Below Average
#1569 of 1,823 schools in IN
Pierce Middle School
Middle School · Merrillville Community School Corp
199 E 70th Pl, Merrillville, IN 46410
Enrollment
899
Student-Teacher
14.5:1
Score
4.7
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
899
Student-Teacher
14.5:1
Score
4.7
Grades
7th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Merrillville
#7 of 9
public schools
Indiana middle schools
#290 of 330
In district
#6 of 8
Merrillville Community School Corp
School environment
7.1 / 10
Strong
About Pierce Middle School
Pierce Middle School serves 899 students in grades 7-8 in Merrillville, Indiana, offering a focused middle school experience with a student-teacher ratio of 14.5:1 and 62 full-time equivalent teachers. The school operates as a regular public school in Lake County, providing educational services to students during these critical transitional years. Academically, Pierce Middle School has significant room for growth, with 14% of students demonstrating proficiency in mathematics across grade levels.
The school ranks in the 13th percentile among Indiana middle schools, indicating opportunities for improvement in student achievement and educational outcomes. The school draws from a diverse suburban community where the median household income is $60,432 and median home values reach $176,000. About 23% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the local poverty rate stands at 15.2%.
The surrounding ZIP code 46410 is home to approximately 39,121 residents, creating a substantial community base. Pierce Middle School is situated in a large suburban setting in Merrillville, providing students with access to the resources and opportunities that come with being part of an established suburban community in northwestern Indiana.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Pierce Middle School — Students at Pierce Middle School score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 31%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
64.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)
Based on 11 test records from IN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.3/10.
How Pierce Middle School Compares
See how Pierce Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 28% (2019) to 16.07% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 37% (2019) to 24.91% (2025).
Location
199 E 70th Pl, Merrillville, IN 46410
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Pierce Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Merrillville Intermediate School (rated 4.9/10, 1.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Bailly Middle School (rated 3.6/10, 3.2 miles away, in nearby Gary), a more accessible option. For more schools in Merrillville, see our Merrillville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 46410 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$61,735
Median Home Value
$192,100
Median Rent
$1,267/mo
Population
38,803
College Educated
24.4%
Homeownership
63.6%
Avg Commute
32 min
Poverty Rate
14.4%
Median Age
40.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Pierce Middle School has a median household income of $61,735. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $192,100, with a median rent of $1,267/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.4%. The average commute for residents is 32 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Indian Springs Middle School Columbia City, IN | 4.7 |
| Edgewood Junior High School Ellettsville, IN | 4.8 |
| Otter Creek Middle School Terre Haute, IN | 4.8 |
| Guion Creek Middle School Indianapolis, IN | 4.6 |
| Jefferson Middle School Fort Wayne, IN | 4.6 |
| Maple Creek Middle School Fort Wayne, IN | 4.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pierce Middle School
What grades does Pierce Middle School serve?
Pierce Middle School serves students in grades 7th through 8th.
How many students attend Pierce Middle School?
Pierce Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 899 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Pierce Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Pierce Middle School is 14.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Pierce Middle School rank in IN?
Pierce Middle School is ranked #1569 out of 1,823 schools in IN.
What is Pierce Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Pierce Middle School has a composite rating of 4.7 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Pierce Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Pierce Middle School has 18.1% math proficiency and 29.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Pierce Middle School a charter school?
No, Pierce Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Pierce Middle School a Title I school?
No, Pierce Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pierce Middle School?
64.8% of students at Pierce Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Low (45/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 899
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 62
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 64.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Lake County
- Phone
- (219) 650-5308
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Merrillville Community School Corp- District Enrollment
- 5,867
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,733
- District Rank
- #6 of 8
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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