover is a designated historic district, and recently received its Main Street Designation from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. Hanover is also home to Codorus State Park, a 3,500 acre park with boating, camping, swimming, and hiking.

South Western High School Quick Facts

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
The high school operates with two 90-day semesters. Each semester contains two marking periods (MP). Most courses meet daily for one semester and are worth 1 credit. Year-long classes meet daily in both semesters and are awarded 2.0 credits. P.E./Health classes meet every other day for one semester and are worth 0.5 credits. The high school offers courses at three academic levels: AP, Honors (H), and Academic. Courses taken online are designated either SWA or OWARE.

The successful completion of 28 credits and a graduation project is required for graduation. Credits must be earned in the following curricular areas: Mathematics – 4 credits, Social Studies – 4 credits, English – 4 courses, Science – 3 courses, Business/Career – 1 course, Practical Arts – 1 course, Fine Arts – 1 course, Physical Education – 2 credits, Health – 1 credit, Safety Education/First Aid – 0.5 credit. Seniors have access to Independent Study, Step Ahead (Work Study), Dual Enrollment at three local colleges, and Early Graduation (finishing 1 semester early).

Grading System, G.P.A., & Class Rank
On report cards, grades are reported as a percentage in each marking period (MP) and a final exam percentage. Final grades reported on the transcript are a single percentage calculated as follows: 40% MP 1 + 40% MP 2 + 20% Final Exam.

Final percentages are converted to a letter grade, and then to a 4 pt. scale:
100 – 90 = A = 4.0
80 – 89 = B = 3.0
70 – 79 = C = 2.0
60 – 69 = D = 1.0
59 and below = F = 0
[Courses not included in GPA are graded as: O, S, U; or Pass/Fail (P/F)]

All Honors and AP courses are awarded 1 additional point. Weighted cumulative GPA is calculated by summing total points and dividing by the credits attempted. A student's class rank is determined by his/her weighted GPA.

Honors/AP Program
Honors Courses – (23 courses)

Advanced Placement Courses – (12 courses)

Class of 2019 Profile

Graduating students: 294

Class of 2019 Post Secondary Destinations Include:

Recent graduates have also attended: Emory University, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Naval Academy, Swarthmore, VMI, West Point, and the Univ. of Pennsylvania.

Post-secondary visits can be scheduled from 11:30-12:30 or 2:30– 3:15. Please contact Counseling Office Secretaries to schedule a visit. Upon Arrival: All visitors must present valid photo ID in the Main Office.

2020 Virtual Graduation Ceremony