Average
#1354 of 2,846 schools in PA
Top 48% in state
Laurel MS
Middle School · Laurel SD
2497 Harlansburg RD, New Castle, PA 16101
Enrollment
163
Student-Teacher
23.3:1
Score
6.5
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
163
Student-Teacher
23.3:1
Score
6.5
Grades
7th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#1,354 of 2,846
In New Castle
#12 of 18
public schools
In district
#3 of 3
Laurel SD
Academic growth
9.6 / 10
Excellent
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Laurel MS
Middle School in New Castle · grades 7th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Laurel HS
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Laurel EL Sch
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Laurel MS
Laurel MS is a public middle school in New Castle, PA, part of Laurel SD. Laurel MS serves approximately 163 students, and covers grades 7th-8th, and has a 23.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Laurel MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,354 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Laurel MS show 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).
- This school 6.5 · Average
- PA avg 5.4
What Parents Should Know
At 163 students, Laurel MS is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Laurel MS runs 23.3:1 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.
Laurel 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Laurel MS — Students at Laurel MS score 54% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
36.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 16 test records from PA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 9.6/10.
How Laurel MS Compares
See how Laurel 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
2497 Harlansburg RD, New Castle, PA 16101
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Laurel MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Union Area MS (rated 6.4/10, 6.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Wilmington Area MS (rated 3.7/10, 8.6 miles away, in nearby New Wilmington), a more accessible option. Additionally, New Castle JHS (rated 3.1/10, 4.2 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in New Castle, see our New Castle schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Laurel HS New Castle | 0.0 mi | 7.9 |
| Laurel El Sch New Castle | 0.3 mi | 8.0 |
| FAITH COUNTRY CHAPEL PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN New Castle | 2.6 mi | — |
| Harry W Lockley Early Learning Center New Castle | 3.7 mi | 5.7 |
| Shenango HS New Castle | 4.2 mi | 7.0 |
| Shenango El Sch New Castle | 4.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Lawrence County Career and Technical Center New Castle | 4.6 mi | 8.0 |
| New Castle JHS New Castle | 4.2 mi | 3.1 |
| NEW CASTLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY New Castle | 4.2 mi | 6.3 |
| New Castle SHS New Castle | 4.3 mi | 5.1 |
| Washington Intrmd Sch New Castle | 4.5 mi | 3.0 |
| CRAY CHALLENGES ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL (AEDY) New Castle | 5.0 mi | — |
| CRAY EDUCATION CENTER New Castle | 5.0 mi | 6.2 |
| FAYETTE SCHOOL Volant | 6.5 mi | — |
| Neshannock JSHS New Castle | 5.8 mi | 6.0 |
| Neshannock Memorial El Sch New Castle | 5.9 mi | 6.7 |
| Union Memorial El Sch New Castle | 6.2 mi | 7.8 |
| Union Area HS New Castle | 6.6 mi | 8.6 |
| Union Area MS New Castle | 6.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Wilmington Area MS New Wilmington | 8.6 mi | 3.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 16101 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$50,481
Median Home Value
$109,600
Median Rent
$706/mo
Population
30,960
College Educated
18.1%
Homeownership
68.9%
Avg Commute
21.6 min
Poverty Rate
17%
Median Age
43.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Greenwood MS Millerstown, PA | 6.6 |
| Kane Area MS Kane, PA | 6.4 |
| Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8 Pittsburgh, PA | 6.4 |
| Tunkhannock STEM Academy Tunkhannock, PA | 6.4 |
| Union Area MS New Castle, PA | 6.4 |
| HOLY TRINITY MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPUS Altoona, PA | 6.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Laurel MS
What grades does Laurel MS serve?
Laurel MS serves students in grades 7th through 8th.
How many students attend Laurel MS?
Laurel MS has an enrollment of approximately 163 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Laurel MS?
The student-teacher ratio at Laurel MS is 23.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Laurel MS rank in PA?
Laurel MS ranks #1,354 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Laurel MS's MySchoolScout rating?
Laurel MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 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 Laurel MS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Laurel MS has 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).
Is Laurel MS a charter school?
No, Laurel MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Laurel MS a Title I school?
No, Laurel MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Laurel MS?
36.2% of students at Laurel 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
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 163
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 7
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 36.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Lawrence County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 14.1%
- Phone
- (724) 658-9056
Resources & Links
District
Laurel SD- District Enrollment
- 981
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,984
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
Other Schools in This District
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