Upper Darby High School

Upper Darby High School (UDHS) is a four-year public high school located in Upper Darby Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States, as part of the Upper Darby School District. UDHS is also the oldest high school in Delaware County, having been established in 1895.

Upper Darby High School
Location
601 North Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, United States
Information
TypePublic high school
MottoWhere Every One Is Royalty
Established1895
PrincipalKelley Simone[1]
Faculty239.93 FTE[2]
Enrollment3,717 (2017-18)[2]
Student to teacher ratio15.49[2]
Color(s)Purple & Gold    
NicknameRoyals
Information610-622-7000
Websitewww.upperdarbysd.org/udhs

As of the 2010–11 school year, the school had an enrollment of 3,762 students and 256.85 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student-teacher ratio of 17.0.[2][3] [4] The population is diverse, with over 55 nationalities of students. It has a long-established football rivalry with Monsignor Bonner High School, located less than a block away. Upper Darby High School was a part of the inspiration for Upper Darby alumna Tina Fey's movie comedy Mean Girls. The mascot of Upper Darby High is the Royal, which is portrayed as a lion. In previous years, it was a court jester. The school emblem is the royal oak tree, the yearbook is named the Oak, and the newspaper is called the Acorn. An Acorn award is rewarded every year at the UDAEF Sweet Night Out Foundation Ball in February.

According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 4 teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[5] Upper Darby Senior High School is one of the largest high schools in Pennsylvania by enrollment. The High School is also home to the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, and the Summer Stage program.

Campus

The campus is adjacent to, but not within, the Drexel Hill census-designated place.[6] It has a Drexel Hill postal address.[7]

Adequate Yearly Progress history

In 2011, Upper Darby Senior High School declined to Corrective Action II 5th Year AYP status due to chronic, low student achievement in reading and mathematics. The school met just one metric in 2011.[8] Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school administration was required to notify parents of the school's poor achievement outcomes and to offer the parents the opportunity to transfer their child to a successful school within the District. Additionally, the school administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to develop a School Improvement Plan to address the school's low student achievement. Under the Pennsylvania Accountability System, the school must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students.[9]

  • 2010 – Corrective Action II 4th Year
  • 2009 – Corrective Action II 3rd Year
  • 2008 – Corrective Action II 2nd Year
  • 2007 – Corrective Action II 1st Year
  • 2006 – School Improvement II
  • 2005 – School Improvement I – 2nd year
  • 2004 – School Improvement I
  • 2003 – Warning status

11th Grade Reading
PSSA Results
  • 2011 – 56% on grade level, (23% below basic). State – 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level.[10]
  • 2010 – 53% (26% below basic). State – 66% [11]
  • 2009 – 53% (24.8% below basic). State – 65% [12]
  • 2008 – 51% (25% below basic). State – 65% [13]
  • 2007 – 57% (22% below basic). State – 65% [14]

11th Grade Math
PSSA Results
  • 2011 – 58% on grade level (26% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.[15]
  • 2010 – 54% (30% below basic). State – 59% [16]
  • 2009 – 50% (30% below basic). State – 56%.[17]
  • 2008 – 51% (30% below basic). State – 56% [18]
  • 2007 – 44% (33% below basic). State – 53% [19]

11th Grade Science
PSSA Results
  • 2011 – 20% on grade level (32% below basic). State – 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.[20]
  • 2010 – 20% (34% below basic). State – 39%
  • 2009 – 21% (34% below basic). State – 40% [21]
  • 2008 – 20% (32% below basic). State – 39% [22]

College remediation rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 59% of the Upper Darby Senior High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[23] Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.[24] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Dual enrollment

Upper Darby Senior High School offers 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. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[25] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[26]

For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $5,023 for the program.[27]

SAT scores

From January to June 2011, 581 Upper Darby School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 440. The Math average score was 464. The Writing average score was 423.[28] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal – 493, Math – 501, Writing – 479.[29] 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.[30]

Graduation rate

In 2011, Upper Darby High School's graduation rate was 92%.[31] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Upper Darby Senior High School's rate was 80.99% for 2010.[32]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

Graduation requirements

Upper Darby School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 135 credits to graduate, including: a required class every year in Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education 2 years, 3 years foreign language, and at least 7 electives. Core academic courses are worth 5 credits each and AP courses are worth 7.5 credits.[37]

By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a 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.[38]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating class of 2017, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.[39][40][41] 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.[42] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Classrooms for the future grant

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 to 2009. The Upper Darby School District applied receiving $469,223 in 2006–07. In 2007–08, the District received $838,700. Upper Darby School District received $200,597 in 2008–09 for a total funding of $1,508,520. This was the highest total funding awarded to a school district in Delaware County[43] The highest funding state wide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County – $9,409,073. In 2010, Classrooms for the Future funding was curtailed statewide due to a massive state financial crisis precipitated by a national economic recession.

Arts

Upper Darby High School is home to the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, a nearly 1,800-seat theater that hosts not only school functions, but also between 200 and 400 events annually. During the summer, the arts center hosts the largest summer theater group in Delaware County: Summer Stage, with over 200 participants in multiple musicals. Harry Dietzler founded the Summer Stage program in 1976.

Extracurriculars

Upper Darby High School offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive and costly sports program. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy. The Board complies with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) policy that students may practice and participate in competitions when failing up to 2 core curriculum courses.[44]

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students residing 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.[45]

Sports

Upper Darby sports teams compete in the Central League.

