Very Good
#977 of 2,842 schools in PA
Top 34% in state
North Star East MS
Middle School · North Star SD
3598 Whistler Rd, Stoystown, PA 15563
Enrollment
283
Student-Teacher
9.8:1
Score
7.0
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
283
Student-Teacher
9.8:1
Score
7.0
Grades
5th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania middle schools
#169 of 514
In district
#2 of 3
North Star SD
School environment
7.4 / 10
Strong
About North Star East MS
North Star East MS is a middle school located in the rural setting of Stoystown, Pennsylvania. Serving students from fifth through eighth grade, the school has an enrollment of 283 students with a student-teacher ratio of 9.8:1, ensuring that each student receives individual attention and support. With 29 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to their education, North Star East MS provides a nurturing environment for its young learners.
The academic performance at North Star East MS currently ranks in the 45th percentile statewide, with a MySchoolScout Rating of 5.3 out of 10 and an Academic Score of 4.3 out of 10. In English Language Arts (ELA) and reading, 56% of students are proficient or above, while in math, the proficiency rate is 29%. The school is focusing on academic growth and development to help its students reach their full potential.
North Star East MS sits in a rural community where students enjoy a close-knit environment with strong connections between families and staff.
What Parents Should Know
With a student-teacher ratio of 9.8:1, North Star East MS offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Located in a rural area, North Star East MS may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
North Star East MS — Students at North Star East MS score 42% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
100%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)
Based on 14 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: 7.0/10.
How North Star East MS Compares
See how North Star East MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 30% (2019) to 30.6% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 65% (2019) to 54.3% (2024).
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. Windber Area MS (rated 5.6/10, 10.6 miles away, in nearby Windber), a more accessible option. Another option is Berlin Brothersvalley MS (rated 5.4/10, 12.6 miles away, in nearby Berlin), a more accessible option. Additionally, Shanksville-Stonycreek MS (rated 5.1/10, 6.4 miles away, in nearby Shanksville), a more accessible option. 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 | 5.8 |
| Shanksville-Stonycreek MS Shanksville | 6.4 mi | 5.1 |
| Shanksville-Stonycreek HS Shanksville | 6.4 mi | 7.2 |
| North Star HS Boswell | 6.3 mi | 5.4 |
| North Star Central El Sch Boswell | 6.4 mi | 9.3 |
| STONYBROOK SCHOOL Berlin | 7.8 mi | — |
| Cairnbrook El Sch Cairnbrook | 6.5 mi | 5.1 |
| Shade JSHS Cairnbrook | 6.5 mi | 6.7 |
| Conemaugh Twp Area MS/SHS Davidsville | 8.6 mi | 5.2 |
| Somerset County Technology Center Somerset | 8.5 mi | — |
| Conemaugh Twp Area El Sch Johnstown | 9.6 mi | 7.4 |
| JOHNSTOWN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Hollsopple | 10.1 mi | 7.6 |
| APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Somerset | 9.4 mi | — |
| Windber El Sch Windber | 10.2 mi | 6.0 |
| Windber Area HS Windber | 10.6 mi | 5.8 |
| Windber Area MS Windber | 10.6 mi | 5.6 |
| Somerset Area Jr-Sr HS Somerset | 10.6 mi | 5.7 |
| Berlin Brothersvalley MS Berlin | 12.6 mi | 5.4 |
| Berlin Brothersvalley El Sch Berlin | 12.6 mi | 5.0 |
| Berlin Brothersvalley SHS Berlin | 12.6 mi | 6.0 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding North Star East MS has a median household income of $59,851. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $119,400, with a median rent of $615/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.0%. The average commute for residents is 21 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 |
|---|---|
| Provident CS Pittsburgh, PA | 7.0 |
| Washington Junior High School Washington, PA | 7.0 |
| Kane Area MS Kane, PA | 7.1 |
| Northern Bedford County MS Loysburg, PA | 6.9 |
| Bloomsburg Area MS Bloomsburg, PA | 7.2 |
| Bristol MS Bristol, PA | 7.2 |
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 is ranked #977 out of 2,842 schools in PA.
What is North Star East MS's MySchoolScout rating?
North Star East MS has a composite rating of 7.0 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 North Star East MS?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, North Star East MS has 29.3% math proficiency and 55.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR. County-level only.
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
- Phone
- (814) 893-5616
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
North Star SD- District Enrollment
- 1,019
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,078
- District Rank
- #2 of 3
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
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.