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Average

#2005 of 2,846 schools in PA

Blue Mountain MS

Middle School · Blue Mountain SD

685 Red Dale Rd, Orwigsburg, PA 17961

Enrollment

571

Student-Teacher

13.3:1

Score

5.2

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,005 of 2,846

In Orwigsburg

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#4 of 4

Blue Mountain SD

School environment

7.0 / 10

Very Good

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Blue Mountain MS

5.2/10

Middle School in Orwigsburg · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Blue Mountain EL East School

6.9/10

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

Blue Mountain HS

8.1/10

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

About Blue Mountain MS

Blue Mountain MS is a public middle school in Orwigsburg, PA, part of Blue Mountain SD. Blue Mountain MS serves approximately 571 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 13.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Blue Mountain MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and ranks #2,005 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Blue Mountain MS show 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with PA schools
  • This school 5.2 · Average
  • PA avg 5.4

What Parents Should Know

Blue Mountain 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 metrics
Student Progress4.2Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.84 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.2Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency35.1% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency57.6% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-2.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+4.1 pts
Overall Proficiency46% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)58% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-11.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile34th
Resources & Environment7.0Very Good25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,079
Chronic Absenteeism15.1%

Blue Mountain MS — Students at Blue Mountain MS score 46% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 58%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

38.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 44.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.5% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 68.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
53.4% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 36 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
76%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
79%
ELA
88%
2011
Math
79%
ELA
85%
2012
Math
75%
ELA
74%
2013
Math
70%
ELA
79%
2014
Math
24%
ELA
68%
2015
Math
29%
ELA
70%
2016
Math
32%
ELA
69%
2017
Math
38%
ELA
69%
2018
Math
40%
ELA
69%
2019
Math
40%
ELA
69%
2020*
Math
25%
ELA
60%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
60%
2022
Math
27.1%
ELA
57%
2024
Math
35.2%
ELA
57.7%

* 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: 4.2/10.

How Blue Mountain MS Compares

See how Blue Mountain MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.2/10
30th percentile in PA
Academic
5.2/10
Average
Growth
4.2/10
Below Average
Environment
7.0/10
Very Good

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
39%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
43 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
15.1%

Location

685 Red Dale Rd, Orwigsburg, PA 17961

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Blue Mountain MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Schuylkill Haven MS (rated 4.9/10, 4.7 miles away, in nearby Schuylkill Haven), with a very similar rating. Another option is Lengel MS (rated 4.9/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Pottsville), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Hamburg Area Middle School (rated 3.9/10, 9.4 miles away, in nearby Hamburg), a more accessible option. For more schools in Orwigsburg, see our Orwigsburg schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 9.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Blue Mountain El East School Orwigsburg 0.1 mi 6.9
Blue Mountain HS Schuylkill Haven 2.7 mi 8.1
Schuylkill Haven El Ctr Schuylkill Haven 4.4 mi 7.2
Schuylkill Haven SHS Schuylkill Haven 4.5 mi 5.6
Schuylkill Haven MS Schuylkill Haven 4.7 mi 4.9
NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL Pottsville 6.0 mi 5.5
BLUE MOUNTAIN SDA ELEMENTARY Hamburg 7.4 mi
BLUE MOUNTAIN ACADEMY Hamburg 7.5 mi 7.3
ASSUMPTION BVM SCHOOL Pottsville 6.2 mi 5.1
Saint Clair Area El/MS Saint Clair 6.7 mi 6.2
Gillingham Charter School Pottsville 6.2 mi 6.6
THE PERCEPTION TRAINING CENTER, INC. Pottsville 6.7 mi
PERCEPTION TRAINING CENTER Pottsville 6.7 mi
Lengel MS Pottsville 6.8 mi 4.9
Pottsville Area HS Pottsville 6.9 mi 5.9
Clarke El Ctr Pottsville 7.2 mi 4.8
Tilden El Center Hamburg 8.6 mi 4.3
ST JOSEPH CENTER FOR SPECIAL LEARNING Pottsville 7.2 mi
Hamburg Area HS Hamburg 9.4 mi 6.2
Hamburg Area Middle School Hamburg 9.4 mi 3.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17961 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$96,354

Median Home Value

$223,700

Median Rent

$925/mo

Population

6,711

College Educated

35.4%

Homeownership

78.9%

Avg Commute

30.3 min

Poverty Rate

4.1%

Median Age

46

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Albert Gallatin North MS Mcclellandtown, PA 5.2
Fleetwood MS Fleetwood, PA 5.2
Floyd C Fretz MS Bradford, PA 5.2
Hopewell JHS Aliquippa, PA 5.2
Westlake MS Erie, PA 5.2
Catasauqua MS Catasauqua, PA 5.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Blue Mountain MS

What grades does Blue Mountain MS serve?

Blue Mountain MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Blue Mountain MS?

Blue Mountain MS has an enrollment of approximately 571 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Blue Mountain MS?

The student-teacher ratio at Blue Mountain 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 Blue Mountain MS rank in PA?

Blue Mountain MS ranks #2,005 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Blue Mountain MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Blue Mountain MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 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 Blue Mountain MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Blue Mountain MS has 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Blue Mountain MS a charter school?

No, Blue Mountain MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Blue Mountain MS a Title I school?

No, Blue Mountain MS is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Blue Mountain MS?

38.9% of students at Blue Mountain 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 →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
18 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
18 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
571
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
43
Free/Reduced Lunch
38.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Schuylkill County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
15.1%

District

Blue Mountain SD
District Enrollment
2,486
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,079
District Rank
#4 of 4

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