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Average

#1383 of 2,842 schools in PA

Top 49% in state

Belle Vernon Area MS

Middle School · Belle Vernon Area SD

500 Perry Ave, Belle Vernon, PA 15012

Enrollment

347

Student-Teacher

13.3:1

Score

6.4

Grades

7th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Belle Vernon

#2 of 4

public schools

Pennsylvania middle schools

#240 of 514

In district

#2 of 4

Belle Vernon Area SD

Equity

7.5 / 10

Very strong

About Belle Vernon Area MS

Belle Vernon Area MS is a middle school located in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, serving students in grades seven and eight. With an enrollment of 347 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13.3:1, the school offers personalized attention to help each student succeed. The school has 26 full-time equivalent teachers committed to supporting its diverse group of learners.

Belle Vernon Area MS holds a MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10 and is ranked 46th percentile among Pennsylvania schools. Students at the school perform better in English Language Arts/Reading, with 59% reaching proficiency or above, compared to math, where only 26% meet this benchmark. While there's room for academic growth, the school remains dedicated to fostering student development and improving test scores.

Situated on Perry Avenue in a town that lies on the edge of an urban area, Belle Vernon Area MS is part of a community that values education and supports its young learners as they transition from elementary to high school.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.1Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.84 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics6.9Above Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency29.1%
Reading/ELA Proficiency59%
Math vs. State Avg-5.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+5 pts
Overall Proficiency44%
Expected (poverty-adj.)34%
vs. Expected+10.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile54th
Resources & Environment4.7Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,455

Belle Vernon Area MS — Students at Belle Vernon Area MS score 44% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

99.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 26.3%
School
State
34.7%
ELA Proficiency 59.2%
School
State
53.4%

Based on 10 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
32%
ELA
67%
2021*
Math
12%
ELA
52%
2024
Math
29.1%
ELA
59.1%

* 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: 7.1/10.

How Belle Vernon Area MS Compares

See how Belle Vernon Area MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.4/10
51th percentile in PA
Academic
6.9/10
6.9/10
Growth
7.1/10
Above average
Environment
4.7/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
99%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
26 teachers

Location

500 Perry Ave, Belle Vernon, PA 15012

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Belle Vernon Area MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Charleroi Area MS (rated 6.2/10, 5.7 miles away, in nearby Charleroi), with a very similar rating. Another option is Monessen MS (rated 5.7/10, 2.8 miles away, in nearby Monessen), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Frazier MS (rated 5.2/10, 4.5 miles away, in nearby Perryopolis), a more accessible option. For more schools in Belle Vernon, see our Belle Vernon schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Marion El Sch Belle Vernon 0.1 mi 6.2
ST SEBASTIAN REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Belle Vernon 2.0 mi 6.4
Monessen SHS Monessen 2.7 mi 6.0
Monessen MS Monessen 2.8 mi 5.7
Mon Valley Career and Technology Center Charleroi 3.0 mi
Belle Vernon Area HS Belle Vernon 4.5 mi 5.5
Monessen El Ctr Monessen 3.9 mi 5.3
Rostraver El Sch Belle Vernon 4.6 mi 7.9
Frazier HS Perryopolis 4.4 mi 5.5
Frazier El Sch Perryopolis 4.4 mi 5.6
Frazier MS Perryopolis 4.5 mi 5.2
Charleroi Area HS Charleroi 5.5 mi 4.3
Ringgold El Sch South Monongahela 5.9 mi 4.5
Charleroi Area El Ctr Charleroi 5.6 mi 7.6
Charleroi Area MS Charleroi 5.7 mi 6.2
West Newton El Sch West Newton 7.1 mi 9.3
California Area El Sch Coal Center 6.7 mi 4.1
California Academy of Learning CS Coal Center 6.7 mi 5.3
California Area SHS Coal Center 6.8 mi 4.8
California Area MS Coal Center 6.8 mi 4.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 15012 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$61,903

Median Home Value

$187,500

Median Rent

$814/mo

Population

15,294

College Educated

27.8%

Homeownership

74.6%

Avg Commute

28.8 min

Poverty Rate

15.3%

Median Age

47.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding Belle Vernon Area MS has a median household income of $61,903. It is an area where 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $187,500, with a median rent of $814/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.3%. The average commute for residents is 29 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
Delahunty MS Hermitage, PA 6.4
Riverside MS Ellwood City, PA 6.4
Tuscarora MS Mifflintown, PA 6.4
Avonworth MS Pittsburgh, PA 6.5
Octorara Intermediate Sch Atglen, PA 6.5
Rice Avenue MS Girard, PA 6.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Belle Vernon Area MS

What grades does Belle Vernon Area MS serve?

Belle Vernon Area MS serves students in grades 7th through 8th.

How many students attend Belle Vernon Area MS?

Belle Vernon Area MS has an enrollment of approximately 347 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Belle Vernon Area MS?

The student-teacher ratio at Belle Vernon Area MS is 13.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Belle Vernon Area MS rank in PA?

Belle Vernon Area MS is ranked #1383 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is Belle Vernon Area MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Belle Vernon Area MS has a composite rating of 6.4 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 Belle Vernon Area MS?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Belle Vernon Area MS has 26.3% math proficiency and 59.2% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Belle Vernon Area MS a charter school?

No, Belle Vernon Area MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Belle Vernon Area MS a Title I school?

No, Belle Vernon Area MS is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Belle Vernon Area MS?

99.1% of students at Belle Vernon Area MS qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
347
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
26
Free/Reduced Lunch
99.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Town
County
Fayette County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Belle Vernon Area SD
District Enrollment
2,422
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,238
District Rank
#2 of 4

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 methodology

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