Needs Improvement
#2541 of 2,846 schools in PA
Highland MS
Middle School · Blackhawk SD
402 Shenango Rd, Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Enrollment
699
Student-Teacher
15.9:1
Score
3.9
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
699
Student-Teacher
15.9:1
Score
3.9
Grades
5th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#2,541 of 2,846
In Beaver Falls
#5 of 7
public schools
In district
#4 of 4
Blackhawk SD
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Highland MS
Middle School in Beaver Falls · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Blackhawk Intermediate Sch
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Blackhawk HS
1.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Highland MS
Highland MS is a public middle school in Beaver Falls, PA, part of Blackhawk SD. Highland MS serves approximately 699 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 15.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Highland MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10 and ranks #2,541 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Highland MS show 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 3.9 · Needs Improvement
- PA avg 5.4
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: 59%).
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 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: 3.2/10.
How Highland MS Compares
See how Highland 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
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 5.3/10, 5.2 miles away, in nearby Beaver), which scores notably higher. Another option is New Brighton Area MS (rated 5.0/10, 3.8 miles away, in nearby New Brighton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Beaver Falls MS (rated 3.1/10, 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 | 8.2 |
| Blackhawk HS Beaver Falls | 1.6 mi | 7.1 |
| 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 | 5.1 |
| BEAVER CO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL -UPPER Beaver Falls | 2.7 mi | 7.6 |
| Beaver Falls Area SHS Beaver Falls | 2.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Central El Sch Beaver Falls | 2.7 mi | 3.0 |
| Dutch Ridge El Sch Beaver | 3.3 mi | 8.2 |
| Beaver Falls MS Beaver Falls | 2.7 mi | 3.1 |
| ST MONICA CATHOLIC ACADEMY Beaver Falls | 2.9 mi | 6.7 |
| New Brighton Area MS New Brighton | 3.8 mi | 5.0 |
| New Brighton Area HS New Brighton | 4.1 mi | 7.3 |
| New Brighton Area El Sch New Brighton | 4.1 mi | 5.8 |
| THE SCHOOL AT MCGUIRE MEMORIAL New Brighton | 4.2 mi | 7.2 |
| Beaver Area MS Beaver | 5.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Beaver Area SHS Beaver | 5.2 mi | 7.0 |
| College Square El Sch Beaver | 5.6 mi | 6.6 |
| SS PETER & PAUL SCHOOL Beaver | 5.7 mi | 5.8 |
| Western Beaver Co JSHS Industry | 6.8 mi | 6.3 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Beaty-Warren MS Warren, PA | 3.9 |
| Broughal MS Bethlehem, PA | 3.9 |
| Exeter Twp JHS Reading, PA | 3.9 |
| Hamburg Area Middle School Hamburg, PA | 3.9 |
| Northeast MS Bethlehem, PA | 3.9 |
| Benjamin Franklin MS Levittown, PA | 3.8 |
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 ranks #2,541 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Highland MS's MySchoolScout rating?
Highland MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 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 Highland MS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Highland MS has 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 66% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 18.3%
- Phone
- (724) 843-1700
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
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