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Average

#2071 of 2,846 schools in PA

Mars Area MS

Middle School · Mars Area SD

1775 Three Degree Rd, Mars, PA 16046

Enrollment

513

Student-Teacher

14.2:1

Score

5.1

Grades

7th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,071 of 2,846

In Mars

#4 of 5

public schools

In district

#4 of 5

Mars Area SD

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Mars Area MS

5.1/10

Middle School in Mars · grades 7th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Longmore Academy

7.1/10

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

Mars Area Shs

8.2/10

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

About Mars Area MS

Mars Area MS is a public middle school in Mars, PA, part of Mars Area SD. Mars Area MS serves approximately 513 students, and covers grades 7th-8th, and has a 14.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Mars Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10 and ranks #2,071 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Mars Area MS show 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 81% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.7 pts below district
  • This school 5.1 · Average
  • District avg 5.8
  • PA avg 5.4

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.4Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.75 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.5Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency44% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency72.7% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg+9.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+18.7 pts
Overall Proficiency58% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)69% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected-10.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile49th
Resources & Environment4.4Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,784
Chronic Absenteeism12.1%

Mars Area MS — Students at Mars Area MS score 58% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 69%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

11.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 60.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
34.7% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 80.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
53.4% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 34 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
90%
ELA
90%
2010
Math
89%
ELA
93%
2011
Math
86%
ELA
93%
2012
Math
93%
ELA
90%
2013
Math
93%
ELA
91%
2014
Math
54%
ELA
79%
2015
Math
56%
ELA
81%
2016
Math
62%
ELA
81%
2017
Math
61%
ELA
86%
2018
Math
56%
ELA
81%
2019
Math
56%
ELA
81%
2020*
Math
36%
ELA
67%
2021*
Math
36%
ELA
67%
2022
Math
36.8%
ELA
77%
2024
Math
43.7%
ELA
72.5%

* 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: 4.4/10.

How Mars Area MS Compares

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

Overall Score
5.1/10
27th percentile in PA
Academic
6.5/10
Average
Growth
4.4/10
Below Average
Environment
4.4/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
12%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
36 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
12.1%

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

1775 Three Degree Rd, Mars, PA 16046

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Mars Area MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Eden Hall Upper El Sch (rated 8.6/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Gibsonia), which scores notably higher. Another option is Pine-Richland MS (rated 7.3/10, 3.4 miles away, in nearby Gibsonia), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Mars Area Centennial Sch (rated 6.5/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Mars, see our Mars schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.1 mi
School Distance Rating
LONGMORE ACADEMY Mars 0.3 mi 7.1
Mars Area SHS Mars 0.3 mi 8.2
Mars Area El Sch Mars 0.4 mi 7.5
Mars Area Centennial Sch Mars 0.4 mi 6.5
Mars Area Primary Ctr Mars 0.5 mi 3.9
Eden Hall Upper El Sch Gibsonia 2.7 mi 8.6
Richland El Sch Gibsonia 2.9 mi 8.8
Pine-Richland MS Gibsonia 3.4 mi 7.3
Pine-Richland HS Gibsonia 3.3 mi 9.2
HOLY SEPULCHER CATHOLIC SCHOOL Butler 3.6 mi 6.6
EURO ACADEMY Wexford 3.7 mi
STEM STEPS Gibsonia 4.7 mi
Hance El Sch Gibsonia 4.9 mi 8.0
KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER Seven Fields 4.4 mi 3.7
PENN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Butler 6.1 mi 6.5
NORTH PITTSBURGH CHILDRENS HOUSE Gibsonia 6.3 mi
NORTH CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Cranberry Township 4.9 mi 5.6
Poff El Sch Gibsonia 6.4 mi 8.4
Wexford El Sch Wexford 6.3 mi 8.5
HOPE ACADEMY Wexford 6.1 mi 6.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 16046 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$143,987

Median Home Value

$481,400

Median Rent

$1,713/mo

Population

19,577

College Educated

67.5%

Homeownership

83.2%

Avg Commute

30.7 min

Poverty Rate

3.3%

Median Age

40.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Memphis Street Academy CS @ JP Jones Philadelphia, PA 5.1
Oil City Area MS Oil City, PA 5.1
Shikellamy MS Northumberland, PA 5.1
Sinking Springs El Sch York, PA 5.1
South Eastern MS Fawn Grove, PA 5.1
Boyertown Area MS-West Boyertown, PA 5.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mars Area MS

What grades does Mars Area MS serve?

Mars Area MS serves students in grades 7th through 8th.

How many students attend Mars Area MS?

Mars Area MS has an enrollment of approximately 513 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Mars Area MS?

The student-teacher ratio at Mars Area MS is 14.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Mars Area MS rank in PA?

Mars Area MS ranks #2,071 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Mars Area MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Mars Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 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 Mars Area MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Mars Area MS has 61% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 81% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Mars Area MS a charter school?

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

Is Mars Area MS a Title I school?

No, Mars Area MS is not currently a Title I school.

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

11.9% of students at Mars Area 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
24 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
30 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
513
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
36
Free/Reduced Lunch
11.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Butler County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
12.1%

District

Mars Area SD
District Enrollment
3,607
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,784
District Rank
#4 of 5

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