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Average

#1153 of 2,846 schools in PA

Top 41% in state

Cocalico MS

Middle School · Cocalico SD

South 6th Street PO Box 800, Denver, PA 17517

Enrollment

634

Student-Teacher

11.3:1

Score

6.8

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#1,153 of 2,846

In Denver

#3 of 4

public schools

In district

#4 of 5

Cocalico SD

School environment

9.4 / 10

Excellent

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Cocalico MS

6.8/10

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

Denver EL Sch

8.4/10

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

Cocalico Shs

7.5/10

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

About Cocalico MS

Cocalico MS is a public middle school in Denver, PA, part of Cocalico SD. Cocalico MS serves approximately 634 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 11.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Cocalico MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,153 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Cocalico MS show 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.4 pts above PA schools
  • This school 6.8 · Average
  • PA avg 5.4

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.8Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.62 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.1Very Good35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency52.1% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency61% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg+14.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+7.5 pts
Overall Proficiency57% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)56% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+0.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile57th
Resources & Environment9.4Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio11.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,127
Chronic Absenteeism10.1%

Cocalico MS — Students at Cocalico MS score 57% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 56%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

43.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 53.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.5% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 69.6% (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
83%
ELA
79%
2010
Math
85%
ELA
84%
2011
Math
86%
ELA
85%
2012
Math
85%
ELA
81%
2013
Math
85%
ELA
82%
2014
Math
33%
ELA
69%
2015
Math
36%
ELA
65%
2016
Math
39%
ELA
74%
2017
Math
36%
ELA
71%
2018
Math
40%
ELA
68%
2019
Math
40%
ELA
68%
2020*
Math
34%
ELA
59%
2021*
Math
34%
ELA
59%
2022
Math
38.2%
ELA
63.6%
2024
Math
53%
ELA
61.5%

* 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: 4.8/10.

How Cocalico MS Compares

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

Overall Score
6.8/10
60th percentile in PA
Academic
7.1/10
Very Good
Growth
4.8/10
Below Average
Environment
9.4/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
43%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
56 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
10.1%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

South 6th Street PO Box 800, Denver, PA 17517

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Cocalico MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Ephrata Intermediate Sch (rated 7.3/10, 3.9 miles away, in nearby Ephrata), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Ephrata MS (rated 5.3/10, 3.9 miles away, in nearby Ephrata), a more accessible option. Additionally, WOOD CREST PAROCHIAL SCHOOL (rated 3.4/10, 3.4 miles away, in nearby Ephrata), a more accessible option. For more schools in Denver, see our Denver schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Denver El Sch Denver 0.1 mi 8.4
Cocalico SHS Denver 0.4 mi 7.5
Reamstown El Sch Reamstown 1.9 mi 7.9
SPRINGVILLE MENNONITE SCHOOL Ephrata 2.6 mi 6.1
OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP CATHOLIC SCHOOL Ephrata 3.3 mi 7.2
WOOD CREST PAROCHIAL SCHOOL Ephrata 3.4 mi 3.4
Highland El Sch Ephrata 3.6 mi 7.3
OLIVE BRANCH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Ephrata 3.7 mi
Fulton El Sch Ephrata 4.0 mi 7.3
Ephrata MS Ephrata 3.9 mi 5.3
Ephrata Intermediate Sch Ephrata 3.9 mi 7.3
Ephrata SHS Ephrata 4.1 mi 8.1
PLEASANT VALLEY MENNONITE SCHOOL Ephrata 4.7 mi 6.5
GRACE POINT ACADEMY Ephrata 4.0 mi
PLEASANT VALLEY PAROCH SCHOOL Ephrata 5.4 mi
GEHMANS MENNONITE SCHOOL Denver 4.4 mi 5.7
CONESTOGA VIEW SCHOOL Ephrata 5.8 mi
Adamstown El Sch Adamstown 4.6 mi 6.6
Clay El Sch Ephrata 4.8 mi 6.5
Akron El Sch Akron 5.8 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 17517 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$99,688

Median Home Value

$281,200

Median Rent

$1,229/mo

Population

15,045

College Educated

21.7%

Homeownership

84.3%

Avg Commute

21.3 min

Poverty Rate

5.5%

Median Age

39.4

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Conewago Valley Intrmd Sch New Oxford, PA 6.8
Holiday Park Intermediate Sch Pittsburgh, PA 6.8
Perkiomen Valley MS-West Zieglerville, PA 6.8
Wendover MS Greensburg, PA 6.8
West Hempfield MS Irwin, PA 6.8
West Hills Intermediate Sch Kittanning, PA 6.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Cocalico MS

What grades does Cocalico MS serve?

Cocalico MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Cocalico MS?

Cocalico MS has an enrollment of approximately 634 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Cocalico MS?

The student-teacher ratio at Cocalico MS is 11.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Cocalico MS rank in PA?

Cocalico MS ranks #1,153 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Cocalico MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Cocalico MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 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 Cocalico MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Cocalico MS has 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 70% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Cocalico MS a charter school?

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

Is Cocalico MS a Title I school?

No, Cocalico MS is not currently a Title I school.

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

43.4% of students at Cocalico 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
11 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
34 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
634
Student-Teacher Ratio
11.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
56
Free/Reduced Lunch
43.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Lancaster County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
10.1%

District

Cocalico SD
District Enrollment
2,898
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,127
District Rank
#4 of 5

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