Below Average
#2654 of 2,842 schools in PA
Highland MS
Middle School · Blackhawk SD
402 Shenango Rd, Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Enrollment
699
Student-Teacher
15.9:1
Score
4.0
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
699
Student-Teacher
15.9:1
Score
4.0
Grades
5th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Beaver Falls
#6 of 7
public schools
Pennsylvania middle schools
#478 of 514
In district
#4 of 4
Blackhawk SD
About Highland MS
Highland MS is a regular public middle school located in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Serving students from fifth to eighth grade, the school has an enrollment of 699 students and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 15.9:1 with 44 full-time equivalent teachers. Highland MS ranks as one of the larger schools within its region, situated in a substantial suburban area.
The academic performance at Highland MS currently sits at the 15th percentile among Pennsylvania’s schools, with an ELA/Reading proficiency rate of 54% and Math proficiency at 40%. While these scores indicate there is room for improvement, the school remains committed to fostering student development and achievement. Highland MS is embedded in a vibrant suburban community, offering students a mix of urban conveniences and rural tranquility.
The school’s setting provides an ideal backdrop for learning and growth, with easy access to local amenities and natural surroundings.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Highland MS — Students at Highland MS score 45% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 60%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
36.1%
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
↓ 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: 3.7/10.
How Highland MS Compares
See how Highland MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 39% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 68% (2019) to 51.6% (2024).
Location
402 Shenango Rd, Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Highland MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Beaver Area MS (rated 6.7/10, 5.2 miles away, in nearby Beaver), which scores notably higher. Another option is New Brighton Area MS (rated 4.0/10, 3.8 miles away, in nearby New Brighton), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Beaver Falls MS (rated 3.4/10, 2.7 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Beaver Falls, see our Beaver Falls schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 6.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Blackhawk Intermediate Sch Beaver Falls | 0.7 mi | 7.9 |
| Blackhawk HS Beaver Falls | 1.6 mi | 5.6 |
| BEAVER COUNTY CHRISTIAN Beaver Falls | 2.2 mi | 6.7 |
| Patterson Primary Sch Beaver Falls | 2.1 mi | 5.9 |
| Big Beaver El Sch Darlington | 3.2 mi | 4.2 |
| BEAVER CO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL -UPPER Beaver Falls | 2.7 mi | 7.6 |
| Beaver Falls Area SHS Beaver Falls | 2.7 mi | 4.7 |
| Central El Sch Beaver Falls | 2.7 mi | 4.8 |
| Dutch Ridge El Sch Beaver | 3.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Beaver Falls MS Beaver Falls | 2.7 mi | 3.4 |
| ST MONICA CATHOLIC ACADEMY Beaver Falls | 2.9 mi | 6.7 |
| New Brighton Area MS New Brighton | 3.8 mi | 4.0 |
| New Brighton Area HS New Brighton | 4.1 mi | 6.1 |
| New Brighton Area El Sch New Brighton | 4.1 mi | 7.7 |
| THE SCHOOL AT MCGUIRE MEMORIAL New Brighton | 4.2 mi | 7.2 |
| Beaver Area MS Beaver | 5.2 mi | 6.7 |
| Beaver Area SHS Beaver | 5.2 mi | 6.1 |
| College Square El Sch Beaver | 5.6 mi | 6.4 |
| SS PETER & PAUL SCHOOL Beaver | 5.7 mi | 5.8 |
| Western Beaver Co JSHS Industry | 6.8 mi | 5.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 15010 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$70,253
Median Home Value
$196,600
Median Rent
$833/mo
Population
28,621
College Educated
30.6%
Homeownership
72.8%
Avg Commute
26.9 min
Poverty Rate
11%
Median Age
38.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding Highland MS has a median household income of $70,253. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $196,600, with a median rent of $833/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.0%. The average commute for residents is 27 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 |
|---|---|
| Greater Johnstown MS Johnstown, PA | 4.0 |
| Northeast MS Bethlehem, PA | 4.0 |
| Solomon/Plains MS Plains, PA | 4.0 |
| Trexler MS Allentown, PA | 4.0 |
| Mifflin Co MS Lewistown, PA | 4.1 |
| Pine Grove Area MS Pine Grove, PA | 4.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Highland MS
What grades does Highland MS serve?
Highland MS serves students in grades 5th through 8th.
How many students attend Highland MS?
Highland MS has an enrollment of approximately 699 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Highland MS?
The student-teacher ratio at Highland MS is 15.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Highland MS rank in PA?
Highland MS is ranked #2654 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is Highland MS's MySchoolScout rating?
Highland MS has a composite rating of 4.0 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 Highland MS?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Highland MS has 39.7% math proficiency and 54.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Highland MS a charter school?
No, Highland MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Highland MS a Title I school?
No, Highland MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highland MS?
36.1% of students at Highland 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
- City Safety
- Elevated (1,325/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Beaver Falls). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 699
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 44
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 36.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Beaver County
- Phone
- (724) 843-1700
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Blackhawk SD- District Enrollment
- 2,353
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,100
- District Rank
- #4 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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