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Below Average

#2247 of 2,846 schools in PA

Knoch MS

Middle School · Knoch SD

754 Dinnerbell Rd, Saxonburg, PA 16056

Enrollment

483

Student-Teacher

13.4:1

Score

4.7

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,247 of 2,846

In Saxonburg

#4 of 4

public schools

In district

#4 of 4

Knoch SD

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Knoch MS

4.7/10

Middle School in Saxonburg · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Knoch Intermediate EL Sch

7.7/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Knoch Primary Sch

7.5/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Knoch MS

Knoch MS is a public middle school in Saxonburg, PA, part of Knoch SD. Knoch MS serves approximately 483 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 13.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Knoch MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #2,247 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Knoch MS show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.7 pts below PA schools
  • This school 4.7 · Below Average
  • PA avg 5.4

What Parents Should Know

Knoch 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 metrics
Student Progress3.3Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.14 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.2Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency33.1% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency60.4% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-4.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+6.9 pts
Overall Proficiency47% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)59% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-12.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile34th
Resources & Environment6.1Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,504
Chronic Absenteeism18%

Knoch MS — Students at Knoch MS score 47% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

36.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 48.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.5% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 70.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
53.4% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 36 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
85%
ELA
79%
2010
Math
87%
ELA
85%
2011
Math
90%
ELA
81%
2012
Math
87%
ELA
81%
2013
Math
84%
ELA
85%
2014
Math
43%
ELA
71%
2015
Math
40%
ELA
73%
2016
Math
33%
ELA
69%
2017
Math
37%
ELA
67%
2018
Math
38%
ELA
69%
2019
Math
38%
ELA
69%
2020*
Math
25%
ELA
63%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
63%
2022
Math
28.7%
ELA
72.1%
2024
Math
33.7%
ELA
60.6%

* 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: 3.3/10.

How Knoch MS Compares

See how Knoch MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.7/10
21th percentile in PA
Academic
5.2/10
Average
Growth
3.3/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
6.1/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
36%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
36 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
18.0%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

754 Dinnerbell Rd, Saxonburg, PA 16056

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Knoch MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Freeport Area MS (rated 7.8/10, 6.4 miles away, in nearby Freeport), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Deer Lakes MS (rated 6.6/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Cheswick), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Saxonburg, see our Saxonburg schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 8.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Knoch Intermediate El Sch Saxonburg 0.0 mi 7.7
Knoch Primary Sch Saxonburg 0.2 mi 7.5
Knoch HS Saxonburg 0.2 mi 6.8
ST LUKE LUTHERAN SCHOOL Cabot 2.1 mi 6.3
HIS KIDS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Butler 3.9 mi 6.8
Buffalo El Sch Freeport 4.2 mi 6.6
SUMMIT ACADEMY Herman 5.7 mi 9.0
Summit Township El Sch Butler 6.4 mi 7.1
HOLY SEPULCHER CATHOLIC SCHOOL Butler 5.3 mi 6.6
Curtisville Pri Ctr Tarentum 7.2 mi 6.7
McQuistion El Sch Butler 7.3 mi 6.9
PENN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Butler 6.2 mi 6.5
Freeport Area MS Freeport 6.4 mi 7.8
Freeport Area SHS Freeport 6.5 mi 8.3
Deer Lakes MS Cheswick 8.7 mi 6.6
BUTLER CATHOLIC SCHOOL Butler 8.5 mi 5.7
ADELPHOI EDUCATION AT BUTLER Butler 8.6 mi
East Union Intrmd Sch Cheswick 8.9 mi 6.3
Deer Lakes HS Cheswick 8.9 mi 7.5
FIRST BAPTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Butler 8.7 mi 6.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 16056 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$73,527

Median Home Value

$269,600

Median Rent

$886/mo

Population

4,429

College Educated

30.3%

Homeownership

75%

Avg Commute

26.7 min

Poverty Rate

5.8%

Median Age

45.9

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Curtin Intrmd Sch Williamsport, PA 4.7
Lycoming Valley Intrmd Sch Williamsport, PA 4.7
Panther Valley Intermediate Sch Lansford, PA 4.7
Wyoming Area Intermediate Ctr West Pittston, PA 4.7
Yough Intrmd/MS Sch Ruffsdale, PA 4.7
Central Dauphin East MS Harrisburg, PA 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Knoch MS

What grades does Knoch MS serve?

Knoch MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Knoch MS?

Knoch MS has an enrollment of approximately 483 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Knoch MS?

The student-teacher ratio at Knoch MS is 13.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Knoch MS rank in PA?

Knoch MS ranks #2,247 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Knoch MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Knoch MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 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 Knoch MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Knoch MS has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Knoch MS a charter school?

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

Is Knoch MS a Title I school?

No, Knoch MS is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Knoch MS?

36.4% of students at Knoch 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
25 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
33 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
483
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
36
Free/Reduced Lunch
36.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Butler County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
18.0%

District

Knoch SD
District Enrollment
2,052
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,504
District Rank
#4 of 4

How we rate schools

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