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Needs Improvement

#1640 of 1,793 schools in MA

Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School

High School · Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public (District)

15 Mulligan Drive, South Hadley, MA 01075

Charter

Enrollment

399

Student-Teacher

9.3:1

Score

3.9

Grades

7th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Massachusetts schools

#1,640 of 1,793

In South Hadley

#4 of 5

public schools

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Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School

3.9/10

High School in South Hadley · grades 7th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

South Hadley High

6.3/10

1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Michael E. Smith Middle School

6.0/10

1.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School

Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School is a public high school in South Hadley, MA, part of Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public (District). Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School serves approximately 399 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 9.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,640 of 1,793 schools in MA.

Structured state assessment records for Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School show 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.5 pts below MA schools
  • This school 3.9 · Needs Improvement
  • MA avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

At 9.3:1 students to teachers, Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

41% of students at Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.3Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data16
Annual Change-3.75 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.4Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency19.2% (2025 MCAS)
Reading/ELA Proficiency44.5% (2025 MCAS)
Math vs. State Avg-20.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+2 pts
Overall Proficiency32% (2025 MCAS, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)46% (model expectation from 2025 MCAS)
vs. Expected-14.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile25th
College Readiness5.3Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
AP Participation0.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.2Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio9.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$21,054
Chronic Absenteeism41.4%

Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School — Students at Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Test Scores MA MCAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 34.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
44.0% (multi-year state average, 2018-2025)
ELA Proficiency 60.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
48.5% (multi-year state average, 2018-2025)

Based on 96 test records from MA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
57%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
52%
ELA
87%
2012
Math
52%
ELA
89%
2013
Math
57%
ELA
92%
2014
Math
59%
ELA
87%
2015
Math
67%
ELA
87%
2016
Math
63%
ELA
76%
2017
Math
62%
ELA
72%
2018
Math
47.3%
ELA
64.3%
2019
Math
42.6%
ELA
70.6%
2020*
Math
22%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
20%
ELA
50.2%
2022
Math
27%
ELA
54.8%
2023
Math
23%
ELA
47%
2024
Math
21.8%
ELA
46.5%
2025
Math
19.3%
ELA
44.5%

* 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: 2.3/10.

How Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School Compares

See how Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.9/10
9th percentile in MA
Academic
4.4/10
Below Average
Growth
2.3/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2.9
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Teaching Staff
9:1 student-teacher ratio
43 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
41.4%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
0.8% participation·State avg: 2.9 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

15 Mulligan Drive, South Hadley, MA 01075

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. South Hadley High (rated 6.3/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is LIGHTHOUSE HOLYOKE (rated 6.0/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Holyoke), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Holyoke High (rated 5.3/10, 3.1 miles away, in nearby Holyoke), which scores notably higher. For more schools in South Hadley, see our South Hadley schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.7 mi
School Distance Rating
South Hadley High South Hadley 1.1 mi 6.3
Michael E. Smith Middle School South Hadley 1.2 mi 6.0
Mosier South Hadley 1.2 mi 3.7
Plains Elementary South Hadley 1.6 mi 6.1
MATER DOLOROSA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Holyoke 2.1 mi 6.3
E N White Elementary Holyoke 1.8 mi 8.2
NEW ENGLAND ADOLESCENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE Holyoke 2.5 mi 7.3
SPRINGDALE EDUCATION CENTER Holyoke 2.6 mi 7.7
Kelly Elementary Holyoke 2.7 mi 6.7
LIGHTHOUSE HOLYOKE Holyoke 2.7 mi 6.0
H.B. Lawrence School Holyoke 2.7 mi 6.7
Fairview Elementary Chicopee 2.7 mi 4.6
Morgan Full Service Community School Holyoke 3.2 mi 6.5
Holyoke High Holyoke 3.1 mi 5.3
FIRST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Holyoke 3.2 mi 4.7
Streiber Memorial School Chicopee 3.4 mi 6.5
Bellamy Middle Chicopee 3.6 mi 5.4
CENTER SCHOOL Holyoke 3.5 mi 8.2
BLESSED SACRAMENT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Holyoke 3.6 mi 5.1
Joseph Metcalf School Holyoke 3.7 mi 2.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 01075 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$93,646

Median Home Value

$324,800

Median Rent

$1,264/mo

Population

17,410

College Educated

50.2%

Homeownership

76.9%

Avg Commute

23 min

Poverty Rate

7.3%

Median Age

43.6

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Excel High School South Boston, MA 4.0
Margarita Muniz Academy Boston, MA 3.7
Murdock High School Winchendon, MA 3.6
Athol High Athol, MA 4.2
BISHOP STANG HIGH SCHOOL North Dartmouth, MA 4.3
Map Academy Charter School Plymouth, MA 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School

What grades does Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School serve?

Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School?

Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School has an enrollment of approximately 399 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School?

The student-teacher ratio at Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School is 9.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School rank in MA?

Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School ranks #1,640 of 1,793 schools in MA.

What is Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School's MySchoolScout rating?

Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School has 35% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School a charter school?

Yes, Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School a Title I school?

No, Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
10 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
25 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
399
Student-Teacher Ratio
9.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
43
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Hampshire County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
41.4%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public (District)
District Enrollment
399
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$21,054
District Rank
#1 of 1

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