Average
#1395 of 2,846 schools in PA
Top 49% in state
Big Spring MS
Middle School · Big Spring SD
43 Mount Rock Rd, Newville, PA 17241
Enrollment
543
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
6.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
543
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
6.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#1,395 of 2,846
In Newville
#5 of 5
public schools
In district
#5 of 5
Big Spring SD
School environment
9.1 / 10
Excellent
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Big Spring MS
Middle School in Newville · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Mount Rock Elem Sch
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Big Spring HS
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Big Spring MS
Big Spring MS is a public middle school in Newville, PA, part of Big Spring SD. Big Spring MS serves approximately 543 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 11.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Big Spring MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 out of 10 and ranks #1,395 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Big Spring MS show 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 64% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 6.4 · Average
- PA avg 5.4
What Parents Should Know
Big Spring MS sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Big Spring MS — Students at Big Spring MS score 49% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
42.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 36 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: 5.3/10.
How Big Spring MS Compares
See how Big Spring MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
43 Mount Rock Rd, Newville, PA 17241
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Big Spring MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Oak Flat El Sch (rated 8.5/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Mount Rock Elem Sch (rated 8.3/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, YELLOW BREECHES EDUCATIONAL CENTER (rated 7.9/10, 4.9 miles away, in nearby Carlisle), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Newville, see our Newville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Rock Elem Sch Newville | 0.1 mi | 8.3 |
| Big Spring HS Newville | 0.3 mi | 6.8 |
| Oak Flat El Sch Newville | 1.3 mi | 8.5 |
| Newville El Sch Newville | 1.1 mi | 7.2 |
| GREEN SPRING MENNONITE SCHOOL Newville | 4.6 mi | — |
| YELLOW BREECHES EDUCATIONAL CENTER Carlisle | 4.9 mi | 7.9 |
| BLUE RIDGE MENNONITE SCHOOL Carlisle | 5.7 mi | 5.5 |
| RIVER ROCK ACADEMY NEWVILLE CAMPUS Newville | 5.5 mi | 6.7 |
| CEDAR KNOLL PAROCHIAL Shippensburg | 6.8 mi | — |
| HICKORY LANE SCHOOL Newburg | 7.0 mi | — |
| North Dickinson El Sch Carlisle | 7.3 mi | 4.8 |
| MEADOW RUN SCHOOL Newburg | 7.4 mi | — |
| MOUNTAIN VIEW SCHOOL Newburg | 8.3 mi | — |
| OAK GROVE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL Shippensburg | 9.4 mi | 3.5 |
| Shippensburg Area Intrm Sch Shippensburg | 10.5 mi | 6.5 |
| James Burd El Sch Shippensburg | 10.6 mi | 7.4 |
| THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OF GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH Carlisle | 9.5 mi | 6.2 |
| Grace B Luhrs Univ Elem Shippensburg | 10.7 mi | 4.5 |
| Carlisle Area HS Carlisle | 9.6 mi | 6.5 |
| ST PATRICK SCHOOL Carlisle | 9.5 mi | 6.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 17241 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$75,371
Median Home Value
$208,400
Median Rent
$978/mo
Population
11,094
College Educated
16.6%
Homeownership
79%
Avg Commute
26.6 min
Poverty Rate
8.9%
Median Age
41.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Arcola Intrmd Sch Eagleville, PA | 6.4 |
| Corry Area MS Corry, PA | 6.4 |
| Derry Area MS Derry, PA | 6.4 |
| Freedom Area MS Freedom, PA | 6.4 |
| North Brandywine MS Coatesville, PA | 6.4 |
| Northwestern Lehigh MS New Tripoli, PA | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Big Spring MS
What grades does Big Spring MS serve?
Big Spring MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Big Spring MS?
Big Spring MS has an enrollment of approximately 543 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Big Spring MS?
The student-teacher ratio at Big Spring MS is 11.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Big Spring MS rank in PA?
Big Spring MS ranks #1,395 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Big Spring MS's MySchoolScout rating?
Big Spring MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.4 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 Big Spring MS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Big Spring MS has 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 64% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Big Spring MS a charter school?
No, Big Spring MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Big Spring MS a Title I school?
No, Big Spring MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Big Spring MS?
42.5% of students at Big Spring 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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 543
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 46
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 42.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Cumberland County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 12.9%
- Phone
- (717) 776-2471
Resources & Links
District
Big Spring SD- District Enrollment
- 2,379
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $18,873
- District Rank
- #5 of 5
Other Schools in This District
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