In 2012, Gettysburg Area High School remained in School Improvement I Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to chronic, low academic achievement in reading and mathematics. 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 parent the opportunity to transfer 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 Gettysburg Area School District must pay for additional tutoring for struggling students. Gettysburg Area High School is eligible for extra funding under School Improvement Grants which the school must apply for each year.