Average
#1121 of 2,842 schools in PA
Top 39% in state
Mars Area Shs
High School · Mars Area SD
520 Route 228, Mars, PA 16046
Enrollment
1,048
Student-Teacher
11:1
Score
6.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,048
Student-Teacher
11:1
Score
6.8
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Mars
#1 of 5
public schools
Pennsylvania high schools
#173 of 641
In district
#1 of 5
Mars Area SD
Academic performance
9.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Mars Area Shs
Mars Area Senior High School serves 1,048 students in grades 9-12 in the affluent suburban community of Mars, Pennsylvania. With 95 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an excellent 11.0:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for more personalized attention in the classroom. The school demonstrates strong academic performance, earning an impressive 8.3 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking #227 out of 2,852 Pennsylvania high schools, placing it in the 92nd percentile statewide.
Students show particular strength in English Language Arts and reading, with 77% achieving proficiency or above across grade levels. In mathematics, 60% of students perform at proficient levels or higher. Mars Area Senior High School benefits from its location in an educated and economically stable community.
The surrounding 16046 zip code area has a median household income of $135,805 and a median home value of $454,200, with 64% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher. The low poverty rate of just 2.7% reflects the area's prosperity. Located at 520 Route 228 in Butler County, the school sits in the heart of a thriving large suburban area that values education and provides strong community support for student achievement.
Score Breakdown
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Mars Area Shs — Students at Mars Area Shs score 88% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 70%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
12.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 6 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: 3.0/10.
How Mars Area Shs Compares
See how Mars Area Shs performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 81% (2019) to 82% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 91% (2019) to 93% (2021).
Location
520 Route 228, Mars, PA 16046
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Mars Area Shs may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Pine-Richland HS (rated 8.8/10, 3.0 miles away, in nearby Gibsonia), which scores notably higher. Additionally, NORTH CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.5/10, 4.7 miles away, in nearby Cranberry Township), a more accessible option. For more schools in Mars, see our Mars schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| LONGMORE ACADEMY Mars | 0.1 mi | 7.1 |
| Mars Area MS Mars | 0.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Mars Area El Sch Mars | 0.4 mi | 6.7 |
| Mars Area Primary Ctr Mars | 0.3 mi | 3.7 |
| Mars Area Centennial Sch Mars | 0.7 mi | 6.1 |
| Eden Hall Upper El Sch Gibsonia | 2.5 mi | 7.3 |
| Richland El Sch Gibsonia | 2.7 mi | 6.7 |
| Pine-Richland MS Gibsonia | 3.0 mi | 5.2 |
| Pine-Richland HS Gibsonia | 3.0 mi | 8.8 |
| EURO ACADEMY Wexford | 3.4 mi | — |
| STEM STEPS Gibsonia | 4.4 mi | — |
| HOLY SEPULCHER CATHOLIC SCHOOL Butler | 3.9 mi | 6.6 |
| Hance El Sch Gibsonia | 4.7 mi | 4.3 |
| KINDER CARE LEARNING CENTER Seven Fields | 4.2 mi | 3.6 |
| NORTH CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Cranberry Township | 4.7 mi | 5.5 |
| NORTH PITTSBURGH CHILDRENS HOUSE Gibsonia | 6.1 mi | — |
| Poff El Sch Gibsonia | 6.2 mi | 5.3 |
| PENN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Butler | 6.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Wexford El Sch Wexford | 6.0 mi | 7.3 |
| HOPE ACADEMY Wexford | 5.8 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 Shs 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 |
|---|---|
| Bradford Area HS Bradford, PA | 6.8 |
| Harbor Creek Senior HS Harborcreek, PA | 6.8 |
| Honesdale HS Honesdale, PA | 6.8 |
| Pittsburgh Allderdice HS Pittsburgh, PA | 6.8 |
| Richland HS Johnstown, PA | 6.8 |
| Tamaqua Area SHS Tamaqua, PA | 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mars Area Shs
What grades does Mars Area Shs serve?
Mars Area Shs serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Mars Area Shs?
Mars Area Shs has an enrollment of approximately 1,048 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Mars Area Shs?
The student-teacher ratio at Mars Area Shs is 11:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Mars Area Shs rank in PA?
Mars Area Shs is ranked #1121 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is Mars Area Shs's MySchoolScout rating?
Mars Area Shs 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 Mars Area Shs?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Mars Area Shs has 74.2% math proficiency and 87.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Mars Area Shs a charter school?
No, Mars Area Shs is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Mars Area Shs a Title I school?
No, Mars Area Shs is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mars Area Shs?
12.1% of students at Mars Area Shs qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,048
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 95
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 12.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Butler County
- Phone
- (724) 625-1581
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Mars Area SD- District Enrollment
- 3,607
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,784
- District Rank
- #1 of 5
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
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