Needs Improvement
#2838 of 2,846 schools in PA
Northwest MS
Middle School · Reading SD
1000 N Front St, Reading, PA 19601
Enrollment
827
Student-Teacher
15:1
Score
2.1
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
827
Student-Teacher
15:1
Score
2.1
Grades
5th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Pennsylvania schools
#2,838 of 2,846
In Reading
#29 of 31
public schools
In district
#17 of 19
Reading SD
Shortlisting around Northwest MS?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Northwest MS
Middle School in Reading · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
St Margaret School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Riverside EL Sch
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Northwest MS
Northwest MS is a public middle school in Reading, PA, part of Reading SD. Northwest MS serves approximately 827 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 15:1 student-teacher ratio. Northwest MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.1 out of 10 and ranks #2,838 of 2,846 schools in PA.
Structured state assessment records for Northwest MS show 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 31% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 2.1 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 3.2
- PA avg 5.4
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Northwest MS — Students at Northwest MS score 12% proficient, which is below 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 EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 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: 1.5/10.
How Northwest MS Compares
See how Northwest MS performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1000 N Front St, Reading, PA 19601
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Northwest MS may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. West Reading El Ctr (rated 6.6/10, 1.3 miles away, in nearby West Reading), which scores notably higher. Another option is Southwest MS (rated 5.4/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Central MS (rated 3.8/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Reading, see our Reading schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ST MARGARET SCHOOL Reading | 0.2 mi | 6.9 |
| Riverside El Sch Reading | 0.4 mi | 2.7 |
| Northwest El Sch Reading | 0.6 mi | 3.3 |
| Lauers Park El Sch Reading | 0.8 mi | 2.1 |
| Glenside El Sch Reading | 0.8 mi | 2.9 |
| Tenth & Green El Sch Reading | 1.1 mi | 4.1 |
| Southwest MS Reading | 1.4 mi | 5.4 |
| West Reading El Ctr West Reading | 1.3 mi | 6.6 |
| NEW STORY SCHOOL Wyomissing | 1.1 mi | 8.1 |
| Twelfth & Marion El Sch Reading | 1.1 mi | 3.8 |
| ST PETER SCHOOL Reading | 1.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Tyson-Schoener El Sch Reading | 1.5 mi | 3.2 |
| Tenth & Penn El Sch Reading | 1.4 mi | 3.1 |
| Northeast MS Reading | 1.2 mi | 2.7 |
| SACRED HEART GRADE SCHOOL West Reading | 1.4 mi | 7.8 |
| Reading SHS Reading | 1.3 mi | 4.1 |
| Thirteenth & Union El Sch Reading | 1.4 mi | 2.6 |
| Southern MS Reading | 1.6 mi | 2.0 |
| Thirteenth & Green El Sch Reading | 1.4 mi | 4.3 |
| Central MS Reading | 1.5 mi | 3.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 19601 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$41,133
Median Home Value
$110,700
Median Rent
$986/mo
Population
36,493
College Educated
11.5%
Homeownership
37.3%
Avg Commute
24.2 min
Poverty Rate
29.8%
Median Age
32
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Southern MS Reading, PA | 2.0 |
| Founders Hall Middle Sch Mckeesport, PA | 2.3 |
| Greater Johnstown MS Johnstown, PA | 2.3 |
| Susquehanna Twp MS Harrisburg, PA | 2.3 |
| Solomon/Plains MS Plains, PA | 2.4 |
| Muhlenberg Jr HS Reading, PA | 2.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northwest MS
What grades does Northwest MS serve?
Northwest MS serves students in grades 5th through 8th.
How many students attend Northwest MS?
Northwest MS has an enrollment of approximately 827 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Northwest MS?
The student-teacher ratio at Northwest MS is 15:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Northwest MS rank in PA?
Northwest MS ranks #2,838 of 2,846 schools in PA.
What is Northwest MS's MySchoolScout rating?
Northwest MS has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.1 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 Northwest MS?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Northwest MS has 24% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 31% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Northwest MS a charter school?
No, Northwest MS is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Northwest MS a Title I school?
No, Northwest MS is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northwest MS?
100.0% of students at Northwest 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 827
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 55
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 100.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Berks County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 30.0%
- Phone
- (610) 371-5772
Resources & Links
District
Reading SD- District Enrollment
- 16,657
- Schools in District
- 19
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,659
- District Rank
- #17 of 19
Other Schools in This District
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