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Average

#2021 of 2,846 schools in PA

Mercer Area MS

Middle School · Mercer Area SD

545 W Butler Street, Mercer, PA 16137

Enrollment

133

Student-Teacher

13.3:1

Score

5.2

Grades

7th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#2,021 of 2,846

In Mercer

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

Mercer Area SD

Equity

7.7 / 10

Very Good

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Mercer Area MS

5.2/10

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

Mercer Area Shs

6.9/10

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

Mercer Area EL Sch

7.2/10

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

About Mercer Area MS

Mercer Area MS is a public middle school in Mercer, PA, part of Mercer Area SD. Mercer Area MS serves approximately 133 students, and covers grades 7th-8th, and has a 13.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Mercer Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and ranks #2,021 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Mercer Area MS show 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with PA schools
  • This school 5.2 · Average
  • PA avg 5.4

What Parents Should Know

At 133 students, Mercer Area MS is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Mercer Area MS sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.0Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.9 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.0Very Good35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency27.3% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency62.2% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-7.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+8.2 pts
Overall Proficiency45% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+11.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile56th
Resources & Environment4.6Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,882
Chronic Absenteeism27.8%

Mercer Area MS — Students at Mercer Area MS score 45% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

100%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 41.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
34.7% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 68.1% (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
76%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
82%
2012
Math
77%
ELA
78%
2013
Math
77%
ELA
82%
2014
Math
22%
ELA
57%
2015
Math
27%
ELA
67%
2016
Math
22%
ELA
62%
2017
Math
27%
ELA
62%
2018
Math
37%
ELA
67%
2019
Math
37%
ELA
67%
2020*
Math
27%
ELA
62%
2021*
Math
27%
ELA
62%
2022
Math
22%
ELA
62.2%
2024
Math
26%
ELA
61%

* 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: 4.0/10.

How Mercer Area MS Compares

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

Overall Score
5.2/10
29th percentile in PA
Academic
7.0/10
Very Good
Growth
4.0/10
Below Average
Environment
4.6/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
27.8%

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

545 W Butler Street, Mercer, PA 16137

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Mercer Area MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Wilmington Area MS (rated 3.7/10, 8.3 miles away, in nearby New Wilmington), a more accessible option. Another option is WOOD LAWN SCHOOL (rated 2.8/10, 5.9 miles away, in nearby New Wilmington), a more accessible option. Additionally, VALLEY VIEW SCHOOL (rated 2.7/10, 10.4 miles away, in nearby Fredonia), a more accessible option. For more schools in Mercer, see our Mercer schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Mercer Area SHS Mercer 0.0 mi 6.9
Mercer Area El Sch Mercer 0.3 mi 7.2
CREATIVE LEARNING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Mercer 1.1 mi 7.3
Mercer County Career Center Mercer 1.8 mi
WOOD LAWN SCHOOL New Wilmington 5.9 mi 2.8
WILLOW CREEK SCHOOL Jackson Center 6.6 mi
DUTCH LANE SCHOOL Jackson Center 7.2 mi
Wilmington Area MS New Wilmington 8.3 mi 3.7
Wilmington Area HS New Wilmington 8.3 mi 8.6
Wilmington Area El Sch New Wilmington 8.3 mi 6.0
FAYETTE SCHOOL Volant 9.0 mi
PLEASANT VIEW SCHOOL Fredonia 9.4 mi
PINE HOLLOW SCHOOL Fredonia 10.3 mi
VALLEY VIEW SCHOOL Fredonia 10.4 mi 2.7
Grove City Area HS Grove City 8.9 mi 7.9
GROVE CITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Grove City 9.3 mi 5.4
STONEBORO WESLEYAN METHODIST SCHOOL Stoneboro 10.3 mi 5.7
GROVE CITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Grove City 9.9 mi 4.2
Reynolds El Sch Greenville 10.9 mi 4.0
Neshannock JSHS New Castle 12.1 mi 6.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 16137 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$69,975

Median Home Value

$176,800

Median Rent

$635/mo

Population

12,327

College Educated

21.4%

Homeownership

81.6%

Avg Commute

24.6 min

Poverty Rate

13.1%

Median Age

43.1

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Bristol MS Bristol, PA 5.2
Millersburg Area Middle School Millersburg, PA 5.1
Lafayette MS Uniontown, PA 4.9
ST TERESA OF CALCUTTA Mc Sherrystown, PA 5.6
Claysburg-Kimmel Jr HS Claysburg, PA 4.8
WEST FALLOWFIELD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Atglen, PA 5.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mercer Area MS

What grades does Mercer Area MS serve?

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

How many students attend Mercer Area MS?

Mercer Area MS has an enrollment of approximately 133 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Mercer Area MS is 13.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Mercer Area MS rank in PA?

Mercer Area MS ranks #2,021 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Mercer Area MS's MySchoolScout rating?

Mercer Area MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 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 Mercer Area MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Mercer Area MS has 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 68% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Mercer Area MS a charter school?

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

Is Mercer Area MS a Title I school?

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

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

100.0% of students at Mercer 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
22 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
30 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
133
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Mercer County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
27.8%

District

Mercer Area SD
District Enrollment
1,027
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,882
District Rank
#3 of 3

Other Schools in This District

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