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Below Average

#2525 of 2,842 schools in PA

G a R MS

Middle School · Wilkes-Barre Area SD

250 South Grant Street, Wilkes-barre, PA 18702

Enrollment

1,066

Student-Teacher

20.1:1

Score

4.5

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Wilkes-barre

#2 of 2

public schools

Pennsylvania middle schools

#457 of 514

In district

#7 of 9

Wilkes-Barre Area SD

Academic growth

7.5 / 10

Very strong

About G a R MS

G A R Middle School serves 1,066 students in grades 6 through 8 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. With 53 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 20.1 to 1, providing reasonable class sizes for this sizable middle school population. The school faces significant academic challenges, with 28% of students performing at proficient or above levels in English Language Arts and 8% meeting proficiency standards in mathematics.

These results place G A R Middle School at #2812 out of 2852 middle schools statewide, indicating substantial room for academic growth and development across all grade levels. Located on South Grant Street in the 18702 ZIP code area, the school serves a diverse community where the median household income is $53,294 and median home values average $107,200. Approximately 22% of neighborhood residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the local poverty rate stands at 19.2%.

As a regular public middle school in Luzerne County, G A R Middle School operates within Pennsylvania's public education system, focusing on supporting students during these crucial transitional years between elementary and high school. The school is situated in Wilkes-Barre's small city environment, serving families throughout this established northeastern Pennsylvania community.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at G a R MS are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

The student-teacher ratio at G a R MS is 20.1:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.5Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.67 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics3.1Fair35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency8.2%
Reading/ELA Proficiency28.3%
Math vs. State Avg-29.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-25.2 pts
Overall Proficiency18%
Expected (poverty-adj.)33%
vs. Expected-15.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
Resources & Environment1.5Significantly Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,413

G a R MS — Students at G a R MS score 18% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 9.8%
School
State
35.5%
ELA Proficiency 28.0%
School
State
53.4%

Based on 12 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
9%
ELA
34%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
22%
2024
Math
8.2%
ELA
28%

* 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: 7.5/10.

How G a R MS Compares

See how G a R MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.5/10
11th percentile in PA
Academic
3.1/10
3.1/10
Growth
7.5/10
Above average
Environment
1.5/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
53 teachers

Location

250 South Grant Street, Wilkes-barre, PA 18702

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering G a R MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. JENNY LYNN ELEMENTARY (rated 6.0/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Kingston), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Wyoming Valley West MS (rated 3.6/10, 2.0 miles away, in nearby Kingston), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Wilkes-barre, see our Wilkes-barre schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.4 mi
School Distance Rating
HOLY REDEEMER H.S. Wilkes-Barre 0.5 mi 7.4
ST NICHOLAS-ST MARY'S SCHOOL Wilkes-Barre 0.5 mi 6.9
Heights/Murray El Sch Wilkes-Barre 0.5 mi 6.5
BAIS MENACHEM YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROG Wilkes-Barre 0.7 mi 6.2
Wolfpack Early Learning Academy Wilkes-Barre 0.6 mi
MILFORD E BARNES JR SCHOOL Wilkes-Barre 0.7 mi 6.8
WILKES-BARRE MENNONITE SCHOOL Wilkes-Barre 0.9 mi
WILKES-BARRE ACADEMY Wilkes-Barre 1.0 mi 6.2
Dodson El Sch Wilkes-Barre 1.2 mi 5.4
Third Avenue El Sch Kingston 1.6 mi 5.5
GRAHAM ACADEMY Kingston 1.6 mi 7.5
Daniel J Flood El Sch Wilkes-Barre 1.6 mi 6.8
Wyoming Valley West MS Kingston 2.0 mi 3.6
Dr David W Kistler El Sch Wilkes-Barre 1.5 mi 6.4
Chester Street El Sch Kingston 2.0 mi 3.0
Lee Park El Sch Hanover Township 1.7 mi 5.9
WYOMING SEMINARY UPPER SCHOOL Kingston 2.2 mi 7.2
JENNY LYNN ELEMENTARY Kingston 2.3 mi 6.0
WYOMING VALLEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL Kingston 2.3 mi 7.3
JENNY LYNN FERRARO ACADEMY Kingston 2.4 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 18702 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$54,892

Median Home Value

$115,700

Median Rent

$971/mo

Population

42,120

College Educated

23%

Homeownership

57.1%

Avg Commute

20.1 min

Poverty Rate

18.3%

Median Age

38.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding G a R MS has a median household income of $54,892. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $115,700, with a median rent of $971/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.3%. The average commute for residents is 20 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
Harrison-Morton MS Allentown, PA 4.5
Northeast Intrmd Sch Scranton, PA 4.5
Hopewell JHS Aliquippa, PA 4.6
Poquessing MS Feasterville Trevose, PA 4.4
South Scranton Intrmd Sch Scranton, PA 4.6
Strayer MS Quakertown, PA 4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about G a R MS

What grades does G a R MS serve?

G a R MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend G a R MS?

G a R MS has an enrollment of approximately 1,066 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at G a R MS?

The student-teacher ratio at G a R MS is 20.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does G a R MS rank in PA?

G a R MS is ranked #2525 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is G a R MS's MySchoolScout rating?

G a R MS has a composite rating of 4.5 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 G a R MS?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, G a R MS has 9.8% math proficiency and 28.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is G a R MS a charter school?

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

Is G a R MS a Title I school?

No, G a R MS is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for G a R MS?

100.0% of students at G a R 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
68 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
29 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (2,000/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Wilkes-barre). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
1,066
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
53
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Luzerne County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Wilkes-Barre Area SD
District Enrollment
8,134
Schools in District
10
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,995
District Rank
#7 of 9

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 methodology

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