Average
#1443 of 2,842 schools in PA
Altoona Area JR HS
Middle School · Altoona Area SD
1400 7th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602
Enrollment
1,614
Student-Teacher
12.5:1
Score
6.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
1,614
Student-Teacher
12.5:1
Score
6.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Altoona
#3 of 11
public schools
Pennsylvania middle schools
#250 of 514
In district
#3 of 10
Altoona Area SD
About Altoona Area JR HS
Altoona Area Jr HS serves 1,614 middle school students in grades 6 through 8 in Altoona, Pennsylvania. With 129 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a favorable 12.5:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for more individualized attention in the classroom. Academically, the school has room for growth, with 46% of students performing at proficient levels or above in English Language Arts and 33% in mathematics.
The school ranks #1644 out of 2,852 Pennsylvania schools, placing it in the 42nd percentile statewide. These results reflect opportunities for continued focus on student development and academic support. The school is situated on 7th Avenue in a small city environment that offers both urban amenities and a close-knit community feel.
The surrounding 16602 ZIP code area has a median household income of $51,808 and median home values of $116,100, representing a working-class community where 20% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. With a poverty rate of 16.9% among the area's 27,813 residents, the school serves families from diverse economic backgrounds. Altoona Area Jr HS provides middle school education in the heart of Blair County's largest city, where students can benefit from both the resources of an urban setting and the supportive atmosphere of a smaller Pennsylvania community.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Altoona Area JR HS — Students at Altoona Area JR HS score 40% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 12 test records from PA 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: 6.7/10.
How Altoona Area JR HS Compares
See how Altoona Area JR HS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 34% (2019) to 33.2% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 58% (2019) to 46.3% (2024).
Location
1400 7th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Altoona Area JR HS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Mowrie A Ebner El Sch (rated 7.1/10, 2.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is GREAT COMMISSION SCHOOLS (rated 7.0/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Penn-Lincoln El Sch (rated 6.9/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Altoona, see our Altoona schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Altoona Area HS Altoona | 0.1 mi | 3.8 |
| Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center Altoona | 0.2 mi | — |
| GREAT COMMISSION SCHOOLS Altoona | 0.2 mi | 7.0 |
| Penn-Lincoln El Sch Altoona | 0.2 mi | 6.9 |
| TENDER LOVE FOR CHILDREN CHILD CARE Altoona | 0.3 mi | — |
| Irving El Sch Altoona | 1.1 mi | 4.3 |
| BISHOP GUILFOYLE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Altoona | 1.1 mi | 6.2 |
| HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL-ALTOONA ELMNTRY CMPS Altoona | 1.2 mi | 5.6 |
| Pleasant Valley El Sch Altoona | 1.3 mi | 3.1 |
| Baker El Sch Altoona | 1.9 mi | 3.9 |
| Juniata El Sch Altoona | 1.9 mi | 3.3 |
| HARBOR HOUSE CENTER EARLY ACADEMICS Altoona | 2.1 mi | — |
| Logan El Sch Altoona | 1.9 mi | 3.7 |
| Juniata Gap El Sch Altoona | 2.6 mi | 3.6 |
| SOARING HEIGHTS SCHOOL - MIFFLINTOWN Altoona | 2.9 mi | — |
| SOARING HEIGHTS SCHOOL Altoona | 3.0 mi | 5.9 |
| Central Pennsylvania Digital Learning Foundation CS Altoona | 3.0 mi | 5.8 |
| HOLY TRINITY MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPUS Altoona | 2.9 mi | 6.7 |
| MERAKEY EDUCATION CENTER Altoona | 3.2 mi | — |
| Mowrie A Ebner El Sch Altoona | 2.8 mi | 7.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 16602 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$53,097
Median Home Value
$120,200
Median Rent
$842/mo
Population
27,014
College Educated
21%
Homeownership
67.6%
Avg Commute
18.9 min
Poverty Rate
18.3%
Median Age
41.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Altoona Area JR HS has a median household income of $53,097. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $120,200, with a median rent of $842/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.3%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 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 |
|---|---|
| Chambersburg Area MS - North Chambersburg, PA | 6.3 |
| Ridley MS Ridley Park, PA | 6.3 |
| Abington MS Abington, PA | 6.2 |
| Easton Area MS Easton, PA | 6.1 |
| E N Peirce MS West Chester, PA | 6.0 |
| Great Valley MS Malvern, PA | 6.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Altoona Area JR HS
What grades does Altoona Area JR HS serve?
Altoona Area JR HS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Altoona Area JR HS?
Altoona Area JR HS has an enrollment of approximately 1,614 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Altoona Area JR HS?
The student-teacher ratio at Altoona Area JR HS is 12.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Altoona Area JR HS rank in PA?
Altoona Area JR HS is ranked #1443 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is Altoona Area JR HS's MySchoolScout rating?
Altoona Area JR HS has a composite rating of 6.3 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 Altoona Area JR HS?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Altoona Area JR HS has 31.3% math proficiency and 48.1% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Altoona Area JR HS a charter school?
No, Altoona Area JR HS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Altoona Area JR HS a Title I school?
No, Altoona Area JR HS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Altoona Area JR HS?
99.8% of students at Altoona Area JR HS qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Altoona). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 1,614
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 129
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Blair County
- Phone
- (814) 381-7512
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Altoona Area SD- District Enrollment
- 7,019
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,958
- District Rank
- #3 of 10
Other Schools in This District
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
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.