Below Average
#2350 of 2,846 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
4.4
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
147
Student-Teacher
13.4:1
Score
4.4
Grades
7th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#2,350 of 2,846
In Coal Center
#4 of 4
public schools
In district
#3 of 3
California Area SD
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California Area MS
Middle School in Coal Center · grades 7th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
California Area Shs
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
California Area EL Sch
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About California Area MS
California Area MS is a public middle school in Coal Center, PA, part of California Area SD. California Area MS serves approximately 147 students, and covers grades 7th-8th, and has a 13.4:1 student-teacher ratio. California Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 out of 10 and ranks #2,350 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for California Area MS show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 4.4 · Below Average
- PA avg 5.4
What Parents Should Know
At 147 students, California Area MS is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
California Area 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.
33% of students at California Area MS were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
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 34 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: 3.7/10.
How California Area MS Compares
See how California Area 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
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 5.8/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Belle Vernon), which scores notably higher. Another option is Charleroi Area MS (rated 4.9/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Charleroi), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Brownsville Area MS (rated 3.7/10, 3.1 miles away, in nearby Brownsville), with a comparable rating. 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 | 5.5 |
| California Area El Sch Coal Center | 0.2 mi | 4.6 |
| California Academy of Learning CS Coal Center | 0.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Brownsville Area El Sch Brownsville | 3.0 mi | 6.2 |
| Brownsville Area MS Brownsville | 3.1 mi | 3.7 |
| Brownsville Area HS Brownsville | 3.2 mi | 4.6 |
| 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 | 6.0 |
| Bethlehem-Center JSHS Fredericktown | 5.7 mi | 5.5 |
| Monessen SHS Monessen | 7.1 mi | 4.9 |
| Monessen MS Monessen | 7.1 mi | 3.3 |
| ST SEBASTIAN REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Belle Vernon | 7.0 mi | 6.4 |
| Charleroi Area El Ctr Charleroi | 7.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Monessen El Ctr Monessen | 7.5 mi | 3.2 |
| Charleroi Area MS Charleroi | 7.8 mi | 4.9 |
| Charleroi Area HS Charleroi | 7.8 mi | 5.4 |
| Belle Vernon Area MS Belle Vernon | 6.8 mi | 5.8 |
| Marion El Sch Belle Vernon | 6.9 mi | 5.5 |
| Bentworth El Ctr Bentleyville | 7.3 mi | 8.6 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bucktail Area MS Renovo, PA | 4.4 |
| Clemente Roberto MS Philadelphia, PA | 4.4 |
| Columbia MS Hill Campus Columbia, PA | 4.4 |
| Pittsburgh Allegheny 6-8 Pittsburgh, PA | 4.5 |
| Universal Vare CS Philadelphia, PA | 4.5 |
| AMY NW Philadelphia, PA | 4.1 |
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 ranks #2,350 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is California Area MS's MySchoolScout rating?
California Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 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 California Area MS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, California Area MS has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
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.
Neighborhood Context
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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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 32.7%
- Phone
- (724) 785-5800
Resources & Links
District
California Area SD- District Enrollment
- 933
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,211
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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