Below Average
#2559 of 2,842 schools in PA
California Area MS
Middle School · California Area SD
11 Trojan Way, Coal Center, PA 15423
Enrollment
147
Student-Teacher
13.4:1
Score
4.3
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
147
Student-Teacher
13.4:1
Score
4.3
Grades
7th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Coal Center
#3 of 4
public schools
Pennsylvania middle schools
#463 of 514
In district
#2 of 3
California Area SD
About California Area MS
California Area MS is a middle school located in Coal Center, Pennsylvania, serving students in grades seven and eight. With an enrollment of 147 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13.4:1, the school benefits from relatively small class sizes, fostering a supportive learning environment. The faculty consists of 11 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to helping students grow academically and socially.
While California Area MS has room for improvement in academic performance, it focuses on student development beyond standardized test scores. In ELA/Reading, 58% of students are proficient or above, which is a positive indicator of literacy skills. However, only 26% of students meet proficiency standards in math, suggesting areas where the school can further enhance its curriculum and teaching methods.
Situated in a rural area near Coal Center, California Area MS is part of a close-knit community that values education and supports local youth. The setting provides a tranquil backdrop for learning, with opportunities for extracurricular activities that connect students to their surroundings.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 147 students, California Area MS is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
Located in a rural area, California Area MS may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
California Area MS — Students at California Area MS score 37% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 10 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: 3.0/10.
How California Area MS Compares
See how California Area MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 42% (2019) to 20.1% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 67% (2019) to 53% (2024).
Location
11 Trojan Way, Coal Center, PA 15423
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering California Area MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Belle Vernon Area MS (rated 6.4/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Belle Vernon), which scores notably higher. Another option is Brownsville Area MS (rated 6.2/10, 3.1 miles away, in nearby Brownsville), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Charleroi Area MS (rated 6.2/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Charleroi), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Coal Center, see our Coal Center schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| California Area SHS Coal Center | 0.0 mi | 4.8 |
| California Area El Sch Coal Center | 0.2 mi | 4.1 |
| California Academy of Learning CS Coal Center | 0.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Brownsville Area El Sch Brownsville | 3.0 mi | 5.8 |
| Brownsville Area MS Brownsville | 3.1 mi | 6.2 |
| Brownsville Area HS Brownsville | 3.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Mon Valley Career and Technology Center Charleroi | 5.5 mi | — |
| CALVARY CHAPEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Fredericktown | 5.1 mi | 5.8 |
| Bethlehem-Center El Sch Fredericktown | 5.6 mi | 7.1 |
| Bethlehem-Center JSHS Fredericktown | 5.7 mi | 3.9 |
| Monessen SHS Monessen | 7.1 mi | 6.0 |
| Monessen MS Monessen | 7.1 mi | 5.7 |
| ST SEBASTIAN REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Belle Vernon | 7.0 mi | 6.4 |
| Charleroi Area El Ctr Charleroi | 7.7 mi | 7.6 |
| Monessen El Ctr Monessen | 7.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Charleroi Area MS Charleroi | 7.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Charleroi Area HS Charleroi | 7.8 mi | 4.3 |
| Belle Vernon Area MS Belle Vernon | 6.8 mi | 6.4 |
| Marion El Sch Belle Vernon | 6.9 mi | 6.2 |
| Bentworth El Ctr Bentleyville | 7.3 mi | 7.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 15423 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$70,662
Median Home Value
$171,700
Median Rent
$983/mo
Population
1,942
College Educated
24%
Homeownership
83%
Avg Commute
25.8 min
Poverty Rate
16.2%
Median Age
40.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding California Area MS has a median household income of $70,662. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $171,700, with a median rent of $983/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.2%. The average commute for residents is 26 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 |
|---|---|
| Columbia MS Hill Campus Columbia, PA | 4.6 |
| Claysburg-Kimmel Jr HS Claysburg, PA | 4.8 |
| Universal Vare CS Philadelphia, PA | 3.8 |
| Conwell Russell MS Philadelphia, PA | 4.9 |
| Weatherly Area MS Weatherly, PA | 3.4 |
| Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 Pittsburgh, PA | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California Area MS
What grades does California Area MS serve?
California Area MS serves students in grades 7th through 8th.
How many students attend California Area MS?
California Area MS has an enrollment of approximately 147 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at California Area MS?
The student-teacher ratio at California Area MS is 13.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does California Area MS rank in PA?
California Area MS is ranked #2559 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is California Area MS's MySchoolScout rating?
California Area MS has a composite rating of 4.3 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 California Area MS?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, California Area MS has 25.8% math proficiency and 58.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is California Area MS a charter school?
No, California Area MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is California Area MS a Title I school?
No, California Area MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for California Area MS?
98.0% of students at California 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Low (0/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 147
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 11
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Washington County
- Phone
- (724) 785-5800
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
California Area SD- District Enrollment
- 933
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,211
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
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
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