Average
#1408 of 2,842 schools in PA
Top 50% in state
Lower Dauphin MS
Middle School · Lower Dauphin SD
251 Quarry Rd, Hummelstown, PA 17036
Enrollment
841
Student-Teacher
12.7:1
Score
6.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
841
Student-Teacher
12.7:1
Score
6.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Hummelstown
#2 of 3
public schools
Pennsylvania middle schools
#243 of 514
In district
#5 of 7
Lower Dauphin SD
About Lower Dauphin MS
Lower Dauphin Middle School serves grades 6 through 8 in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, with an enrollment of 841 students. The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12.7 to 1, supported by 66 full-time equivalent teachers, which allows for reasonable classroom attention in this large suburban setting. Academically, the school is working toward strengthening student performance across key areas.
In English Language Arts and Reading, 61% of students score at or above proficiency levels, showing relative strength in literacy instruction. Mathematics presents an opportunity for growth, with 38% of students meeting or exceeding proficiency benchmarks. The school's overall academic score of 5.6 out of 10 reflects room for development in student achievement.
At the state level, Lower Dauphin MS ranks 1,514th out of 2,852 Pennsylvania schools, placing it in the 47th percentile—indicating performance near the middle range of the state's educational landscape. With a MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 out of 10, the school represents a middle-tier option in its region. The school is situated in a large suburban community, which typically offers families a mix of neighborhood amenities and school accessibility.
For families considering this school, Lower Dauphin MS provides a foundation for middle grades education with ongoing opportunities to enhance academic outcomes.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Lower Dauphin MS — Students at Lower Dauphin MS score 50% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 62%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
30.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 12 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: 6.9/10.
How Lower Dauphin MS Compares
See how Lower Dauphin MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 42% (2019) to 38.7% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 70% (2019) to 61% (2024).
Location
251 Quarry Rd, Hummelstown, PA 17036
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Lower Dauphin MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Hershey MS (rated 8.6/10, 3.2 miles away, in nearby Hershey), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Middletown Area MS (rated 5.5/10, 4.3 miles away, in nearby Middletown), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Hummelstown, see our Hummelstown schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price Hummelstown | 0.5 mi | — |
| Lower Dauphin HS Hummelstown | 0.5 mi | 7.1 |
| Nye El Sch Hummelstown | 0.8 mi | 6.2 |
| FIRST DISCOVERIES AT BRIGHT HORIZONS Hershey | 1.5 mi | — |
| GODDARD SCHOOL Hummelstown | 1.9 mi | — |
| South Hanover El Sch Hershey | 2.2 mi | 8.5 |
| ST JOAN OF ARC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Hummels Town | 2.0 mi | 5.9 |
| TENDER YEARS Hershey | 3.1 mi | — |
| Hershey Early Childhood Ctr Hershey | 3.1 mi | 7.6 |
| HERSHEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hummelstown | 3.0 mi | 7.6 |
| Hershey Primary El Sch Hershey | 3.1 mi | 8.7 |
| Hershey Intrmd El Sch Hershey | 3.1 mi | 8.6 |
| Hershey HS Hershey | 3.1 mi | 7.2 |
| Hershey MS Hershey | 3.2 mi | 8.6 |
| Middletown Area HS Middletown | 4.1 mi | 4.7 |
| Robert Reid El Sch Middletown | 4.1 mi | 8.9 |
| MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL Hershey | 3.5 mi | 7.1 |
| SEVEN SORROWS BVM SCHOOL Middletown | 4.5 mi | 8.0 |
| Middletown Area MS Middletown | 4.3 mi | 5.5 |
| Fink El Sch Middletown | 4.7 mi | 8.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 17036 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$105,043
Median Home Value
$316,900
Median Rent
$1,362/mo
Population
22,487
College Educated
60.2%
Homeownership
73%
Avg Commute
21.2 min
Poverty Rate
6.5%
Median Age
41.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Lower Dauphin MS has a median household income of $105,043. It is a well-educated community where 60% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $316,900, with a median rent of $1,362/month. The local poverty rate of 6.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 21 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 |
|---|---|
| Crossroads MS Lewisberry, PA | 6.4 |
| Indian Valley MS Harleysville, PA | 6.4 |
| James Buchanan MS Mercersburg, PA | 6.4 |
| James S Wilson MS Erie, PA | 6.4 |
| Linton MS Pittsburgh, PA | 6.4 |
| Canon-McMillan MS Canonsburg, PA | 6.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lower Dauphin MS
What grades does Lower Dauphin MS serve?
Lower Dauphin MS serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Lower Dauphin MS?
Lower Dauphin MS has an enrollment of approximately 841 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Lower Dauphin MS?
The student-teacher ratio at Lower Dauphin MS is 12.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Lower Dauphin MS rank in PA?
Lower Dauphin MS is ranked #1408 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is Lower Dauphin MS's MySchoolScout rating?
Lower Dauphin MS has a composite rating of 6.4 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 Lower Dauphin MS?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Lower Dauphin MS has 37.6% math proficiency and 61.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Lower Dauphin MS a charter school?
No, Lower Dauphin MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Lower Dauphin MS a Title I school?
No, Lower Dauphin MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Lower Dauphin MS?
30.6% of students at Lower Dauphin 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Elevated (1,113/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Hummelstown). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 841
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 66
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 30.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Dauphin County
- Phone
- (717) 566-5310
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Lower Dauphin SD- District Enrollment
- 3,444
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,916
- District Rank
- #5 of 7
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated 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.