Needs Improvement
#2727 of 2,846 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
3.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
1,066
Student-Teacher
20.1:1
Score
3.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#2,727 of 2,846
In Wilkes-barre
#6 of 6
public schools
In district
#7 of 9
Wilkes-Barre Area SD
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G a R MS
Middle School in Wilkes-barre · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Holy Redeemer H.s.
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
St Nicholas-st Mary's School
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About G a R MS
G a R MS is a public middle school in Wilkes-barre, PA, part of Wilkes-Barre Area SD. G a R MS serves approximately 1,066 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 20.1:1 student-teacher ratio. G a R MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10 and ranks #2,727 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for G a R MS show 21% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 34% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 3.2 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 2.8
- PA avg 5.4
What Parents Should Know
G a R MS runs 20.1:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
46% of students at G a R MS 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
G a R MS — Students at G a R MS score 18% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 36 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 G a R MS Compares
See how G a R 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
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 3.0/10, 2.0 miles away, in nearby Kingston), with a very similar 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 | 4.0 |
| 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 | 3.6 |
| Third Avenue El Sch Kingston | 1.6 mi | 2.7 |
| GRAHAM ACADEMY Kingston | 1.6 mi | 7.5 |
| Daniel J Flood El Sch Wilkes-Barre | 1.6 mi | 4.3 |
| Wyoming Valley West MS Kingston | 2.0 mi | 3.0 |
| Dr David W Kistler El Sch Wilkes-Barre | 1.5 mi | 4.7 |
| Chester Street El Sch Kingston | 2.0 mi | 4.0 |
| Lee Park El Sch Hanover Township | 1.7 mi | 4.7 |
| 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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Francis D Raub MS Allentown, PA | 3.2 |
| South Mountain MS Allentown, PA | 3.2 |
| Trexler MS Allentown, PA | 3.2 |
| Castor Gardens MS Philadelphia, PA | 3.3 |
| Linton MS Pittsburgh, PA | 3.3 |
| New Castle JHS New Castle, PA | 3.1 |
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 ranks #2,727 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is G a R MS's MySchoolScout rating?
G a R MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 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 G a R MS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, G a R MS has 21% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 34% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
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.
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Neighborhood Context
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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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 46.4%
- Phone
- (570) 826-7165
- 4-Year Graduation
- 72.0%
Resources & Links
District
Wilkes-Barre Area SD- District Enrollment
- 8,134
- Schools in District
- 10
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,995
- District Rank
- #7 of 9
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