Below Average
#2199 of 2,846 schools in PA
Fairfield Area MS
Middle School · Fairfield Area SD
4840 Fairfield Rd, Fairfield, PA 17320
Enrollment
284
Student-Teacher
12.9:1
Score
4.8
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
284
Student-Teacher
12.9:1
Score
4.8
Grades
5th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#2,199 of 2,846
In Fairfield
#3 of 3
public schools
In district
#3 of 3
Fairfield Area SD
Shortlisting around Fairfield Area MS?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Fairfield Area MS
Middle School in Fairfield · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Fairfield Area HS
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Fairfield Area EL Sch
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Fairfield Area MS
Fairfield Area MS is a public middle school in Fairfield, PA, part of Fairfield Area SD. Fairfield Area MS serves approximately 284 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 12.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Fairfield Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #2,199 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Fairfield Area MS show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 4.8 · Below Average
- PA avg 5.4
What Parents Should Know
Fairfield 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Fairfield Area MS — Students at Fairfield Area MS score 39% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 62%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
30.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 38 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: 4.6/10.
How Fairfield Area MS Compares
See how Fairfield 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
4840 Fairfield Rd, Fairfield, PA 17320
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Fairfield Area MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Upper Adams Intrmdt Sch (rated 8.4/10, 10.8 miles away, in nearby Arendtsville), which scores notably higher. Another option is Gettysburg Area MS (rated 5.7/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Gettysburg), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Thurmont Middle (rated 4.8/10, 11.2 miles away, in nearby Thurmont), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Fairfield, see our Fairfield schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfield Area HS Fairfield | 0.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Fairfield Area El Sch Fairfield | 0.3 mi | 7.5 |
| Emmitsburg Elementary Emmitsburg | 6.0 mi | 7.7 |
| MOTHER SETON SCHOOL Emmitsburg | 6.1 mi | 5.2 |
| Franklin Twp El Sch Cashtown | 6.9 mi | 6.8 |
| WELLSPRING CHRISTIAN FAMILY SCHOOL Sabillasville | 7.2 mi | 2.5 |
| Sabillasville Environmental School Sabillasville | 8.2 mi | 5.9 |
| ABRAXAS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM South Mountain | 7.7 mi | 8.5 |
| Cascade Elementary Cascade | 7.7 mi | 5.1 |
| South Mountain Secure Trmnt Un South Mountain | 7.7 mi | — |
| ABRAXAS YOUTH CENTER South Mountain | 7.8 mi | 7.8 |
| Catoctin High Thurmont | 10.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Lincoln El Sch Gettysburg | 8.4 mi | 5.6 |
| Gettysburg Area MS Gettysburg | 8.4 mi | 5.7 |
| James Gettys El Sch Gettysburg | 8.8 mi | 6.7 |
| Vida CS Gettysburg | 8.8 mi | 6.8 |
| GETTYSBURG SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SCHOOL Gettysburg | 9.4 mi | — |
| Upper Adams Intrmdt Sch Arendtsville | 10.8 mi | 8.4 |
| Thurmont Middle Thurmont | 11.2 mi | 4.8 |
| ADAMS COUNTY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Gettysburg | 9.8 mi | 7.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 17320 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$87,321
Median Home Value
$283,000
Median Rent
$1,252/mo
Population
8,103
College Educated
26%
Homeownership
88.4%
Avg Commute
35.9 min
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Median Age
45.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Garden Spot MS New Holland, PA | 4.8 |
| Pennridge South MS Perkasie, PA | 4.8 |
| Pittsburgh Classical 6-8 Pittsburgh, PA | 4.8 |
| Northwestern MS Albion, PA | 4.7 |
| Bloomsburg Area MS Bloomsburg, PA | 4.9 |
| Charleroi Area MS Charleroi, PA | 4.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fairfield Area MS
What grades does Fairfield Area MS serve?
Fairfield Area MS serves students in grades 5th through 8th.
How many students attend Fairfield Area MS?
Fairfield Area MS has an enrollment of approximately 284 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Fairfield Area MS?
The student-teacher ratio at Fairfield Area MS is 12.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Fairfield Area MS rank in PA?
Fairfield Area MS ranks #2,199 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Fairfield Area MS's MySchoolScout rating?
Fairfield Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 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 Fairfield Area MS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Fairfield Area MS has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 59% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Fairfield Area MS a charter school?
No, Fairfield Area MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Fairfield Area MS a Title I school?
No, Fairfield Area MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Fairfield Area MS?
30.3% of students at Fairfield 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 284
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 22
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 30.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Adams County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 20.4%
- Phone
- (717) 642-8228
Resources & Links
District
Fairfield Area SD- District Enrollment
- 940
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,642
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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