Skip to main content

Average

#1660 of 2,842 schools in PA

Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center

Middle School · Downingtown Area SD

489 Dorlan Mill Road, Downingtown, PA 19335

Enrollment

1,036

Student-Teacher

13.5:1

Score

6.0

Grades

6th – 6th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Downingtown

#13 of 13

public schools

Pennsylvania middle schools

#287 of 514

In district

#16 of 16

Downingtown Area SD

Academic performance

7.2 / 10

Strong

About Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center

Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center serves 1,036 sixth-grade students in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, offering a focused transition experience between elementary and middle school years. With 77 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a manageable 13.5:1 student-teacher ratio that allows for meaningful individual attention during this pivotal academic year. Academically, Marsh Creek performs solidly with a 7.8/10 academic score and ranks in the 74th percentile statewide at #753 out of 2,852 Pennsylvania schools.

The school shows strong performance in English Language Arts with 68% of students achieving proficiency or above, while 58% reach proficiency in mathematics. This concentrated sixth-grade model allows educators to specifically address the developmental and academic needs of this age group. The school draws from an affluent community in Chester County, where the median household income reaches $130,634 and 60% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher.

With a low poverty rate of just 3.0% and median home values of $443,600, the surrounding neighborhood reflects a well-established, education-focused community. Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center operates within Downingtown's large suburban setting, providing students with a specialized environment designed to ease the transition from elementary school while preparing them for the broader middle school experience ahead.

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-1.86 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.2Very Good35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency57.9%
Reading/ELA Proficiency67.5%
Math vs. State Avg+20.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+14 pts
Overall Proficiency63%
Expected (poverty-adj.)68%
vs. Expected-5.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile59th
Resources & Environment5.8Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,432

Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center — Students at Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center score 63% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 68%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

15.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 57.2%
School
State
39.3%
ELA Proficiency 75.5%
School
State
53.4%

Based on 8 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
60%
ELA
84%
2021*
Math
53%
ELA
83%
2024
Math
57.9%
ELA
67.5%

* 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 Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center Compares

See how Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.0/10
42th percentile in PA
Academic
7.2/10
7.2/10
Growth
5.1/10
Above average
Environment
5.8/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
16%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
77 teachers

Location

489 Dorlan Mill Road, Downingtown, PA 19335

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Downingtown MS (rated 7.2/10, 3.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Lionville MS (rated 6.6/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Exton), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Downingtown, see our Downingtown schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Shamona Creek El Sch Downingtown 0.1 mi 7.0
WINDSOR CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Uwchland 1.6 mi 6.7
Pickering Valley El Sch Chester Springs 1.9 mi 7.4
Insight PA Cyber CS Exton 1.6 mi 3.8
Uwchlan Hills El Sch Downingtown 1.9 mi 8.1
BETH ISRAEL KINDERGARTEN Eagle 2.3 mi
Lionville El Sch Downingtown 2.3 mi 7.2
Lionville MS Exton 2.3 mi 6.6
Downingtown HS East Campus Exton 2.4 mi 7.4
Downingtown MS Downingtown 3.1 mi 7.2
East Ward El Sch Downingtown 3.1 mi 6.8
Downingtown HS West Campus Downingtown 3.2 mi 7.1
BISHOP SHANAHAN HIGH SCHOOL Downingtown 3.3 mi 4.7
Downingtown STEM Academy Downingtown 3.3 mi 8.6
Chester County Tech College HS - Brandywine Campus Downingtown 3.6 mi 6.4
Achievement House CS Exton 2.9 mi 4.2
Collegium CS Exton 3.3 mi 5.0
Brandywine-Wallace El Sch Downingtown 3.0 mi 8.0
DEVEREUX DAY SCHOOL-CARES Downingtown 3.8 mi 8.4
West Vincent El Sch Chester Springs 3.9 mi 7.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 19335 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$136,839

Median Home Value

$464,400

Median Rent

$1,647/mo

Population

52,524

College Educated

61.6%

Homeownership

80%

Avg Commute

26.6 min

Poverty Rate

3%

Median Age

40.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center has a median household income of $136,839. It is a well-educated community where 62% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $464,400, with a median rent of $1,647/month. The local poverty rate of 3.0% 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
Conewago Valley Intrmd Sch New Oxford, PA 6.0
E N Peirce MS West Chester, PA 6.0
West York Area MS York, PA 6.0
Whitehall-Coplay MS Whitehall, PA 6.0
Central Dauphin MS Harrisburg, PA 5.9
Dallastown Area MS Dallastown, PA 5.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center

What grades does Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center serve?

Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center serves students in grades 6th through 6th.

How many students attend Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center?

Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center has an enrollment of approximately 1,036 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center?

The student-teacher ratio at Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center is 13.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center rank in PA?

Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center is ranked #1660 out of 2,842 schools in PA.

What is Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center's MySchoolScout rating?

Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center has a composite rating of 6.0 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 Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center has 57.2% math proficiency and 75.5% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center a charter school?

No, Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center a Title I school?

No, Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center?

15.6% of students at Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center 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
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
21 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (2,185/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Downingtown). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 6th
Enrollment
1,036
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
77
Free/Reduced Lunch
15.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Chester County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Downingtown Area SD
District Enrollment
13,238
Schools in District
16
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,308
District Rank
#16 of 16

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

Related 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.