Average
#1574 of 2,846 schools in PA
Dickson Prep Steam Academy
Middle School · Woodland Hills SD
7301 Schoyer Avenue, Swissvale, PA 15218
Enrollment
616
Student-Teacher
12.3:1
Score
6.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
616
Student-Teacher
12.3:1
Score
6.1
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#1,574 of 2,846
In district
#2 of 5
Woodland Hills SD
Academic growth
9.8 / 10
Excellent
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Dickson Prep Steam Academy
Middle School in Swissvale · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Environmental Cs at Frick Park
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Universal Academy of Pittsburgh
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Dickson Prep Steam Academy
Dickson Prep Steam Academy is a public middle school in Swissvale, PA, part of Woodland Hills SD. Dickson Prep Steam Academy serves approximately 616 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 12.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Dickson Prep Steam Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,574 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Dickson Prep Steam Academy show 9% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2024) and 28% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2024).
- This school 6.1 · Average
- PA avg 5.4
What Parents Should Know
Test scores at Dickson Prep Steam Academy sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.
52% of students at Dickson Prep Steam Academy 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
Dickson Prep Steam Academy — Students at Dickson Prep Steam Academy score 19% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
75.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 14 test records from PA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 9.8/10.
How Dickson Prep Steam Academy Compares
See how Dickson Prep Steam Academy 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
7301 Schoyer Avenue, Swissvale, PA 15218
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Dickson Prep Steam Academy may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. UNIVERSAL ACADEMY OF PITTSBURGH (rated 9.2/10, 0.7 miles away, in nearby Pittsburgh), which scores notably higher. Another option is WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF (rated 9.1/10, 1.0 miles away, in nearby Pittsburgh), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Pittsburgh Colfax K-8 (rated 8.8/10, 1.3 miles away, in nearby Pittsburgh), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Swissvale, see our Swissvale schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental CS at Frick Park Pittsburgh | 0.9 mi | 6.0 |
| UNIVERSAL ACADEMY OF PITTSBURGH Pittsburgh | 0.7 mi | 9.2 |
| Edgewood El STEAM Academy Pittsburgh | 0.8 mi | 4.9 |
| WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF Pittsburgh | 1.0 mi | 9.1 |
| Kelly Primary Sch Wilkinsburg | 1.2 mi | 4.3 |
| SISTER THEA BOWMAN CATHOLIC ACADEMY Wilkinsburg | 1.2 mi | 6.3 |
| PLEA SCHOOL Pittsburgh | 1.4 mi | 6.8 |
| PITTSBURGH URBAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Pittsburgh | 1.4 mi | 7.6 |
| SHADY SIDE ACADEMY JUNIOR SCHOOL Pittsburgh | 1.4 mi | 5.4 |
| Barrett El Sch Homestead | 1.5 mi | 6.1 |
| Pittsburgh Colfax K-8 Pittsburgh | 1.3 mi | 8.8 |
| COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL Pittsburgh | 1.3 mi | 8.3 |
| Propel CS-Homestead Pittsburgh | 1.5 mi | 3.8 |
| Pittsburgh Sterrett 6-8 Pittsburgh | 1.7 mi | 4.0 |
| Pittsburgh Allderdice HS Pittsburgh | 1.4 mi | 7.9 |
| PITTSBURGH NEW CHURCH SCHOOL Pittsburgh | 1.8 mi | — |
| YESHIVA SCHOOLS Pittsburgh | 1.6 mi | 8.4 |
| ST BEDE SCHOOL Pittsburgh | 1.9 mi | 6.3 |
| Pittsburgh Faison K-5 Pittsburgh | 2.0 mi | 6.2 |
| Pittsburgh Linden K-5 Pittsburgh | 1.9 mi | 3.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 15218 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$67,723
Median Home Value
$203,200
Median Rent
$1,114/mo
Population
13,443
College Educated
52.1%
Homeownership
55.7%
Avg Commute
26.7 min
Poverty Rate
10%
Median Age
40
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Boyertown Area MS-East Gilbertsville, PA | 6.1 |
| Danville Area MS Danville, PA | 6.1 |
| Kiski Area Upper El Sch Apollo, PA | 6.1 |
| Selinsgrove Area MS Selinsgrove, PA | 6.1 |
| Shaler Area MS Glenshaw, PA | 6.1 |
| Wallenpaupack Area MS Hawley, PA | 6.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dickson Prep Steam Academy
What grades does Dickson Prep Steam Academy serve?
Dickson Prep Steam Academy serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Dickson Prep Steam Academy?
Dickson Prep Steam Academy has an enrollment of approximately 616 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Dickson Prep Steam Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Dickson Prep Steam Academy is 12.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Dickson Prep Steam Academy rank in PA?
Dickson Prep Steam Academy ranks #1,574 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Dickson Prep Steam Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Dickson Prep Steam Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 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 Dickson Prep Steam Academy?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Dickson Prep Steam Academy has 9% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2024) and 28% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2024).
Is Dickson Prep Steam Academy a charter school?
No, Dickson Prep Steam Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Dickson Prep Steam Academy a Title I school?
No, Dickson Prep Steam Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Dickson Prep Steam Academy?
75.5% of students at Dickson Prep Steam Academy 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
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 616
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 50
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 75.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Allegheny County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 51.9%
- Phone
- (412) 731-5816
Resources & Links
District
Woodland Hills SD- District Enrollment
- 3,191
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $23,824
- District Rank
- #2 of 5
Other Schools in This District
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