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Average

#1870 of 2,846 schools in PA

North Star East MS

Middle School · North Star SD

3598 Whistler Rd, Stoystown, PA 15563

Enrollment

283

Student-Teacher

9.8:1

Score

5.5

Grades

5th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#1,870 of 2,846

In district

#3 of 3

North Star SD

School environment

8.6 / 10

Excellent

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North Star East MS

5.5/10

Middle School in Stoystown · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Shanksville-stonycreek EL Sch

4.6/10

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

Shanksville-stonycreek MS

5.1/10

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

About North Star East MS

North Star East MS is a public middle school in Stoystown, PA, part of North Star SD. North Star East MS serves approximately 283 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 9.8:1 student-teacher ratio. North Star East MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,870 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for North Star East MS show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with PA schools
  • This school 5.5 · Average
  • PA avg 5.4

What Parents Should Know

At 9.8:1 students to teachers, North Star East MS sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

North Star East 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 Progress2.7Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.41 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.6Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency30.6% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency54.3% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-12.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+1.9 pts
Overall Proficiency42% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+9.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile51th
Resources & Environment8.6Excellent25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio9.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,078
Chronic Absenteeism11.3%

North Star East MS — Students at North Star East MS score 42% 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 44.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
37.0% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 62.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
53.2% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 38 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
86%
ELA
79%
2010
Math
91%
ELA
79%
2011
Math
86%
ELA
76%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
70%
2013
Math
78%
ELA
71%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
59%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
61%
2016
Math
40%
ELA
61%
2017
Math
35%
ELA
67%
2018
Math
30%
ELA
65%
2019
Math
30%
ELA
65%
2020*
Math
20%
ELA
56%
2021*
Math
20%
ELA
56%
2022
Math
22.6%
ELA
54.3%
2024
Math
31%
ELA
53.8%

* 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: 2.7/10.

How North Star East MS Compares

See how North Star East MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.5/10
34th percentile in PA
Academic
6.6/10
Average
Growth
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
8.6/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
10:1 student-teacher ratio
29 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
11.3%

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

3598 Whistler Rd, Stoystown, PA 15563

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering North Star East MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Berlin Brothersvalley MS (rated 5.7/10, 12.6 miles away, in nearby Berlin), with a very similar rating. Another option is Windber Area MS (rated 5.3/10, 10.6 miles away, in nearby Windber), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Shanksville-Stonycreek MS (rated 5.1/10, 6.4 miles away, in nearby Shanksville), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Stoystown, see our Stoystown schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Shanksville-Stonycreek El Sch Shanksville 6.4 mi 4.6
Shanksville-Stonycreek MS Shanksville 6.4 mi 5.1
Shanksville-Stonycreek HS Shanksville 6.4 mi 8.4
North Star HS Boswell 6.3 mi 7.5
North Star Central El Sch Boswell 6.4 mi 8.8
STONYBROOK SCHOOL Berlin 7.8 mi
Cairnbrook El Sch Cairnbrook 6.5 mi 6.6
Shade JSHS Cairnbrook 6.5 mi 6.1
Conemaugh Twp Area MS/SHS Davidsville 8.6 mi 6.4
Somerset County Technology Center Somerset 8.5 mi
Conemaugh Twp Area El Sch Johnstown 9.6 mi 9.0
JOHNSTOWN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hollsopple 10.1 mi 7.6
APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Somerset 9.4 mi
Windber El Sch Windber 10.2 mi 5.7
Windber Area HS Windber 10.6 mi 7.3
Windber Area MS Windber 10.6 mi 5.3
Somerset Area Jr-Sr HS Somerset 10.6 mi 6.5
Berlin Brothersvalley MS Berlin 12.6 mi 5.7
Berlin Brothersvalley El Sch Berlin 12.6 mi 5.9
Berlin Brothersvalley SHS Berlin 12.6 mi 7.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 15563 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$59,851

Median Home Value

$119,400

Median Rent

$615/mo

Population

2,598

College Educated

18%

Homeownership

85.1%

Avg Commute

21.2 min

Poverty Rate

11%

Median Age

49

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Pequea Valley Intrmd Sch Kinzers, PA 5.5
Marticville MS Pequea, PA 5.6
Northern Lehigh MS Slatington, PA 5.6
Sharpsville Area MS Sharpsville, PA 5.4
Annville-Cleona MS Annville, PA 5.7
Apollo-Ridge MS Spring Church, PA 5.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about North Star East MS

What grades does North Star East MS serve?

North Star East MS serves students in grades 5th through 8th.

How many students attend North Star East MS?

North Star East MS has an enrollment of approximately 283 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at North Star East MS?

The student-teacher ratio at North Star East MS is 9.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does North Star East MS rank in PA?

North Star East MS ranks #1,870 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is North Star East MS's MySchoolScout rating?

North Star East MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 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 North Star East MS?

Based on loaded state assessment records, North Star East MS has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is North Star East MS a charter school?

No, North Star East MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is North Star East MS a Title I school?

No, North Star East MS is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for North Star East MS?

100.0% of students at North Star East 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
4 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
21 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
283
Student-Teacher Ratio
9.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
29
Free/Reduced Lunch
100.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Somerset County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
11.3%

District

North Star SD
District Enrollment
1,019
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,078
District Rank
#3 of 3

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