The District funds:

  • Boys Sports:
    • Baseball – AAAA
    • Basketball – AAAA
    • Cross Country – AAA
    • Football – AAAA
    • Golf – AAA
    • Indoor Track and Field – AAAA
    • Lacrosse – AAAA
    • Soccer – AAA
    • Swimming and Diving -AAA
    • Tennis – AAA
    • Track and Field – AAA
    • Wrestling – AAA
  • Girls Sports:
    • Basketball – AAAA
    • Cheerleading – AAAA
    • Cross Country – AAA
    • Field Hockey – AAA
    • Golf – AAA
    • Indoor Track and Field – AAAA
    • Lacrosse – AAAA
    • Soccer (Fall) – AAA
    • Softball – AAAA
    • Swimming and Diving – AAA
    • Girls' Tennis – AAA
    • Track and Field – AAA
    • Volleyball – AAA

According to PIAA directory July 2012 [46]

Notable alumni

Upper Darby High School's Wall of Fame committee recognizes individuals who have become leaders in their industries.[47] Wall of Fame members are noted by WoF after their information.

Jim Croce
Tina Fey
D'or Fischer
Todd Rundgren
William Wharton

References
  1. "Administration / Home". www.upperdarbysd.org. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  2. Upper Darby SHS
  3. "Upper Darby High School, School Report Card 2004" (PDF). Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Upper Darby School District. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 31, 2006. Retrieved October 17, 2007.
  4. "Upper Darby Senior High School". SchoolDataDirect. Council of Chief State School Officers, and Standard & Poor's. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved October 17, 2007.
  5. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Upper Darby Senior High School, September 29, 2011
  6. "2010 CENSUS - CENSUS BLOCK MAP: Drexel Hill CDP, PA" (PDF). 2010 U.S. Census. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved May 3, 2020. - Compare this to the full address of the school.
  7. "Home". Upper Darby High School. Retrieved May 3, 2020. Location 601 N. Lansdowne Ave Drexel Hill, PA 19026 - Compare this to the CDP map.
  8. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Upper Darby Senior High School AYP Overview". Archived from the original on September 26, 2012. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  9. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "Pennsylvania Accountability System Frequently Asked Questions".
  10. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010–2011 PSSA and AYP Results".
  11. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009–2010 PSSA and AYP Results".
  12. The Times-Tribune (September 14, 2009). "Grading Our Schools database, 2009 PSSA results".
  13. Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 15, 2008). "2007–2008 PSSA and AYP Results".
  14. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2007). "PSSA Math and Reading results".
  15. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Upper Darby Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011" (PDF).
  16. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Upper Darby Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 20, 2010
  17. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Upper Darby Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009, September 14, 2009
  18. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Upper Darby Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2008, August 15, 2008
  19. Pennsylvania Department of Education, Upper Darby Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card, 2007
  20. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010–2011 PSSA results in Science".
  21. The Times-Tribune (2009). "Grading Our Schools database, 2009 Science PSSA results".
  22. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Report on PSSA Science results by school and grade 2008".
  23. Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 20, 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report". Archived from the original on May 3, 2012.
  24. National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2008
  25. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Dual Enrollment Guidelines".
  26. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (March 2010). "Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement".
  27. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Dual Enrollment Grants 2009 10 Fall Grants by School District".
  28. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011". Archived from the original on October 15, 2011.
  29. College Board (September 2011). "SAT Scores State By State – Pennsylvania". Archived from the original on October 8, 2011.
  30. "While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady". NJ.com. September 2011.
  31. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Upper Darby School District AYP Data Table 2011". Archived from the original on January 11, 2016. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  32. Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented". Archived from the original on September 14, 2010.
  33. Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 20, 2010). "Upper Darby High School Academic Achievement Report Card Data table 2010". Archived from the original on September 28, 2012. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  34. The Times-Tribune (June 27, 2010). "PA School District Statistical Snapshot Database 2008–09".
  35. The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "County School Districts Graduation Rates 2008".
  36. Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (2008). "High School Graduation rate 2007" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on May 7, 2012. Retrieved January 31, 2011.
  37. Upper Darby High School Administration, Upper Darby High School Course Selection Guide, 2012
  38. Pennsylvania State Board of Education. "Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements".
  39. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Keystone Exam Overview" (PDF).
  40. Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview". Archived from the original on March 17, 2012.
  41. Pennsylvania State Board of Education (2010). "Rules and Regulation Title 22 PA School Code Chapter 4".
  42. Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Keystone Exams".
  43. Pennsylvania Auditor General (December 22, 2008). "Classrooms for the Future grants audit" (PDF).
  44. Upper Darby School Board, Interscholastic Athletics Policy 123, August 10, 2010
  45. Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities". Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  46. Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (2012). "PIAA School Directory".
  47. "Wall of Fame". Upper Darby High School. Archived from the original on October 9, 2007. Retrieved October 17, 2007.
  48. Jones, Kenneth. "Broadway Baritone Keith Andes, of Wildcat, Dead at 85" Archived October 7, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Playbill, November 28, 2005. Accessed November 24, 2007.
  49. "Tina Fey Gets the Last Laugh" Archived April 7, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Fox News, April 25, 2004. Accessed November 28, 2007
  50. "Bobby Lloyd". basketball-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. 2010. Retrieved September 16, 2010.

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