Skip to main content

Below Average

#2323 of 2,846 schools in PA

Ligonier Valley MS

Middle School · Ligonier Valley SD

536 Bell Street, Ligonier, PA 15658

Enrollment

291

Student-Teacher

12.1:1

Score

4.5

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,323 of 2,846

In Ligonier

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#4 of 4

Ligonier Valley SD

School environment

8.2 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Ligonier Valley MS?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Ligonier Valley MS

4.5/10

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

Mellon EL Sch

7.3/10

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

Ligonier Valley HS

7.1/10

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

About Ligonier Valley MS

Ligonier Valley MS is a public middle school in Ligonier, PA, part of Ligonier Valley SD. Ligonier Valley MS serves approximately 291 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 12.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Ligonier Valley MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10 and ranks #2,323 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Ligonier Valley MS show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.9 pts below PA schools
  • This school 4.5 · Below Average
  • PA avg 5.4

What Parents Should Know

Ligonier Valley 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 Progress1.8Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.96 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.0Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency30.9% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency57.7% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-6.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+4.2 pts
Overall Proficiency44% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)56% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-12.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile32th
Resources & Environment8.2Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$20,221
Chronic Absenteeism23.4%

Ligonier Valley MS — Students at Ligonier Valley MS score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 56%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

43%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 48.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.5% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 67.3% (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
95%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
91%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
90%
ELA
80%
2012
Math
91%
ELA
78%
2013
Math
92%
ELA
79%
2014
Math
48%
ELA
65%
2015
Math
56%
ELA
74%
2016
Math
49%
ELA
71%
2017
Math
39%
ELA
70%
2018
Math
31%
ELA
67%
2019
Math
31%
ELA
67%
2020*
Math
13%
ELA
55%
2021*
Math
13%
ELA
55%
2022
Math
18.5%
ELA
58%
2024
Math
30.3%
ELA
57.3%

* 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: 1.8/10.

How Ligonier Valley MS Compares

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

Overall Score
4.5/10
18th percentile in PA
Academic
5.0/10
Average
Growth
1.8/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
8.2/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
43%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
24 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
23.4%

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

536 Bell Street, Ligonier, PA 15658

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Ligonier Valley MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Derry Area MS (rated 6.4/10, 8.1 miles away, in nearby Derry), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Greater Latrobe JHS (rated 6.2/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Latrobe), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Ligonier, see our Ligonier schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 14.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Mellon El Sch Ligonier 0.1 mi 7.3
Ligonier Valley HS Ligonier 1.2 mi 7.1
OUTSIDE IN SCHOOL Bolivar 4.5 mi 7.8
BIBLE BAPTIST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Latrobe 7.0 mi 6.7
Derry Area SHS Derry 8.1 mi 7.6
Grandview El Sch Derry 8.2 mi 7.1
Derry Area MS Derry 8.1 mi 6.4
GRACE BIBLE ACADEMY Bradenville 7.9 mi 6.8
Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center Latrobe 8.4 mi
Baggaley El Sch Latrobe 8.2 mi 6.6
Greater Latrobe SHS Latrobe 8.3 mi 7.3
Greater Latrobe JHS Latrobe 8.4 mi 6.2
Latrobe El Sch Latrobe 9.1 mi 6.8
Laurel Valley El Sch New Florence 10.1 mi 5.3
ADELPHOI EDUCATION PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION Latrobe 9.5 mi
CHRIST THE DIVINE TEACHER SCHOOL Latrobe 9.6 mi 5.2
Dr Robert Ketterer CS Inc Latrobe 9.9 mi 7.5
Donegal El Sch Jones Mills 12.1 mi 6.6
Blairsville El Sch Blairsville 14.2 mi 6.6
River Valley HS Blairsville 14.2 mi 5.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 15658 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$78,750

Median Home Value

$234,600

Median Rent

$1,006/mo

Population

8,114

College Educated

38.1%

Homeownership

85%

Avg Commute

26.7 min

Poverty Rate

7.1%

Median Age

55.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Line Mountain MS Herndon, PA 4.5
Pittsburgh Allegheny 6-8 Pittsburgh, PA 4.5
Clemente Roberto MS Philadelphia, PA 4.4
Columbia MS Hill Campus Columbia, PA 4.4
McGuffey MS Claysville, PA 4.4
Tuscarora MS Mifflintown, PA 4.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ligonier Valley MS

What grades does Ligonier Valley MS serve?

Ligonier Valley MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Ligonier Valley MS?

Ligonier Valley MS has an enrollment of approximately 291 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Ligonier Valley MS?

The student-teacher ratio at Ligonier Valley MS is 12.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Ligonier Valley MS rank in PA?

Ligonier Valley MS ranks #2,323 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Ligonier Valley MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Ligonier Valley MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 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 Ligonier Valley MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Ligonier Valley MS has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Ligonier Valley MS a charter school?

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

Is Ligonier Valley MS a Title I school?

No, Ligonier Valley MS is not currently a Title I school.

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

43.0% of students at Ligonier Valley 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
15 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
7 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
291
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
24
Free/Reduced Lunch
43.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Westmoreland County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
23.4%

District

Ligonier Valley SD
District Enrollment
1,375
Schools in District
4
Per-Pupil Spending
$20,221
District Rank
#4 of 4

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.