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Average

#1119 of 2,842 schools in PA

Top 39% in state

Ligonier Valley MS

Middle School · Ligonier Valley SD

536 Bell Street, Ligonier, PA 15658

Enrollment

291

Student-Teacher

12.1:1

Score

6.8

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Ligonier

#2 of 3

public schools

Pennsylvania middle schools

#188 of 514

In district

#3 of 4

Ligonier Valley SD

School environment

8.5 / 10

Exceptional

About Ligonier Valley MS

Ligonier Valley MS is a regular public middle school located in the rural community of Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Serving students from sixth through eighth grade, the school has an enrollment of 291 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12.1:1, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention. The school's dedicated team of 24 full-time equivalent teachers focuses on supporting their students' academic and social growth.

Ligonier Valley MS currently holds a MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10, reflecting its position at the 42nd percentile among Pennsylvania schools ranked #1666 out of 2852. Academically, 59% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while a smaller percentage, 28%, achieve proficiency in math. The school is focusing on strategies to improve these scores and provide more comprehensive educational support for its students.

The setting at Ligonier Valley MS offers a close-knit community feel, where teachers know their students well and parents are often involved in school activities. Located in the heart of rural Westmoreland County, the school benefits from a peaceful environment that fosters learning and personal development.

What Parents Should Know

Located in a rural area, Ligonier Valley MS may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.1Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.83 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics5.1Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency30.9%
Reading/ELA Proficiency57.7%
Math vs. State Avg-6.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+4.2 pts
Overall Proficiency44%
Expected (poverty-adj.)57%
vs. Expected-12.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile32th
Resources & Environment8.5Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,436

Ligonier Valley MS — Students at Ligonier Valley MS score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 57%).

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 27.5%
School
State
35.5%
ELA Proficiency 58.5%
School
State
53.4%

Based on 12 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
31%
ELA
67%
2021*
Math
13%
ELA
55%
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: 7.1/10.

How Ligonier Valley MS Compares

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

Overall Score
6.8/10
61th percentile in PA
Academic
5.1/10
5.1/10
Growth
7.1/10
Above average
Environment
8.5/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
43%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
24 teachers

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 7.5/10, 8.1 miles away, in nearby Derry), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Greater Latrobe JHS (rated 6.6/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Latrobe), with a very similar rating. 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 9.1
Ligonier Valley HS Ligonier 1.2 mi 5.8
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 6.5
Grandview El Sch Derry 8.2 mi 6.3
Derry Area MS Derry 8.1 mi 7.5
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 5.0
Greater Latrobe SHS Latrobe 8.3 mi 6.4
Greater Latrobe JHS Latrobe 8.4 mi 6.6
Latrobe El Sch Latrobe 9.1 mi 5.3
Laurel Valley El Sch New Florence 10.1 mi 8.4
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 7.1
Donegal El Sch Jones Mills 12.1 mi 7.5
Blairsville El Sch Blairsville 14.2 mi 7.0
River Valley HS Blairsville 14.2 mi 6.3

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

Community Profile

The community surrounding Ligonier Valley MS has a median household income of $78,750. It is an area where 38% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $234,600, with a median rent of $1,006/month. The local poverty rate of 7.1% is relatively low. 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
Marticville MS Pequea, PA 6.8
Palmerton Area JHS Palmerton, PA 6.8
Pennridge South MS Perkasie, PA 6.8
Beaver Area MS Beaver, PA 6.7
McConnellsburg MS Mcconnellsburg, PA 6.7
Science Leadership Academy MS Philadelphia, PA 6.7

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 is ranked #1119 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is Ligonier Valley MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Ligonier Valley MS has a composite rating of 6.8 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 Ligonier Valley MS?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Ligonier Valley MS has 27.5% math proficiency and 58.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

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 →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

District

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

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 methodology

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