Very Good
#919 of 2,842 schools in PA
Top 32% in state
Deer Lakes MS
Middle School · Deer Lakes SD
17 East Union Road, Cheswick, PA 15024
Enrollment
417
Student-Teacher
11.9:1
Score
7.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
417
Student-Teacher
11.9:1
Score
7.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Cheswick
#2 of 4
public schools
Pennsylvania middle schools
#150 of 514
In district
#1 of 4
Deer Lakes SD
School environment
8.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Deer Lakes MS
Deer Lakes MS is a middle school located in the suburban community of Cheswick, Pennsylvania. The school serves students from sixth through eighth grade and has an enrollment of 417 students with a student-teacher ratio of 11.9:1, ensuring that each child receives individual attention from the dedicated faculty. Deer Lakes MS is situated in a large suburban area, offering a safe environment for learning and growth.
The school's academic performance reflects areas where there’s room for improvement; it has a MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10 and ranks at number 1378 among Pennsylvania schools, placing it around the 52nd percentile in the state. In terms of standardized tests, 59% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 44% are proficient or above in Math. These scores indicate that Deer Lakes MS is focusing on student development and striving to enhance academic achievement.
Deer Lakes MS provides a supportive educational environment for its middle school-aged students as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and prepare for high school. The school's setting within a large suburban area offers easy access to various resources and community activities, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement among students and families.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Deer Lakes MS — Students at Deer Lakes MS score 51% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
41.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 12 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: 7.0/10.
How Deer Lakes MS Compares
See how Deer Lakes MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 45% (2019) to 44.6% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 67% (2019) to 56.5% (2024).
Location
17 East Union Road, Cheswick, PA 15024
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Deer Lakes MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Dorseyville MS (rated 7.1/10, 3.6 miles away, in nearby Pittsburgh), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Hampton MS (rated 5.8/10, 5.3 miles away, in nearby Allison Park), a more accessible option. For more schools in Cheswick, see our Cheswick schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| East Union Intrmd Sch Cheswick | 0.2 mi | 5.7 |
| Deer Lakes HS Cheswick | 0.5 mi | 5.5 |
| Curtisville Pri Ctr Tarentum | 1.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Dorseyville MS Pittsburgh | 3.6 mi | 7.1 |
| Hartwood El Sch Pittsburgh | 3.6 mi | 8.8 |
| Poff El Sch Gibsonia | 4.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Central El Sch Allison Park | 5.1 mi | 6.3 |
| WINCHESTER THURSTON SCHOOL Allison Park | 5.1 mi | 7.1 |
| Fairview El Sch Pittsburgh | 5.8 mi | 7.7 |
| Acmetonia El Sch Cheswick | 5.9 mi | 7.8 |
| Hance El Sch Gibsonia | 4.7 mi | 4.3 |
| NORTH PITTSBURGH CHILDRENS HOUSE Gibsonia | 4.8 mi | — |
| Hampton HS Allison Park | 5.2 mi | 7.9 |
| Hampton MS Allison Park | 5.3 mi | 5.8 |
| SHADY SIDE ACADEMY Pittsburgh | 6.6 mi | 7.7 |
| Riverview JSHS Oakmont | 6.9 mi | 6.8 |
| BLESSED TRINITY ACADEMY Glenshaw | 6.2 mi | 5.8 |
| Highlands El Sch Tarentum | 5.5 mi | 4.6 |
| SHADY SIDE ACADEMY COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Pittsburgh | 7.0 mi | 7.6 |
| Richland El Sch Gibsonia | 5.7 mi | 6.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 15024 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$85,625
Median Home Value
$217,000
Median Rent
$1,078/mo
Population
9,192
College Educated
43.8%
Homeownership
81%
Avg Commute
26 min
Poverty Rate
9.2%
Median Age
46.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Deer Lakes MS has a median household income of $85,625. It is a well-educated community where 44% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $217,000, with a median rent of $1,078/month. The local poverty rate of 9.2% is relatively low. 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 |
|---|---|
| Corry Area MS Corry, PA | 7.1 |
| Elizabeth Forward MS Elizabeth, PA | 7.1 |
| Hopewell El Sch Oxford, PA | 7.1 |
| Manor Middle School Lancaster, PA | 7.1 |
| Wheatland MS Lancaster, PA | 7.1 |
| Wind Gap MS Pen Argyl, PA | 7.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Deer Lakes MS
What grades does Deer Lakes MS serve?
Deer Lakes MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Deer Lakes MS?
Deer Lakes MS has an enrollment of approximately 417 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Deer Lakes MS?
The student-teacher ratio at Deer Lakes MS is 11.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Deer Lakes MS rank in PA?
Deer Lakes MS is ranked #919 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is Deer Lakes MS's MySchoolScout rating?
Deer Lakes MS has a composite rating of 7.1 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 Deer Lakes MS?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Deer Lakes MS has 43.6% math proficiency and 58.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Deer Lakes MS a charter school?
No, Deer Lakes MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Deer Lakes MS a Title I school?
No, Deer Lakes MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Deer Lakes MS?
41.7% of students at Deer Lakes 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
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 417
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 35
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 41.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Allegheny County
- Phone
- (724) 265-5310
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Deer Lakes SD- District Enrollment
- 1,753
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $20,052
- District Rank
- #1 of 4
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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