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Average

#2293 of 2,842 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

5.0

Grades

7th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Mars

#4 of 5

public schools

Pennsylvania middle schools

#418 of 514

In district

#4 of 5

Mars Area SD

About Mars Area MS

Mars Area MS is a regular public middle school serving students in grades seven and eight. With an enrollment of 513 students, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14.2:1, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention from its 36 full-time teachers. Mars Area MS is located in a large suburban area of Mars, Pennsylvania, within Butler County.

The academic performance at Mars Area MS reflects areas for improvement and growth. The school's MySchoolScout rating is 5.0 out of 10, placing it at the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania schools ranked at #1716 out of 2852. In English Language Arts (ELA) and reading, 73% of students are proficient or above, while in math, only 45% reach proficiency levels.

These scores indicate that Mars Area MS is focusing on enhancing its educational programs to better support student achievement. Mars Area MS sits in a community where families prioritize the development and well-being of their middle school-aged children as they navigate through this pivotal stage of education.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.1Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.87 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.4Above Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency44%
Reading/ELA Proficiency72.7%
Math vs. State Avg+9.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+18.7 pts
Overall Proficiency58%
Expected (poverty-adj.)70%
vs. Expected-11.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile49th
Resources & Environment2.8Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,259

Mars Area MS — Students at Mars Area MS score 58% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 70%).

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 44.6%
School
State
34.7%
ELA Proficiency 73.1%
School
State
53.4%

Based on 10 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
56%
ELA
81%
2021*
Math
36%
ELA
67%
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: 5.1/10.

How Mars Area MS Compares

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

Overall Score
5.0/10
19th percentile in PA
Academic
6.4/10
6.4/10
Growth
5.1/10
Above average
Environment
2.8/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
12%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
36 teachers

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 7.3/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Gibsonia), which scores notably higher. Another option is Mars Area Centennial Sch (rated 6.1/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Pine-Richland MS (rated 5.2/10, 3.4 miles away, in nearby Gibsonia), with a very similar rating. 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 6.8
Mars Area El Sch Mars 0.4 mi 6.7
Mars Area Centennial Sch Mars 0.4 mi 6.1
Mars Area Primary Ctr Mars 0.5 mi 3.7
Eden Hall Upper El Sch Gibsonia 2.7 mi 7.3
Richland El Sch Gibsonia 2.9 mi 6.7
Pine-Richland MS Gibsonia 3.4 mi 5.2
Pine-Richland HS Gibsonia 3.3 mi 8.8
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 4.3
KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER Seven Fields 4.4 mi 3.6
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 5.5
Poff El Sch Gibsonia 6.4 mi 5.3
Wexford El Sch Wexford 6.3 mi 7.3
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

Community Profile

The community surrounding Mars Area MS has a median household income of $143,987. It is a well-educated community where 68% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $481,400, with a median rent of $1,713/month. The local poverty rate of 3.3% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 31 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
C E McCall MS Montoursville, PA 5.0
Memphis Street Academy CS @ JP Jones Philadelphia, PA 5.0
Penn Cambria MS Gallitzin, PA 5.0
St Marys Area MS Saint Marys, PA 5.0
Washington Grover Jr Sch Philadelphia, PA 5.0
Bentworth MS Bentleyville, PA 5.1

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 is ranked #2293 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is Mars Area MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Mars Area MS has a composite rating of 5.0 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 Mars Area MS?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Mars Area MS has 44.6% math proficiency and 73.1% reading/ELA proficiency.

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 →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

District

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

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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